Gin Lane Distilling: Craft Spirits in Kamloops

Gin Lane Distilling is reshaping Kamloops' craft scene by focusing entirely on gin production. Operating from within Red Collar Brewing, it offers an experience where beer and gin coexist under one roof. Its approach blends creativity and traditional craftsmanship, giving both locals and visitors a reason to explore new tastes.

The Beginnings of Gin Lane Distilling

Established in 2019, the founders, who also run Red Collar Brewing, saw an opportunity to add a distillery to their operation. This decision allowed them to cater to a growing interest in craft spirits.

Gin Lane focuses solely on gin. Its philosophy is simple: make high-quality spirits with local and international ingredients. The distillery’s name is inspired by the history of gin culture, but its products are made to appeal to contemporary tastes. The founders emphasize innovation, developing products that experiment with both flavour and botanical combinations.

Starting out required careful planning. Distilling is a capital-intensive business, with significant costs for equipment, licensing, and compliance. The founders drew on their experience in brewing to navigate these challenges. This background gave them a solid foundation to develop products that could stand out in a competitive market.

Signature Gins

Gin Lane Distilling produces several core gins, each with distinct profiles. The Aquarius New Age Gin incorporates grapefruit, chamomile, and lavender. It aims to create a botanical balance that appeals to those who prefer light, citrus-forward drinks. The distillers spent months refining this recipe, testing different citrus-to-herb ratios until they achieved a harmonious profile.

The Polaris Navy Gin is designed for gin drinkers who prefer bold flavours. It has a higher alcohol content, which enhances its botanicals. The distillers use a blend that’s reminiscent of traditional navy-strength gins, popular with sailors due to its potency. This gin is often recommended for robust cocktails that require a strong base.

A third offering, the Borealis Haskap Gin, showcases local haskap berries. This gin emphasizes the use of regional produce, contributing both to its distinct taste and the distillery’s connection to the local community. Haskap berries, known for their tart and complex flavour, provide a unique element that sets this product apart.

Visiting Gin Lane Distilling

The tasting room is shared with Red Collar Brewing, creating a space where beer and gin enthusiasts can gather. The interior prioritizes comfort with a focus on making craft beverages approachable. The design incorporates wood and metal accents, creating a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to a wide audience.

The operating hours accommodate a wide range of visitors, from afternoon drop-ins to late-night gatherings on weekends. Regulars appreciate the ability to try both the brewery’s beers and the distillery’s gins in one visit. This dual experience has made Gin Lane a popular stop for both tourists and residents.

Customers can order from a rotating menu of gin-based cocktails. The cocktail program changes seasonally to highlight new ingredients and experimental infusions. Bartenders are trained to explain the story behind each cocktail, enhancing the overall experience.

The venue also hosts events. Regular tastings and anniversary celebrations have drawn crowds interested in both education and entertainment. These events give visitors a reason to return and explore different offerings throughout the year. Collaborations with local chefs and musicians further enhance the sense of community.

Supporting Kamloops’ Craft Scene

Gin Lane Distilling has contributed to Kamloops' growing reputation as a destination for craft beverages. The distillery creates jobs and supports local suppliers by sourcing ingredients from within the region whenever possible. Its partnership with Red Collar Brewing provides a complementary experience, attracting people interested in diverse craft options.

Educational initiatives are a priority for the distillery. Tours and tasting sessions provide insights into the gin-making process. Staff members explain how ingredients are selected, distilled, and blended to create the final product. These sessions often include discussions about the differences between mass-produced and craft spirits. Visitors frequently comment on the transparency and passion displayed during these tours.

Gin Lane also adopts sustainability practices. Efforts to reduce waste and responsibly source materials align with industry trends. The distillery’s environmental focus helps it maintain credibility with consumers who value sustainable production. Initiatives include reusing botanical waste as compost and minimizing water usage during production.

Challenges in Craft Distilling

Operating a distillery comes with regulatory challenges. Provincial and federal laws govern alcohol production, distribution, and sales. Navigating these regulations requires significant resources and careful planning. The complexity of tax and compliance rules often demands ongoing legal and administrative support.

Competition in British Columbia’s craft industry is another challenge. Distilleries must continuously innovate to stand out. For Gin Lane, this has meant focusing on creative flavours and limited releases. Seasonal gins and small-batch experiments are key strategies. The distillery’s location within a brewery also helps by attracting a built-in audience of craft beverage enthusiasts.

Consumer education plays an important role. Many visitors may not be familiar with gin beyond mainstream brands. Gin Lane’s staff works to change perceptions by introducing people to the variety and complexity possible in craft spirits. Tastings often include comparisons between classic and experimental styles, helping customers understand the nuances of gin production.

Looking Ahead

Gin Lane Distilling shows no signs of slowing down. New product lines and events are in development, and there are plans to deepen community engagement. The distillery aims to expand its presence in both local and regional markets, helping to cement Kamloops as a hub for craft beverages. Collaborations with other local businesses are a key part of these plans.

Visitors can experience the creativity of Gin Lane Distilling by sampling its gins and cocktails. Its focus on quality, education, and sustainability makes it a key part of Kamloops' evolving craft landscape. Enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike continue to support its efforts, ensuring that Gin Lane remains an important part of the city’s growing craft beverage movement.