South Surrey whisky distillery opens $71,000 washroom after crowdfunding campaign

Mainland Whisky has completed construction on a washroom renovation after receiving a $71,000 quote, co-founder Steve Watts said in an email. Community crowdfunding covered 50 per cent of the project, with financing from the distillery’s landlord covering the rest. The expanded tasting lounge now has 50 seats, up from 10, increasing its capacity fivefold.

Watts thanked the community and partners for their support. With the project complete, he said the distillery is looking forward to bringing people together again in its expanded clubhouse for conversation and craft spirits.

An invitation-only soft launch is set for Thursday, Oct. 22, and will feature Volume 2 of the BC Beer Craft Whisky Series. The event will also showcase a whisky distilled from Russell Brewing’s Wee Angry Scotch Ale and aged for three and a half years in an Okanagan wine barrel. It is cask strength at 61.5 per cent ABV. Original brewer Graham Kenny will lead the discussion, with custom pairings from chocolatier Chez Christophe. Tickets are $25.

The grand opening follows Friday, Oct. 23, with the launch of a new happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday. The menu includes $6 Time Machine Old Fashioneds, $6 Iced Normando, $9 whisky flights, $4 jalapeño popcorn and $5 snack mixes.

The distillery will round out the month with a Halloween cocktail party on Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring seasonal drinks and live tarot card readings by Shaiju Mathew. Guests can book a reading through social media, at mainlandwhisky.com or by calling 604-372-4424. More information and event tickets are available at www.mainlandwhisky.com.