Spirit of York Distillery: An Enchanted Speakeasy Hidden in Plain Sight…read more There exists within the Distillery District a sanctuary so conspicuously underappreciated that it borders on the miraculous--a place that paradoxically announces its excellence through deliberate restraint, drawing a discerning few while the many pass unknowingly. Spirit of York Distillery is precisely such an establishment: a hidden gem not because it obscures itself, but because it permits only those with genuine appreciation to discover its treasures. Upon entering, one is transported to an earlier epoch--the speakeasy lounge aesthetic suffuses every corner with an intoxicating atmosphere of Prohibition-era elegance. The seating arrangements evoke intimate conversations conducted beneath the weight of historical resonance; the bar itself commands attention as a stage for ritualistic craftsmanship. Yet perhaps most mesmerizing is the large glass partition separating patron from machinery--a transparent threshold revealing the intricate dance of distillation itself. One watches spirits transform from raw material to refined essence, a metaphor rendered literal. The "Cocktail Jammiest Jam" arrived as a demonstration of precision: each ingredient orchestrated to achieve perfect equilibrium, neither demanding attention nor withdrawing into oblivion. It was, quite simply, perfection as executed. The Gin and Tonic transcended its humble categorization. What might elsewhere be dismissed as elementary proved itself exquisite in execution--the botanicals dancing in perfect proportion, the quinine providing architectural scaffolding rather than domination. More remarkably, one possesses agency here: the opportunity to compose your own gin and tonic according to personal preference transforms the experience from consumption into collaboration. Here emerges the essential truth of Spirit of York: the spirits themselves, while commendable, become secondary players in a production where theatrical excellence, bartending mastery, and service refinement command the stage. This is not a destination for spirits connoisseurs seeking to dissect distillation notes--though they would not be disappointed. Rather, it is a refuge for those seeking an experience that transcends the strictly gustatory: an atmosphere so carefully curated, bartenders so genuinely attentive, that the act of ordering a drink becomes secondary to the privilege of their counsel. Remarkably, despite its proximity to your residence and its undeniable merit, the establishment maintains a refreshing discretion in its clientele. Quieter than its reputation deserves, it functions as a personal sanctum--a venue perfectly suited to entertaining visiting friends, providing them entry to an experience they would otherwise overlook. The space even accommodates those seeking private events, serving as venue for occasions requiring sophistication. Spirit of York Distillery stands as testament to the proposition that true luxury often dwells in obscurity--not through inadequacy, but through an absence of self-promotion. This is where ambiance, expertise, and grace converge to form something rarer than any spirit: a genuine, unpretentious sanctuary in an increasingly performative world.

The ambiance is that of a distillery/cocktail bar…read more Hubby and I ducked in for a tasting. I sampled three types of gin and hubby had a mix of liquors. I loved their original gin, and their strawberry gin tasted like medicine. We didn't have any food, so the four stars is for the good service, ambiance, and access to good booze!

If good things come in small packages then what does it say for Last Straw Distillery? A tiny…read moreindustrial space with 1/3 dedicated to a small kitchen and set of offices doesn't leave much room to produce spirits in the manner by which they do and at the volume they do. And yet do you think that quality would suffer - hell no. If you're wondering where you can find Last Straw Distillery, it's located closer to (just south of) Langstaff just off of Jane. Watch out carefully for it as if you're not careful you may miss their store front on Pippin Rd. So what sports of spirits are they concocting at Last Straw? All of them. Their Vaughan Vodka is one of the smoothest I've had served straight up at room temperature, little to no burn and none of that head shaking as you force it down. In fact it almost has a velvety mouth field similar to a light syrup. I'm not a Gin person typically, and only recently have I really developed a taste for Gin and Tonics, their Gin 21 is floral and yet so super smooth that I think I could actually drink this straight up in a martini - the way Gin was made to be drunk. Next up there's the Dark Side of Moonshine and their Blackstrap Rum. Wow on both accounts, so much so that I bought a bottle of Dark Side to bring home. There are even a few surprises in the works for the future, like a signature single malt... imagine that a whiskey/scotch aged in barrels right here in Vaughan. The prospect of it has my mouth watering in anticipation. Pay them a visit before they get too busy and sell out of everything, one bottle of everything they carry is literally all you need to jump start your own craft cocktail home bar - trust me.

