Victoria, British Columbia is renowned for its rich heritage and thriving craft beverage scene. Nestled in this vibrant city, the award-winning Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a blend of Scottish traditions and local Pacific Northwest flavors. This 45-minute tour, led by knowledgeable kilt-clad staff, promises an unforgettable experience for spirit enthusiasts, guiding them through the production floor and iconic Forsythye Copper Pot Stills. With five tastings, including three beers and two whiskies, guests can savor the accolades that have earned this distillery global recognition. But the real question is, what secrets lie within these renowned walls?

Key Points

  • Immersive 45-minute tour of Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery, featuring 5 tastings of award-winning whiskies and beers.
  • Guided by knowledgeable, kilt-clad staff showcasing the blend of Scottish practices and local Pacific Northwest ingredients.
  • Explore the iconic Forsythye Copper Pot Stills and learn about the meticulous distillation process behind the distillery’s acclaimed spirits.
  • Enjoy a 10% discount on bottle purchases and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Pair the award-winning whiskies and beers with a selection of food options, including pizza and pretzels, for an enhanced tasting experience.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour at Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery in Victoria, BC, provides visitors with a 45-minute immersive experience.

Led by knowledgeable, kilt-clad guides, the tour offers an inside look at the production floor and still-stage. Guests can enjoy 5 tastings, including 3 beers and 2 whiskies, while learning about the distillery’s unique blend of Scottish practices and local Pacific Northwest ingredients.

The tour highlights the distillery’s accolades, including 3 World’s Best and 8 Canada’s Best whiskies, as well as its status as a founding member of the Northwest Whiskey Trail.

Highlights of the Distillery

Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery proudly boasts 3 World’s Best and 8 Canada’s Best whiskies, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

The distillery’s highlights include:

  • Famous Forsthye Copper Pot Stills imported from Scotland, blending the best Scottish practices with local Pacific Northwest ingredients.
  • Founding member of The Northwest Whiskey Trail, offering visitors a unique stamp to commemorate their experience.
  • A combination of time-honored traditions and innovative techniques, resulting in award-winning spirits that have captivated both Canadian and international audiences.

This immersive tour invites guests to explore the production floor and still-stage, led by knowledgeable, kilt-clad guides who share the distillery’s rich history and passion for craftsmanship.

Pricing and Reservations

Prices for the Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery tour start from $20.73 per person.

Visitors have the option to reserve the tour and pay later. Plus, there’s a 10% discount on any bottle purchases made before or after the tour.

If plans change, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

The tour lasts 45 minutes and includes 5 tastings – 3 beers and 2 whiskies. Knowledgeable, kilt-clad guides lead an immersive experience through the production floor and still-stage.

Booking in advance is recommended, as spots are limited.

Accessibility and Requirements

Not all visitors may be able to fully participate in the Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery tour. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves navigating the production floor and still-stage.

Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card, as these are required to gain entry. Plus, pets aren’t allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.

While the tour may have limitations, the team give you an engaging and memorable experience for all who can safely participate.

  • Not suitable for wheelchair users
  • Participants must bring a passport or ID card
  • Pets not allowed (except assistance dogs)
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Dining Options

Along With the immersive distillery tour, visitors can enjoy a selection of food options at Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery.

Theres some good pizza and pretzels, which are available for an extra cost. These tasty bites pair perfectly with the award-winning whiskies and beers sampled during the tour.

The food options provide a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while learning about the distilling and brewing processes.

Whether enjoying a full meal or a quick snack, the on-site dining choices enhance the overall tour experience at this renowned Victoria, BC hotel.

Customer Feedback

Travelers from across Canada and as far as Belgium have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on their experiences at the Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery tour.

The overall rating for the experience is an impressive 5/5 based on 2 reviews. Reviewers have highlighted the following:

  • Excellent, award-winning products, including 3 World’s Best and 8 Canada’s Best whiskies.
  • Informative and engaging tours led by knowledgeable, kilt-clad guides.
  • An immersive experience that allowed visitors to explore the production floor and still-stage.

The tour’s combination of Scottish distilling practices and local Pacific Northwest ingredients has clearly left a lasting impression on those who’ve experienced it.

The Northwest Whiskey Trail

The Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery is a founding member of The Northwest Whiskey Trail, a renowned trail that showcases the region’s finest whiskey producers.

This trail allows visitors to discover the unique blend of Scottish traditions and Pacific Northwest ingredients that create the award-winning whiskies. Travelers can collect stamps from each participating distillery, including the iconic Macaloneys Island, home to the famous Forsthye Copper Pot Stills imported from Scotland.

The Northwest Whiskey Trail offers an immersive and educational experience, highlighting the dedication and craftsmanship of the local distillers who are putting the Pacific Northwest on the map for world-class whiskey.

Production Floor and Still-Stage

On the production floor, visitors are treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the whiskey-making process. Guests can marvel at the iconic Forsythye Copper Pot Stills, imported from Scotland, which are the heart of Macaloneys Island Distillery’s operations.

The tour guides, donning their signature kilts, provide an immersive and educational experience, sharing insights into:

  • The combination of traditional Scottish practices and local Pacific Northwest ingredients that create the distillery’s award-winning whiskies.
  • The meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into every step of the distillation process.
  • The role of the stills in shaping the unique character and flavor profile of the whiskies.

This behind-the-scenes tour offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and passion that go into Macaloneys Island Distillery’s acclaimed spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour. However, there are food options like pizza and pretzels available for purchase during the experience for an additional cost.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing. The guides, who are known for wearing kilts, set an informal and welcoming tone for the experience.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos during the tour, though they’re advised to avoid disrupting the guides or production processes. Recording equipment should be used discreetly to preserve the immersive experience for all participants.

Do You Offer Any Group Discounts or Package Deals?

Yes, they offer group discounts starting at 4 or more people. There are also package deals available that combine the distillery tour with a food option or a hop-on hop-off bus tour around Victoria.

How Often Do You Change or Update the Tour Offerings?

The tour offerings at Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery are updated regularly to showcase new product releases and seasonal changes. The tour schedule and content are reviewed quarterly to ensure an engaging and informative experience for visitors.

Recap

The Macaloneys Island Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery offers an immersive tour that showcases the rich heritage and local ingredients behind their award-winning spirits. With knowledgeable staff, five tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, this experience promises an unforgettable journey for spirit enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this distillery tour is a must-do activity in Victoria, BC.

You can check if your dates are available here: