Flavor Camp
Flavor Camp

Sanctuary Single Malt Signature Edition (2026 Release)

January 16, 2026

Canadian Whisky Single Malt Spirits Whisk(e)y
3 min reading time

TL;DR: Island-grown barley meets bourbon, wine, and beer casks in a bright, textural Canadian single malt that balances freshness with impact from previously used barrels.

Sanctuary brings a brewer’s curiosity to whisky making. Malted and distilled under one roof, it highlights the natural brightness of locally grown barley rather than hiding it behind heavy oak. It’s a whisky defined by freshness and texture: cereal forward, subtly fruity, and shaped by the same creative energy that drives Phillips’ brewing roots.
The new Sanctuary Signature Edition is a small batch, limited-edition marriage of whiskies aged between five and nine years. Crafted from 100 per cent Vancouver Island barley, malted by Phillips’ own Maltworks, it rests in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-Rosé wine, and ex-Phillips beer casks. Every batch tells a slightly different story, shaped by the nuances of the casks and the hands that blend them. The result is a whisky that celebrates change while staying true to its island roots.

Flavor Camp Taste Profile

Overall Review

  • Overall Assessment: 80/100
  • Distinctiveness: 10/10
  • Bottle Appeal: 9/10
  • Value for Price: 7/10

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Straw
  • Aroma: Grain and grapefruit leap from the glass first. It’s bright and citrus-driven, with layers of stewed pear, light toffee sweetness, delicate hops, and a creamy thread of white chocolate underneath.
  • Taste & Mouthfeel: Grapefruit returns immediately, joined by a distinct Citra hop character (that being said, it's slightly less than the 2024 edition) that gives the impression of a crisp, lightly hopped cider. Grainy notes of hay and straw follow, alongside white pepper and soft elderflower florals. A drizzle of golden syrup adds sweetness, balanced by underripe banana and a faint chalky minerality that keeps it structured and dry.
  • Finish: Moderate in length, gently floral and lightly hoppy, with citrus zest and soft grain lingering on the fade.
  • Distinctiveness: Unmistakable. The combination of bright grapefruit, pronounced Citra hops, grainy hay notes, and that lightly chalky minerality makes this feel more like a hopped cider-meets-single-malt hybrid than a traditional Canadian whisky profile. The floral, lightly hoppy finish further sets it apart. Blind, this would be hard to confuse with anything oak-heavy or classically sweet. It has a clear point of view and fully commits to it.
  • Overall Drinkability & Balance: genuinely intriguing, though its hop-forward personality won’t be for everyone. The citrus, grain, and floral elements stay cohesive, even when the chalky minerality and underripe banana add tension. It drinks easily, but more as a thoughtful sipper than a crowd-pleaser. There’s clear intention and identity here, and it feels like the beginning of something. I’m especially curious to see how this product line evolves with further age and cask exploration over the coming years.

Product Details

  • Producer: Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
  • Type: Single Malt Canadian Whisky
  • Age: No Age Statement but 5-9 years.
  • Still Type: Hybrid
  • Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon, Wine & Stout Casks
  • Origin: Victoria, BC, Canada
  • Composition: 100% Malted Barley
  • ABV: 42% ABV
  • # of Distillations: 2
  • Price: $70-80-ish CAD (2026)
Food Pairing Recommendations
  • Fennel and citrus salad – Echoes the grapefruit and floral tones while keeping everything bright.
  • Seared scallops with brown butter – Sweetness from the scallops meets toffee and grain notes.
  • Pear tart with flaky pastry – Picks up the stewed pear and grain.
Print
Tags