Sanctuary Whisky [2024 Release]

On Vancouver Island, where craft beer runs deep, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. pays homage to its roots with Sanctuary Whisky. Aged in barrels that once cradled bourbon, beer, and wine, this distinctive single malt captures the island’s spirit—bold, innovative, and undeniably unique.

TL;DR – This single malt has a distinctive flavor footprint influenced by beer.

Review: Flavor Camp

Photo: Reece Sims

Flavor Camps

Overall Rating

Total Score: 35.5/50

Aroma: 6/9
Taste: 6/9
Finish: 4/5
Distinctiveness: 5/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 6/9
Value for Price: 5/8
Appearance: 3.5/5

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale straw
Aroma: Grain and grapefruits immediately jump out of the glass. This whisky is light and citrusy, with notes of stewed pears, toffee, hops and white chocolate.
Taste & Mouthfeel: More grapefruit and hops (citra) are present on the palate - it's almost like a crisp hopped cider. This is followed by grainy notes (hay/straw), white pepper, elderflowers, golden syrup, underripe bananas, and a slight chalky note.
Finish: The finish is moderate and floral.
Distinctiveness: Highly distinctive - this definitely has a beer influence to it.
Overall Drinkability & Balance: This could be a really fun whisky to cocktail with - it makes me want a spiked grapefruit radler immediately!

Product Details

Distiller: Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
Type: Single Malt (Canadian Whisky)
Age: No Age Statement but 5-9 years.
Still Type: Hybrid Still
Cask Type(s): Twisted Oak Bourbon, Heaven Hill Bourbon, Rosé Wine, Imperial Stout

Comments / Notes:

Three things to remember about this whisky:

All Locally Sourced Ingredients: The barley is sourced from Vancouver Island.

Unique Casks: The use of a wide, unconventional set of casks for maturation truly makes the flavor profile distinctive. The 2024 release uses 2 types of Ex-bourbon casks, ex-Rosé wine casks and ex-Imperial Stout casks.

In-House Malting: Phillips’ on-site malting facility, Phillips Maltworks, was the first of its kind in western Canada, letting them malt their own barley for both beer and whisky.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Brie Cheese, Salted Milk Chocolate

Cocktail Recommendations: Brown Derby, Spiked Radlers, a riff on a Hugo Spritz, Rosé Boulevardier (sub Campari for Luxardo Bitter Bianco & Rosso Vermouth for Lillet Rose).