By Vernon Matters Staff

Some good news to lift our ‘spirits’

Mar 20, 2020 | 10:29 AM

Finally some good business news amidst all the turmoil around COVID-19.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery has triumphed at the 2020 World Spirits Awards in Austria.

In a renowned field of the world’s best craft distilleries representing more than 30 countries, the family-based business was honoured with 14 medals including nine gold, four silver and one bronze and is also awarded with the coveted WSA “World Class Distillery” designation.

“To have the honour of representing Canada and to come away with so many medals is a dream come true,” said Okanagan Spirits President Tony Dyck. “Our entire team is so honoured to be in the company of some of the best distillers from around the world—honestly the magnitude of how this places Craft Canadian Spirits on the World map is only now starting to sink in.”

Okanagan Spirits received an extremely rare Double-Gold medal for their 100 per cent local B.C. Craft Whiskies, Gins, Vodka, Fruit Liqueurs, Genuine Absinthe and Aquavit.

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“We are still trying to process the fantastic news” Okanagan Spirits CEO Tyler Dyck said. “To come to the epicenter of world spirits distillation and to walk away with so many of the top awards, especially across so many categories of spirits, is a real testament to our distilling team, and a real recognition of the world class level of farm-to-flask distilling in B.C.”

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, with a portfolio over 30 different types of alcohol made from 100 per cent B.C. grain and fruit, is Western Canada’s pioneer of craft distilling with distilling operations dating back to 2004.

Tyler Dyck is also the President of the Craft Distiller’s Guild of B.C., an organization dedicated to ensuring purity of profile in local B.C. spirits production.

List of Awards for Okanagan Spirits 2020 World Spirits Awards Awarded Designation:

World Spirits Awards World-Class Distillery 2020 Double-Gold Medal: Laird of Fintry Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (Whisky Worldwide/Single-Malt Cask Strength Whisky)

Gold Medals (Category/Style): Laird of Fintry Single-Malt Whisky (Whisky Worldwide/Single-Malt Whisky) BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky (Whisky Worldwide/Corn Whisky) BC Rye Whisky (Whisky Worldwide/Rye Whisky) Laird of Fintry Rhum Cask Finish Single-Malt Whisky (Whisky Worldwide/Canadian Whisky) Taboo Genuine Absinthe (Absinthe/Classic Distilled) Haskap Liqueur (Liqueur/Non-Flavoured) Cherry Liqueur (Liqueur/Non-Flavoured) Blueberry Liqueur (Liqueur/Non-Flavoured)

Silver Medals (Category/Style): Family Reserve Gin (Gin/London Dry Style) Evolve Gin (Gin/New Western Style) Aquavit (Aquavit/Herbal-Exotic) Blackcurrant Liqueur (Liqueur/Non-Flavoured)

Bronze Medal (Category/Style): Family Reserve Vodka (Vodka/Western Style)

by Vernon Matters Staff

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