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Clark tours Vernon distillery

Premier says government policy changes may be needed to help Okanagan Spirits and the distilling sector
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Premier Christy Clark gets a tour of Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery by owners Tony Dyck and his son Tyler Dyck Wednesday morning.


A Vernon business has B.C.’s premier considering shifts in government policy.

Christy Clark toured Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery’s facility Wednesday morning.

“I see jobs for British Columbians,” she said when asked for her thoughts on the distillery.

“They are supporting agriculture in a province where we want agriculture to thrive.”

The success of Okanagan Spirits is partly a result of government rules initiated a number of years ago.

“We have more changes to make,” said Clark.

“We should look at the way we price and how we mark the product up. Craft distilleries want to be treated more like wineries and we’ll look at that.”

The government’s previous support for the distilling sector garnered praise from Okanagan Spirits.

“They made substantive changes (in policies) that have transformed the industry,” said Tyler Dyck, the company’s chief executive officer.

Flanked by Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster, Clark was taken on a behind-the-scenes look at the facility. She was even provided with an opportunity to bottle gin.

“It smells fantastic. It’s a beautiful product,” she said.

Clark was updated on one of the distillery’s challenges and that is keeping up with demand.

“Our goal is to do 100 barrels (of whisky) a year so we’re looking for other space,” said Tony Dyck, president.

The 16,000-square-foot facility opened a year ago on 24th Street, but it’s virtually at capacity.

Beyond whisky, Okanagan Spirits produces fruit brandies, liqueurs, grappa, aquavit, gin, vodka and absinthe.