April 26th, 2025-Best Coast Distillers and Winemaker’s Cut
hello
New releases, new labels, new sponsors.
Best Coast Distillers: Crafting Vancouver Island Spirits from Farm to Glass
New releases, new labels, and a growing presence in the BC craft spirits scene—Best Coast Distillers are quickly becoming one of the most innovative producers on the West Coast of Canada.
A North Saanich Distillery Built from the Ground Up
Located in North Saanich, Best Coast Distillers have spent the past several years building something truly unique. From planting and harvesting their own ingredients to designing and constructing their distillery, every step of the process reflects a deep commitment to local, small-batch production.
This isn’t just craft distilling—it’s full farm-to-glass spirits made on Vancouver Island.
On this episode of Tasting Room Radio, host Terry David Mulligan sits down with co-owners Corey Wood and Cory Hastings for a lively conversation about their journey, their philosophy, and what sets their spirits apart.
Best Coast Distillers is a standout Vancouver Island craft distillery located in North Saanich, producing innovative farm-to-glass spirits…
Pioneering Canadian Craft Distilling
Agricole Rum by Best Coast Distillers
Best Coast Distillers are pushing boundaries in Canadian spirits:
- They are the first distillery in Canada to grow, harvest, juice, and distill sorghum cane
- They’ve produced Canada’s first true agricole-style rum, aged in French oak (limited to just 170 bottles)
- They are cultivating agave on Vancouver Island, working toward a Canadian-made agave spirit (tequila-style)
Their distillery is built on a fifth-generation family farm, with grains sourced from local BC farmers—making them a standout in the growing Vancouver Island craft distillery scene.
Signature Spirits from Best Coast Distillers
Among their early releases is WildFire Whisky, a cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla–infused spirit that’s equally at home neat or in cocktails across Vancouver Island bars and restaurants. In a meaningful community connection, a portion of proceeds supports the Victoria Firefighters Foundation.
They’ve also introduced:
- Best Coast Island Vibe Lemon Iced Tea
- Best Coast Cold Brew Coffee Whisky
These innovative releases reflect the laid-back, flavour-forward style that defines the Best Coast lifestyle.
Visit the Distillery
If you’re traveling through the Sidney area—just minutes from the Victoria International Airport and the BC Ferries terminal—Best Coast Distillers is well worth a stop. Their tasting area offers a chance to meet the team and experience these handcrafted spirits firsthand.
Support Local, Taste the Best Coast
Best Coast Distillers continues to grow as a key player in BC craft spirits, blending innovation, agriculture, and community into every bottle.
Explore their latest releases and order online:
www.bestcoastdistillers.com
THE SHOW
Best Coast has already released WildFire Whisky, a Cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla-infused whisky. This is great for sipping or mixed in various cocktails found in bars and restaurants around the island. Partial proceeds of sales are being donated to the Victoria Firefighters Foundation. The whisky is currently in stores in BC and will soon be available in Alberta.
Also released- Best Coast Island Vibe Lemon Iced Tea and Best Coast Cold Brew Coffee Whisky.
We thank you for your sponsorship.
Check out their online store to order their innovative products!
Michal Mosny – Co-founder and Winemaker at Winemaker’s Cut and The Opera ( District Wine Village Oliver)
Michal was a winemaker in Slovakia who saw Jason Priestley and I hosting Hollywood and Vines TV in the Okanagan.
He and his wife Martina liked what they saw so much, they moved to Oliver in the south Okanagan and started Winemakers Cut. It was Michal who suggested that, to honour their new life in Canada, we three create a wine to celebrate.
Thus Q&A was created. A Bordeaux red and a Northern Rhone White.
In the meantime, Michal and Martina continued building Winemaker’s Cut and eventually became a sponsor of Tasting Room Radio.
This interview was very interesting, in that Michal was releasing his Crafted in BC Whites for 2024.
When permission was given to let BC wineries access out-of-province fruit, Michal headed for Yakima, Washington and led the growing and harvesting teams. Once the grapes were harvested, the fruit & juice immediately headed north by truck and arrived at the crush pad after an overnight trip.
On his label, which has black and white shots of a cat, raccoon, eagle, polar bear, etc, Michal says to the growers in the USA , “Thanks for the Support.”
(Yakima Valley)
These are just some of the wines Michal created.
All 6 are grown in Washington Fruit – Crafted in BC. $26.00 each.
2024 Chardonnay (can be aged for 5 years)
2024 Gruner Veltliner (beauty)
2024 Muscat (loved this)
2024 Rose (cab and cab franc) Fantastic
2024 Sauvignon Blanc (bold)
2024 Sparkling. 100% Gruner – Charmat Style
Michal and I also talk about Boho, Bohemian Reserve, Q&A, 20222/2023 white wines, his sparkling wines
Fidelia, Piccolina and Angelica and more.
We finish with his just opened latest project. A tasting room right next door, called The Opera Room.
With an assortment of newly created no/lo alcohol wines, ciders and coolers.
Piquette Blanc, Rose, 4.5 Blanc. Piquette Apple Etc. Plus amazing ciders you really want to taste.
It’s wild and fun
To Michal and Martina. Thanks for The Support.
#qawine
@qawine
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON
Crafted in BC Wines!
- Noble Ridge
- Clos Du Soleil
- Bartier Brothers,
- Le Vieux Pin
- Niche Wines
- Orofino
