Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery

Planning a visit to Victoria and pondering how to get the most out of your trip? If you’re into spirits, craft beers, or just love learning how things are made, this tour around Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery might just be a highlight. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what travelers say and what’s included, it looks like a well-balanced experience that blends education, tasting, and a peek behind the scenes.

Two things stand out right away: First, the knowledgeable guides in their kilts really seem to add a fun, authentic touch. Second, the value for money is quite notable — five tastings and a short but detailed tour for just $22 per person. That’s hard to beat for a taste of Victoria’s craft scene. A potential downside? The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, which could be a concern if you have mobility issues. Still, for anyone interested in spirits, local brews, or just a good behind-the-scenes look at a renowned distillery, this tour seems like a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for curious travelers, spirits enthusiasts, or those looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in Victoria. If you’re traveling with friends or even as a solo adventurer, this tour packs enough interest without taking up too much time — just enough to get a good sense of BC’s award-winning craft spirits.

Key Points

• Affordable and engaging: At $22, this tour offers a lot of value with five tastings and an informative guide.
• Expert guides in traditional kilts: Adds authenticity and a touch of Scottish flair.
• Award-winning spirits: Home to 3 “Worlds Best” and 8 “Canada’s Best” whiskies, plus local beers.
• Behind-the-scenes access: See the production floor and get up close with North America’s largest pot stills.
• Perfect duration: Just 45 minutes, making it a manageable stop in your sightseeing day.
• Not wheelchair accessible: Worth noting for travelers with mobility needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

When you step into Macaloney’s Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery, you’re greeted with the promise of a short, engaging, and educational tour that covers the entire production process. The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, often dressed in kilts, which adds a fun, Scottish touch that fits beautifully with the distillery’s heritage and practices. This isn’t just a quick walk-by; the guide goes around the working production floor, showing off some of North America’s largest pot stills and explaining the craft that earned their spirits international awards.

The tour is designed to be a touch it, taste it, see it experience — a phrase that really captures the hands-on, sensory nature of this outing. In just 45 minutes, you’ll get a clear idea of what makes BC’s spirits stand out, especially when you’re tasting the three award-winning whiskies and two beers included. The inclusion of tastings really helps you appreciate the craftsmanship, from raw grains to the finished product.

From reviews, we know that travelers like Emilie from Belgium, who called it a “great experience,” appreciating how much she learned and the quality of the products. The fact that you’re tasting award-winning spirits right on site makes the experience feel quite special — it’s not just a show, but an actual chance to enjoy premium spirits in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Exploring the Tour Itself

The Production Floor & Still Stage

One of the most captivating parts of the experience is standing beneath the “Forsthye” Copper Pot Stills shipped from Scotland. These stills are a hallmark of traditional Scottish distilling practices, and seeing them in action is a real highlight. You get a sense of the scale and craftsmanship involved, which adds a layer of appreciation for the spirits you’ll be sampling later.

The Tastings

Five tastings are included, comprising three beers and two whiskies. This allows you to taste a decent variety, and because the spirits have won multiple awards, you’re likely to find something memorable. The guide will probably share stories about each product, making the tasting more engaging than just sipping without context.

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The Guides & Atmosphere

The guides are described as educated and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyment. Their Scottish attire and engaging stories help make the experience feel more authentic and fun. They also provide a 10% discount on bottles if you choose to buy anything afterward, providing additional value.

The Cost & Value

At just $22, this tour seems to offer excellent value. With five tastings, expert insights, and the chance to purchase bottles at a discount, it’s easy to justify the price. Plus, being part of The Northwest Whiskey Trail adds a touch of prestige, and you get a stamp confirming your visit. The small group size and brief duration make it a flexible and accessible option for most visitors.

Practical Details

What’s Included & What’s Not

You’ll get a 45-minute guided tour around the production floor, five tastings, and a discount on bottles. However, food isn’t included, though you can purchase pizza and pretzels on-site if you’re hungry. The check-in process is straightforward — just head to the Visitor Centre bar.

Accessibility & Timing

The tour is generally available in the afternoon and evening, with flexible booking options that include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It’s advisable to arrive 5-10 minutes early. The tour is in English, and you’ll need to bring a passport or ID for check-in.

Limitations

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, you might want to explore other options. Also, pets are not allowed, although assistance dogs are permitted.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour is perfect for those who love spirits and brewing, are curious about how award-winning whisky and beer are made, or simply want a fun, brief activity in Victoria. It’s especially suited for adults who appreciate good craftsmanship and enjoy tasting their way through local products. If you’re traveling with friends, solo, or even as a small group, this will fit nicely into a relaxed afternoon.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable peek into BC’s thriving craft distillery scene. Its biggest strengths lie in expert guides, authentic production insights, and excellent tasting value. The fact that it’s relatively short and affordable makes it accessible and low-commitment, perfect for a quick addition to your Victoria itinerary.

While it’s not accessible for everyone and doesn’t include food, the experience more than makes up for these minor drawbacks with its authenticity and quality. If you enjoy spirits, craft beer, or just want to learn about local BC distilling practices, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and enjoy in a friendly setting — definitely worth considering if it fits your interests.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving you enough time to see the production floor and enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a guided walk around the entire production area, five tastings (three beers and two whiskies), and a 10% discount on bottles purchased afterward.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is geared towards adults interested in spirits and beer. It’s not suitable for children, but families might enjoy the tasting experience if they’re of legal drinking age.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve your spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but comfortable clothing and shoes are advisable, especially since you’ll be on a working production floor.

Can I buy bottles after the tour?
Absolutely. You’ll get a 10% discount on any bottles of whisky purchased during or after the tour.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The guide speaks English.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport for check-in purposes.

All in all, this tour offers a compelling look into Victoria’s craft spirits scene, combining the charm of Scottish tradition with local Pacific Northwest ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned spirit lover or simply curious about craft brewing, it’s a relaxed, informative experience that’s likely to leave a good impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: