Since opening last month, the buzz has only continued to build for Vancouver’s only handcrafted small batch distillery, and we think we know why. Having had a lifelong interest in sustainability, natural handmade products (and a trip or two to Portland’s Distillery Row for ‘sip’-spiration), Owner Charles Tremewen has made his mark in a city rampant with cocktail enthusiasts and purists alike.
With the in-house production of its own take on spirited classics, Long Table Distillery currently offers up both a London Dry Gin as well as a Texada Vodka (sourced directly from Texada Island in B.C. and filtered through limestone). Ingredients for both have been meticulously measured, tested and perfected (we would have loved to have been privy to that arduous task!). Natural botanical ingredients were handpicked by a team of local foragers, or from local producers and sustainable farmers to ensure a true West Coast taste was obtained.
But they likely won’t stop at just gin and vodka given their penchant and emphasis on small-batch production. As part of their Apothecary Series, there is buzz that specialty items such as brandy, whisky and even limoncello might be on the cocktailing horizon. Definitely something Notable readers might want to make a point of revisiting.
The space itself is stunning with, you guessed it, a massive, communal long table commanding 14 feet of space within their tasting room area. This piece of gorgeous Sequoia Redwood is actually the inspiration behind the naming of Tremewen’s Distillery, after having (alongside friends) cut the table from a reclaimed tree. For both Charles and wife Rita, the distillery is meant to ultimately be a place for people to gather, laugh and be social – and Long Table seemed to fit their picture just right.
Currently, Long Table Distillery is open for public tastings each Friday and Saturday from 10am until 6pm (drop-in), or by prior arrangement throughout the rest of the week, and would make the perfect spot to host special events, gatherings and more.
When you go, be sure to grab a few bottles to go and add to your collection; they sell directly from their on-site store and will soon distribute from government stores.
Conduct your own taste test. Find Long Table Distillery at 1451 Hornby Street and check them out online here.