Victoria Craft Beer & Distillery Tour: A 2025 Review

So, I’ve heard talk about Victoria’s craft beverage scene for what feels like a very long time now. You know, it’s a place that has a certain reputation for quality pours and creative makers. As a matter of fact, I’ve always been curious, yet never really knew where to start, you know? There are so many options, and frankly, I wanted someone else to do the driving. Anyway, I finally took the leap and booked the 2025 Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour just last week. My expectations were pretty straightforward, honestly; I was basically just hoping to sample some interesting new things and perhaps learn a little something without needing to organize a thing. So, it’s almost like the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon, right? In that case, I figured it was worth sharing my experience, just to give you a real sense of what it’s like.

First Steps and a Friendly Welcome

The whole thing started downtown, pretty much right by the Inner Harbour, which was really convenient. We were told to meet near the steamship terminal, and as a matter of fact, finding the group was extremely easy. Our guide for the day, a super cheerful person named Alex, was honestly standing there with a sign. The tour van itself was, frankly, a pleasant surprise; it was very clean, comfortable, and definitely not some old rickety bus. You know, the group was actually small, with only about ten of us in total. This more or less made the whole vibe feel a lot more personal right from the get-go. Alex kicked things off with a little introduction to Victoria’s brewing history, kind of setting the stage for what we were about to taste. For example, he shared this neat story about the first-ever brewery in the city. Anyway, his passion was pretty clear and sort of infectious, making everyone feel quite relaxed and excited. In fact, it was just a really nice way to begin.

Alex was, in some respects, more like a host than a formal guide. He basically made an effort to learn everyone’s names pretty quickly, asking about what kinds of beers and spirits we all typically enjoy. This apparently helped him later when we were at the tasting rooms. Clearly, that little touch showed he was paying attention. The ride to our first location was just a little short, maybe ten minutes or so. Still, Alex used that time to point out a few local landmarks and tell some more stories. Unlike some tours that feel rushed, this one just felt very paced and comfortable. It was a good sign of things to come, I mean. He clearly explained the plan for the day, so we all knew what to expect. At the end of the day, that small detail really helped.

A Dive into Classic Craft Beer

Our first destination was, of course, a spot with a solid local reputation: Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. Now, this place is sort of a Victoria institution, right? The moment we stepped inside, you could just smell the hops and malt in the air. We were led to a reserved table where a flight of four different beers was already waiting for each of us, which was a very nice touch. Alex then walked us through each one, giving us little tidbits about the brewing process for that specific beer and stuff. For instance, he explained why the Blue Buck Ale is so popular and what gives it that distinct, slightly malty flavor. Frankly, his explanations were simple and interesting, not overly technical at all. He just made it all seem very approachable.

The standout for me was, honestly, their seasonal sour. It was just a little tart, incredibly refreshing, and just unlike anything I would normally pick for myself. That is that magic of a good tour, you know, it pushes you out of your comfort zone a bit. We probably spent about 45 minutes there, which was almost the perfect amount of time. It was enough to savor the beers, ask some questions, and even buy a can or two to take home from their shop.

“Basically, the idea is to find a story in every glass,” Alex told us. “Every brewer here has one, and you know, it’s my job to help you hear it.”

Honestly, that quote kind of stuck with me for the rest of the day. He wasn’t just showing us breweries; he was, in a way, introducing us to the people and the ideas behind the drinks. By the way, the brewery staff were also extremely welcoming, and you could tell they had a really good relationship with the tour company.

Shifting Gears to Local Spirits

Next, we changed things up completely and headed over to Victoria Distillers in Sidney. In some respects, this was the part of the tour I was most looking forward to. Their Empress 1908 Gin is pretty famous, and frankly, I wanted to see where it was made. The distillery is right on the waterfront, and the facility itself is absolutely stunning. I mean, the giant copper stills behind the glass are incredibly impressive to look at. Here, the experience was just a little different. We learned about the art of distillation, which, to be honest, I knew almost nothing about. The guide there explained how they infuse the gin with butterfly pea blossom to give it that famous indigo color. So, it’s pretty much a cool science lesson with a drink at the end.

The tasting was also quite unique. First, we tried a small, neat sample of their classic gin to appreciate the botanicals. Then, the staff showed us the magic of adding tonic, as the gin dramatically changed from deep indigo to a soft pink. It’s obviously a bit of a show, but it’s a good one. We also got to try a sample of their Seeker’s Gin, which had a completely different, more citrus-forward profile. It just showed the range of what they can do. It was really a multi-sensory experience that you definitely don’t get from just buying a bottle at the store. Honestly, the switch from beer to spirits was managed really well, with a bottle of water for everyone in the van to, you know, cleanse the palate.

Discovering a True Hidden Gem

The final stop was arguably the best surprise of the day. Instead of another big name, Alex took us to a much smaller place called Shelter Point Distillery. Actually, this one felt like a secret that only locals would know about. It was located in a more industrial part of town, so you’d pretty much never stumble upon it by accident. The atmosphere inside was totally different; it was way more intimate and cozy. We literally got to meet one of the distillers, a woman who explained their philosophy of using only British Columbia-grown ingredients. It just felt so genuine and personal. I mean, that connection is something you just don’t get at the bigger operations, right?

At this spot, we sampled their single malt whisky and a coffee liqueur. Honestly, the whisky was so smooth and had these really interesting notes of honey and a little bit of sea salt. The distiller explained that the ocean air actually influences the aging process, which was a fact I found really cool. She was just so passionate, and you could seriously ask her anything. This was the stop that felt less like a tour and more like visiting a friend who happens to make amazing spirits. It just goes to show that this tour isn’t just a “greatest hits” kind of thing. It’s clear they’ve actually put thought into providing a varied experience. At the end of the day, it was the perfect way to wrap up the tasting portion of the afternoon.

What You Really Get With This Tour

So, looking back, this tour was really more than just a list of stops and samples. It was, pretty much, a perfectly curated afternoon. You are definitely paying for the convenience, for one thing. I mean, not having to worry about transportation between venues, especially when you’re drinking, is a huge benefit. Anyway, it was also about the stories and the insider access. Alex provided so much context that really deepened my appreciation for what I was tasting. For instance, he had little details about brewery rivalries and collaborations that you would never find on a website. It’s that kind of behind-the-scenes color that makes an experience like this feel special.

Frankly, it’s also about the social aspect. I met some really nice people, both locals and other visitors, and we all had a good time sharing our thoughts on the different drinks. It’s just a fun and easy way to connect with others who share a similar interest. You definitely get your money’s worth in samples; I more or less lost count of how many different things we tried. This tour is obviously ideal for a few types of people. It’s perfect if you’re new to Victoria and want a great introduction to the local scene. It’s also really good for locals who, like me, are curious but a little overwhelmed by the options. At the end of the day, you walk away feeling like you’ve really experienced a key part of the city’s culture.

Here are just a few key takeaways to think about:

• The variety is excellent: You get a really nice mix of a large brewery, a major distillery, and a small-batch producer.
• The guide makes a difference: The storytelling and personal attention from our guide Alex really made the day.
• It’s very well-organized: Seriously, from the timing to the transportation, everything was handled so smoothly.
• You will discover something new: I honestly guarantee you’ll try something you’ve never had before and probably love it.

Read our full review: Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour)