History

Moon Distilling Co. is the producer behind a range of craft spirits that are produced with locally sourced ingredients at a straightforward price. Moon Distilling Co. is the brain behind Moon Under Water Brwery and was founded as a collaboration between Brewmaster Clay Potter and his stepfather Steve Ash. Clay Potter studied at Heriot-Watt International Centre for Brewing and Distilling in Scotland, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Brewing and Distilling. He and the team are behind Moon Under Water Brewery, which got started in 2012.

Production

Moon Distilling Co. produces innovative craft spirits based on locally sourced ingredients. The product range emphasizes the use of locally grown malt and collaboration with local farms and partners such as Field Five Farm. For example, 100% Island grown barley is used in the mash for some of the products, and Belgian yeast strains are used for fermentation and double distillation for several products. Descriptions such as Antifogmatic Bliss Single Malt Whisky – Red Wheat Whisky note that the blend consists of 67% Island grown malt barley and 33% Hard Red Wheat, fermented with French Saison yeast and aged over 4 years in French oak casks. Peninsula Corn Whisky is described as a bourbon-style Canadian Whisky consisting of 55% corn, aged in new charred American oak barrels and unfiltered at 90 proof (45% ABV).

There are also mentions of unique aging and production details such as aging in French oak barrels and in casks that previously held Kiwi Saison Ale, and the use of cacao nibs in cacao single malt whisky in partnership with Level Ground. There is also mention of Sumatra Cold Brew – Single Malt Whisky, which is made by infusing coffee from Esquimalt Roasting Company into a 3-year-old small-batch whisky, as well as infusions such as Dark Cherry and Sumatra Cold Brew that give fruity and coffee-inspired notes. Some products, such as 3 Sheets to the Moon Cask Strength Whisky, are highlighted as unfiltered and cask strength with high ABV values (57.6%).

Whisky Series (Products)

• Antifogmatic Bliss Single Malt Whisky – Red Wheat Whisky: 4+ years, a blend of 67% Island-grown barley and 33% Hard Red Wheat, French Oak, 42% ABV, limited production (around 120 bottles).
• Single Malt Rye Whisky: 40% ABV, Barrel No. 11, bold and spicy rye profile, aged on lees, 149 bottles produced.
• 3 Sheets to the Moon Cask Strength Whisky: 57.6% ABV, 100% Island-grown barley, Belgian yeast, double distillation, aged over 6 years in French oak and blackberry port finish. Unfiltered and cask strength.
• Peninsula Corn Whisky: 45% ABV (90 proof), 55% corn, aged in fresh charred American oak barrels, unfiltered, Canadian Whisky style.
• Sumatra Cold Brew – Single Malt Whisky: infused with coffee from Esquimalt Roasting Company, 3-year-old small batch. Notes of strawberry and vanilla.
• Cacao Single Malt Whisky: 375 ml, aged on cacao nibs in collaboration with Level Ground.
• Dark Cherry – Single Malt Whisky: 375 ml, aged with dark cherries and a subtle almond note.
• Sumatra Cold Brew – Single Malt Whisky and related infused gift sets are also in the range.

Visit / Experiences

Moon Distilling Co. is part of Moon Under Water Brew Pub and Distillery Lounge. The Distillery Lounge is open seven days a week from 12:00 to 20:00, and two outdoor patios are family-friendly and dog-friendly. The address is 350A Bay St, Victoria, BC V8T 1P7, Canada.

Philosophy

Moon Distilling Co. focuses on innovative craft spirits produced with locally sourced ingredients and at an accessible price. Founded by Clay Potter, who has a background from Heriot-Watt and Moon Under Water Brewery, the company is run as part of a local community and partnerships with local farms and producers to support local initiatives and sustainable practices.