Home BC Craft Spirits and Distilleries Vancouver’s BC Distilled Festival

Vancouver’s BC Distilled Festival

BC Distilled

A celebration of spirits and craft distilleries, Vancouver’s BC Distilled features events that centre around enjoying local spirits and having a good time.

In 2024 the event celebrates its ninth year and happens on Saturday, April 13th.

BC Distilled is one of a number of alcohol-related events in the Lower Mainland. One of the most prestigious is the Vancouver International Wine Festival which also takes place in the spring. Other events include Whisky Global and the Hopscotch Festival, which are also good, but smaller. There are lots of craft beer festivals in the Lower Mainland too.

To learn about the BC Distilled event, continue reading.

 


This article contains information about the following BC Distilled events:

Whisky Tasting | Trade and Media Tasting | The Main Event | Other Information


 

BC Distilled in Vancouver

BC Distilled is the biggest local distillery spirits festival in the country. It started in 2014 and the 2024 event features over 30 BC distilleries.

This year’s main event runs on April 13th, but there are also large tasting sessions and other events in the days leading up to then. The first of the earlier events is a whisky tasting on April 10th and 11th. There is also a special tasting event on April 13th for members of the Vancouver bar, restaurant and media industries.

As of late February in 2024, ticket prices range from around $60 to $85 per person, depending on which events you attend. While they are all part of the same festival there isn’t any sort of general pass where you can purchase access to all events at once for a reduced price. It’s all one festival, but made up of individual events.

 

Okanagan Spirits at BC Distilled
Okanagan Spirits

 

The Festival’s Events

In 2024 the festival takes place between April 10th and 13th. Below are details about each of the events at this year’s BC Distilled Festival.

 

Whisky Tasting

There are two whisky tasting sessions happening before this year’s headliner event. They take place from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, April 10th and Thursday, April 11th. Both sessions are held at Legacy Liquor, located at 1633 Manitoba Street in Vancouver.

The two sessions are led by author and founder of the Canadian Whisky Awards, Davin de Kergommeaux. Attendees receive several samples from local distilleries, as well as a signed book. Some of the featured whiskies are usually unavailable to the public, while some are scheduled to be released during or after the festival (or at least that was the case in previous years). Tickets start at about $60 each.

 

Having Fun at BC Distilled

 

Trade and Media Tasting

There is another tasting session from 1:30 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 13th, in 2024. However, it’s mainly for people who work in the region’s restaurant, bar, media and hospitality industries. If you fit into any of those categories, admission is free or by donation. A very limited number of tickets are available to the general public as well, for about $85 each.

The event happens at the Italian Cultural Centre, on the same day as the main event of the festival. The building is located at 3075 Slocan Street in Vancouver.

 

The Main Festival Event

The main event of BC Distilled is a large tasting session on Saturday, April 13th in 2024. It takes place at the Italian Cultural Centre at 3075 Slocan Street in Vancouver. The event begins at 6:00 pm and continues until 9:00 pm. Tickets start at around $65.

There are over thirty different distilleries taking part in the festival so there are plenty of spirits to try. There is just one blanket admission price so once you’re in then you can partake in as much beverage sampling as you’d like!

On top of the drinks, there is also usually a 50/50 draw and a silent auction to take part in. These activities are done in partnership with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. Representatives from the non-profit organization are at the event most years along with puppies that participants can interact with.

 

Deep Cove Distillery at BC Distilled
Deep Cove Distillery Vodka

 

Other Information

For more information, visit the BC Distilled Festival website.

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