Visited this small distillery after seeing it advertised at lake Wilcox brewery, around the corner…read more The owners are very friendly and were happy to show us around and give us a tasting of their liquors. Not knowing much about the place, we were pleasantly surprised with their selection. The Vaughan Vodka was phenomenal and the gin was great. Will definitely be back to stock up the liquor cabinet!

Signed up for a mixology class for some clients and had an incredible evening. Lots of laughter and…read morealso learned a lot of new skills. The drinks were all very tasty! The class being taught amongst the equipment really added to the ambiance of the class. Definitely worth checking out!

Went here for the cocktail class. I learned a lot, was able to practice several tricks and got…read moredrunk. The drinks were very well crafted and alcohol was very high quality. Specially the blue gin was spectacular. Would 100% do again. The class takes place in the place where they actually distill the gin which makes the experience more authentic

Woods Spirit Co. is a distillery located a ten minute walk away from Phibbs Exchange and just a…read moreblock away from Sons of Vancouver. In fact, Fabio, the owner, used to distill his product out of SOV before opening up the distillery in June. At the moment, Woods Spirit Co. produces gin and amaro, although they will soon launch a limoncello. Also opening up soon will be a tasting room and lounge, once all the red tape with the city is sorted out. I had the opportunity to visit Woods Spirit Co. tonight as part of a Yelp event (see my previous review for details), and I'm thrilled to have discovered this local distillery. I can't wait to come back once their lounge is open. I had the privilege of trying their products, and they were tasty! Another thing to note is their gender neutral washrooms were excellent. Clean, with all the necessities you need (such as a hook for your purse). The lights in the washrooms were activated by motion sensors, so environmentally friendly too! [Yelp collections: Wine Time!]

One of my favourite places for spirits in Vancouver (well technically North Vancouver). We got the…read moreSweet Surrender and the Oye Como Va. I am absolutely in love with the Sweet Surrender and the flavour notes of the Woods Amaro that we even got on to go. They also serve food and although we did not get any pasta, it smelled absolutely delicious. Will definitely be back to try more of their drink offerings!!

Had the opportunity to eat at the Pie Eyed Monk the other night , the welcoming atmosphere,…read moreexcellent-friendly service and delicious food, it is well worth the stop! This night was a little bit cooler and we were able to sit on the patio comfortably, I ordered the wild mushroom pizza and it was very good but my buddy ordered the stuffed chicken supreme and it was absolutely incredible! Sothank you Pie Eyed Monk, we will be back! Zeke

Nice atmosphere, friendly service... beer is good, food is average, but is nicely plated with big…read moreportions. Good menu with lots to choose from and free parking.

I've visit Niagara Craft every time we come to WNY for a visit with family. I love their bourbon,…read moreit is absolutely top notch. I have tasted many kinds of bourbons from all over including the traditional Kentucky bourbons. This bourbon is some of the smoothest I've ever experienced by far. So, if you're a bourbon lover, you will love their 1808. I have also purchased the 1808 Corn Whiskey which is excellent. It sure does provide a heated kick. I highly recommend their craft distilled spirits.

Had a fun time touring the back room! One of the owners gave us a personal walk-through of how they…read moremake everything. Great tasting spirits too! Love the cinnamon gin particularly.

My husband and I love to visit distilleries in any new city that we go to and this was one of our…read morefavorites! We really enjoyed chatting with Greg and getting to know more about the history of the distillery, as well as learning more about Toronto. We would highly recommend this place to anyone!

Love this place! Great people making great spirits and cocktails in a beautiful space that's…read moreperfrct for evrnts too! Can't wait for my next visit there!

Finally made it to this place and it didn't disappoint! Friendly and helpful staff, plus quality…read moreproducts. Stopped in during an open house and it was a busy place. It was great to be able to look around, ask questions and of course sample their amazing products. As a fan of their regular vodka, I was excited to try the flavoured options and sweet potato. The strawberry, blueberry lemon grass and peppermint vanilla were all very smooth and flavourful. The sweet potato vodka was excellent! I was also able to try the maple poitin that had a whisky like flavour. Overall, top shelf products that are local - does it get any better?! Definitely check out their distillery store or if you aren't local, pick up a bottle of any of their product. You won't be disappointed!

From the owner: A family run distillery, on the same land we have been farming for over a century. Distilling award…read morewinning potato vodka, sweet potato vodka & poitín.