A new organic distillery opens on Bowen Island
Located in the middle of tiny downtown Bowen Island, a new distillery has popped up. The Copper Spirit Distillery project has been in the works for almost five years and this summer marked their grand opening. Miguel and Candice Kabantsov are the owners and creators of these new organic spirits featuring a vodka and a rye spirit with a gin in the works. There is also a whisky maturing too and will be released in future.
The tasting room and lounge is beautiful, as are the copper flecked labels on the bottles. There is a rich emerald green curtain hanging behind the tasting bar that really makes the fabulous copper bar stools pop creating a super chic ambiance. All of the products are environmentally clean and organic and local when possible. Miguel shares during the tasting that the grains for the vodka come from an organic farm in Armstrong.
The copper still comes from Germany and is housed in the building behind the tasting room. Miguel is the distiller and picked up a lot of tips and recipe ideas from his Russian father. Candice is the ‘mixologist’ creating delicious concoctions infusing the spirits with fresh ingredients and her line of cocktail tonics and mixers like Hop On featuring flavours of apricot, cardamom, elderflower and hops or the Orangasm with orange, pink pepper, grapefruit and jasmine. I want them all!
The manifesto on their website reads: “From the pure West Coast water and organic B.C. grain to the German copper stills that refine each batch, every step in our process is a conscious decision to create a meaningful experience.”
The couple plans to expand the operation to offer some food in the lounge for locals and visitors to relax in. It is a new vibe for the island, urban and cool – and everyone loves it. Candice says, "Opening has been overwhelmingly positive, the support has been fantastic from the community, customers and industry. We are excited to connect and collaborate with other passionate food and beverage professionals on creating new experiences."
Vancouverites can hop the ferry for a quick ride over and enjoy the spoils of this delicious little island that has now liquefied its own spirit.
Cheers!
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