A new release of Phillips Brewing’s signature whisky hits the shelves this November

Phillips Brewing is raising a glass to a bold new chapter with the rebrand and 2026 release of its Sanctuary Signature Whisky.

Drawing inspiration from the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal forests, the Victoria-based brewery and distillery has unveiled a refreshed new whisky and refined story for its Sanctuary Single Malt — a spirit that embodies the rugged charm of Vancouver Island.

Handcrafted entirely in-house in Victoria by Phillips’ spirits arm, Fermentorium Distilling Co., Sanctuary Single Malt Whisky is made at the edge of the B.C. wilderness using 100% locally grown barley from Phillips’ own malting plant, Maltworks. The barley is malted, mashed, fermented and distilled on-site, then matured in a combination of bourbon, red wine and Phillips beer casks.

Now presented in a west coast–inspired embossed glass bottle for its new 2026 release, this single malt whisky honours tradition with a distinctly Canadian coastal character, capturing the rugged beauty and elemental spirit of Vancouver Island.

“Our Sanctuary Single Malt Whisky has been reimagined and redefined,” says Robyn Skinner, marketing director at Phillips Brewing. “Sanctuary is more than just a place; it’s a feeling, a refuge and a return. The design of our new whisky – shaped by wood and water here on the West Coast – weaves a sense of place into every detail, forging a deeper connection between the whisky and the elemental forces that shape it.”

As one of Western Canada’s largest craft breweries, Phillips Brewing has been creating quality craft beer for nearly 25 years. The brewery also produces non-alcoholic beer under its iOTA brand and soft drinks through Soda Works.

Sanctuary Single Malt – Signature Edition makes an ideal gift for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or graduations, with its striking design, exceptional quality and approachable price (under $90).

Join the Sanctuary Collective at www.sanctuarywhisky.com for more information on new limited releases, and for exclusive access to special discounts and upcoming events.

Norway’s Felice Capasso named Global Bartender of the Year

Canada’s bartenders have long been stars at the prestigious World Class cocktail competition. But this year, Canada itself was the star, hosting 51 finalists from around the world and wrapping the event up with a thrilling final at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma.

The winner, who proudly claims the career-defining title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, is Felice Capasso of Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar in Oslo, Norway, and also the founder of Sesto Senso Academy, a centre for wine and spirits education. Throughout the week, Capasso wowed the judges across every challenge he faced.