On Vancouver’s picturesque North Shore lies Sons of Vancouver Distillery (SOV), a dynamic craft distillery that has been steadily growing its reputation since its establishment in 2015. Known for pushing boundaries, SOV blends meticulous craftsmanship with innovation to create exceptional spirits, including their now-iconic amaretto and award-winning whisky. In this article, we explore the origins and history of the distillery, highlight their diverse spirits, introduce the talented team behind the scenes, and look forward to their renowned Halloween event, The Dark Manor Inn.
Origins and History: A Dream Realized
Sons of Vancouver was born out of founder James Lester’s dream to create something meaningful in the growing community of independent craft distillers. Established in 2015, the distillery began with a strong focus on producing high-quality, small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. One of their earliest claims to fame was the wildly popular No. 82 Amaretto, a product that quickly gained a devoted following.
Over the years, SOV has expanded its repertoire to include a diverse range of spirits, including award-winning whiskies. Their efforts culminated in 2023 when their limited-edition Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze won Canadian Whisky of the Year, an unprecedented accomplishment for an artisan distillery. This marked a significant milestone in both the distillery’s journey and the craft distilling industry in British Columbia.
Spirits: A Portfolio of Craftsmanship and Creativity
At Sons of Vancouver, the spirit portfolio reflects a dedication to quality and innovation. Each spirit is crafted using BC-farmed wheat, locally sourced ingredients, and small-batch production methods. Below is a comprehensive list of their spirits and liqueurs, presented in alphabetical order:
- Chili Vodka: A bold and fiery spirit, Chili Vodka packs a punch with its natural chili infusion. This spicy vodka is perfect for those looking to heat things up in their cocktails.
- Craft Blue Curacao: This bright blue liqueur is bursting with citrus flavors, making it an essential component for tropical cocktails. Its vibrant color and zesty taste add both flair and flavor to drinks.
- Junicopia Gin: A botanical masterpiece, Junicopia Gin showcases a complex blend of juniper, citrus, and herbs. With its rich and layered flavor profile, this gin is ideal for both classic gin cocktails and innovative new recipes.
- Marshmallows Over a Campfire: This limited-release whisky evokes the cozy feeling of roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire. With notes of charred marshmallow and a hint of sweet smoke, it’s a must-try for whisky lovers looking for something a little different.
- No. 82 Amaretto: The spirit that started it all, No. 82 Amaretto is a smooth, nutty liqueur with flavors of roasted almonds, vanilla, and apricot. It’s a versatile spirit that can be sipped neat or used as the base for a variety of cocktails.
- Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze: The award-winning Canadian Whisky of the Year in 2023, this limited-release rye whisky combines tropical notes of banana, pineapple, and Demerara sugar with rye spice and vanilla. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in ex-rum casks, this whisky became an instant sell-out.
- Quadruple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur with a richer, deeper flavor than traditional triple sec. Quadruple Sec brings bold citrus notes to any cocktail, enhancing both its flavor and aroma.
- Realms of Rye – Release No. 01 ‘Citrus & Botanicals’: This limited-release rye whisky blends the bright, zesty notes of citrus with the subtle earthiness of botanicals. Realms of Rye offers a complex and refined whisky experience for those who appreciate layers of flavor.
- Vodka Vodka Vodka: The clean, crisp finish of Vodka Vodka Vodka makes it perfect for any cocktail or simply to sip neat. This triple-distilled vodka is known for its purity and smoothness.
With each spirit, Sons of Vancouver showcases their commitment to innovation and quality, all while staying true to their local roots. Whether you’re a fan of whisky, gin, vodka, or liqueurs, their offerings appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The Team: The Craft Behind the Craft
Behind every great distillery is a passionate and skilled team, and Sons of Vancouver is no exception. Their success is a direct result of the creativity, expertise, and dedication of the people behind the scenes:
- James Lester, Founder, General Manager, Blender: As the visionary behind SOV, James is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, blending spirits, and steering the distillery’s creative direction. With previous experience making bourbon in Seattle, James is deeply knowledgeable about whisky production.
- Jenna Diubaldo, Partner, Blender, Whisky Program Manager: Jenna, a graduate of the SOV Distillery School and Seibel Institute, manages the distillery’s whisky program. Her passion for redefining Canadian rye whisky has been instrumental in earning SOV its national acclaim.
- Max Smith, Partner, Blender, Distiller: Max brings over a decade of distilling experience to the team. His expertise in mashing and distilling ensures the consistency and quality of SOV’s products, and he’s a key figure in their whisky production.
- Emmet Groves, Partner, Bar Manager: With years of experience in Vancouver’s cocktail scene, Emmet manages the distillery’s tasting room and creates some of the best cocktails in town. His creativity and love for mixology add a unique flair to SOV’s tasting experiences.
What Makes Sons of Vancouver Unique
What sets Sons of Vancouver apart from other distilleries is their commitment to small-batch production and local sourcing. By keeping production runs limited, they are able to maintain full control over the quality of their spirits. Additionally, their willingness to push boundaries, as seen in their experimental whiskies like Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze, has garnered them a loyal following.
Their involvement in the local community and dedication to using BC-sourced ingredients reflect their values of sustainability and craftsmanship. This local-first approach, paired with their creativity, has allowed them to flourish in the highly competitive world of craft distilling.
Awards and Recognition
Sons of Vancouver has quickly gained a reputation for producing award-winning spirits. In 2023, their whisky Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze won Canadian Whisky of the Year, making them the first craft distillery to ever achieve this honor. This whisky also earned titles like All-Rye Whisky of the Year and Barrel-Finished Whisky of the Year. Additionally, their whisky Marshmallows Over a Campfire took home a silver medal, further cementing their place as a distillery to watch in the Canadian whisky scene.
The Dark Manor Inn: A Halloween Tradition
Each October, Sons of Vancouver transforms its tasting room into The Dark Manor Inn, a Halloween-themed pop-up cocktail bar. Paying homage to Vancouver’s now-closed Dark Manor Inn, this annual event has become a beloved tradition on the North Shore. Running from October 2 to November 3, the tasting room is decked out in spooky decor, from skeletons to eerie photographs and a 9-foot-long coffin table.
This year, bar manager Amanda MacMullin—known for her work at Arcana Spirits Lounge—has curated an all-new haunted cocktail menu. Signature drinks include:
- The Undertaker: A tiki drink with an ominous twist, featuring an upturned bottle of Underberg.
- Queen of the Damned: A soul-stealing stirred cocktail.
- Pumpkin Pie Sour: Made with pumpkin-infused No. 82 Amaretto, this seasonal cocktail tastes like a liquid slice of pumpkin pie.
Also returning this year are the fan-favorite Blood Bag cocktails, served tableside in I.V. bags. New to the menu is Monster Blood, a ghoulish blend of SOV Melon Liqueur, mezcal, and “night terrors.”
Extended hours this year give more visitors the chance to enjoy the eerie ambiance and spine-tingling drinks.
Closing Thoughts
Sons of Vancouver Distillery continues to captivate spirit enthusiasts with its innovative approach to traditional distilling. From award-winning whiskies like Palm Trees and a Tropical Breeze to fan favorites like No. 82 Amaretto, they have built a diverse portfolio that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re visiting for a tasting, shopping for limited-edition spirits, or attending their annual Dark Manor Inn pop-up, SOV offers an experience like no other.
For more info on their spirits, upcoming releases, or to visit their haunted tasting room, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Contact Information
Address: 1431 Crown Street, North Van
Email: james@sonsofvancouver.ca
Phone: 778-340-5388
Website: sonsofvancouver.ca
Instagram: @sonsofvancouver
