If you’re looking for bigger fans of this beautiful province we call British Columbia, look no further than Central City Brewers and Distillers. You may know them as the brewery behind one of BC’s first craft beers: Red Racer, or as the brewery who releases highly sought after, award winning specialty brews like the Hobbit trilogy series of beers, and Thor’s Hammer (the latter is still available). But we’re willing to bet you may not know them as a distillery that’s producing award winning spirits.
Central City unveiled their brand new small batch Queensborough Gin in June, and boy did it make a grand entrance! As the gold medal winner at the 2016 Spirits International Prestige Awards, Central City is making a name for themselves in the world of premium spirit distillers. So of all the gin joints, what sets this one apart from the rest?
Central City are big fans of using European distilling methods. Inspired by a London dry recipe, Queensborough Gin combines a respect for tradition with homegrown ingredients and a West Coast flair. Made with Rocky Mountain juniper berries and Vancouver Island spruce tips, expect citrus notes, pine aromas and a sweet musky and slightly earthy flavour. Named after the community in neighbouring New Westminster, this spirit celebrates the fruits of British Columbia’s lush landscape (quite literally) and the tradition of early 17th century distilling practices.
So what’s next for Central City’s distilling masterminds, you might ask? With a Seraph Vodka made of 100% BC malted barley already in it’s anthology, two things are certain: it will showcase the best local ingredients British Columbia has to offer, and we can’t wait to try it!