History

A couple, Kevin and Kirsten Titcomb, are behind DEVINE Distillery and have run the business since 2007 as a certified craft distillery, blending innovative thinking with time-honored tradition. They strive to highlight local terroir by using ingredients from their local area and maintain a close connection between field and bottle—from field to bottle—and handmade labels.

Production

DEVINE Distillery is one of the few certified craft distilleries in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. They use BC-grown ingredients (grain, fruit, and honey) and ferment and distill on-site using traditional methods. No additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors are used, and neutral grain spirit is not used.

The heart of the distillation is Brünhilde, a German-produced hybrid copper pot still, which gives the distillers flexibility to make different styles and requires oversight to keep its temperamental character in check.

Their motto is 'Relentlessly Local From Grain to Glass'. They farm the property naturally, collaborate with local farmers, and reuse water to nourish the soil and reduce environmental impact. The company is family-owned and has been since 2007.

Products (Whisky Series)

Glen Saanich Single Malt Whisky

A terroir-focused single malt made from barley grown and malted just minutes from the distillery on the Saanich Peninsula. The production process involves mashing, fermenting, and distilling twice. Primary maturation is a minimum of 3 years in first-fill bourbon casks, followed by secondary maturation and finish in new, charred American oak casks for up to 6 months. Tasting notes include citrus and pear, followed by vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, a malty aftertaste and a touch of sea breeze. Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water or ice.

Glen Saanich Double Oak Whisky

Terroir-focused whisky with primary maturation in first-fill bourbon casks for at least 3.5 years, followed by a finish in new, charred American oak casks for 6 months. Flavor notes: vanilla, oak, and caramelized notes from the cask.

Glen Saanich Cask #1 – Single Cask | Cask Strength

100% Vancouver Island barley malt. Distillation date: April 3, 2017. Maturation in a first-fill 200 L cask for around 7–7.5 years. Cask Strength at 58.8% ABV. Unchill-filtered, no colorants.

Glen Saanich Brandy Cask Finished Whisky

A single malt finished in brandy cask, which adds depth and complexity without overpowering the malt character.

Port-Style Wine Finished Glen Saanich Single Malt Whisky

A single malt finished in a French oak wine cask, previously used for Ovation port-style fortified wine from Unsworth Vineyards. The finish provides deeper, fruitier notes with dried cherries and raisins, and a malt character enhanced by the coastal malted style.

Ancient Grains 'Young Whisky'

An alternative whisky expression based on BC barley and other ancient grains (spelt, emmer, khorasan and einkorn). Aged in all-new American oak casks for about 1 year. Tasting notes: candied fruit and macadamia nuts mixed with spicy elements such as cloves, allspice and smoke. Dubbed by the producer as 'Alt Whisky'.

Ancient Grains 5-Grain Whisky

Distilled from BC barley, spelt, emmer, khorasan and einkorn and matured in new American quarter-casks. Tasting notes: candied raisins, macadamia, cloves and allspice.

Einkorn Whisky ~ Elemental Series

The first release in the Elemental Series, which breaks down Ancient Grains into individual grain expressions. Einkorn is one of the oldest grains in history and is used together with barley, distilled twice and aged in first-fill ex-Ancient Grains quarter-casks for more than three years. Tasting notes include a pronounced grain character with notes of dark bread, caramel and butterscotch as well as baked apples.

Visits / Experiences

The distillery shop is currently closed. Online ordering and pickup (Wednesdays from 10:00–16:00, from January 8) are available. Address: 6181B Old West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC V8M 1W8. Delivery within BC is available, and free delivery applies to orders over CAD 150. The items are also available in private liquor stores around BC; contact the store directly for stock status. Shipping outside BC may be arranged separately and coordinated via info@devinedistillery.com.

Philosophy

RELENTLESSLY LOCAL FROM GRAIN TO GLASS. DEVINE blends innovative thinking with time-honored tradition, and they emphasize being 100% craft and using BC-sourced ingredients wherever possible. They farm the property naturally, collaborate with local farmers and have water conservation and reuse as part of their production philosophy. They also highlight that the products are handmade – from grain to labels – and that they work with small batches and a clear regional identity.

Awards and Recognitions

Spanish note: Their Ancient Grains variants and the Glen Saanich series have earned several prizes and recognitions in the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition and World Whisky Awards over the years, with Gold, Distinction, and Category wins for several editions.