Built in 2011, the distillery features a curated selection of equipment handpicked to produce the highest-quality whisky, including wash and spirit copper pot stills made by Forsyths, a mash-lauter and stainless washbacks made locally by an artisan fabricator on Vancouver Island.
We are proud to be featured in leading whisky publications and distillery guides from around the globe, and of the loyal following we’ve built. In 2023 the Scotch Malt Whisky Society released three bottlings of Shelter Point single malt. A first for a Canadian distillery, this story was featured on CTV and Global News.
The barn-style building integrates with the best of our surrounding natural elements, with wooden beams, paneling and finishings made with lumber sourced from the surrounding woodlands, as well as locally sourced stonework.
Located on the coast in northern Vancouver Island, the distillery has become a destination not only just for fine whisky but also for the spectacular setting and onsite experience.
In 2005, Patrick Evans, a third generation farmer, whose family were turn of the 20th century pioneers in B.C.’s Comox Valley, purchased 380 acres of farmland encompassing incredible oceanfront, a natural mosaic of streams, wetlands, forests and fields – with a vision where farming could coexist with wildlife, humans and commerce. To enhance his vision, he founded Shelter Point Distillery in 2011 as a commercial vocation for barley grown on the farm. His passion for farming and quality quickly led to the whisky outcome for which we are now known.
Today, Shelter Point is owned by another Vancouver Island success story, Nelson Investments, who continue the focus on producing single malt of the highest quality for consumers around the world to enjoy.
General Manager Stephen Goodridge
General Manager Stephen Goodridge has been immersed in the beverage alcohol industry for over three decades. After completing his training in the UK, his career started in brewing and rum distilling in Barbados. Subsequently, Stephen worked for twelve years as a VP with Mark Anthony Group and founded Goodridge & Williams Distilling in 2014. Now, Stephen leads a team committed to elevating Vancouver Island’s reputation as a region for premium single malt whisky.
Head Distiller James Marinus
Head Distiller James Marinus has spent over 35 years farming on Vancouver Island, and is intimately familiar with the local terroir, climate patterns and other nuances that influence the taste of whisky and other spirits. Upon commissioning the distillery, James studied and perfected the art of whisky-making under the guidance of a retired Scottish master distiller. Today, as Head Distiller, James oversees the end-to-end production process, from distilling to blending and bottling.
Brand Experience Manager Chris Read
As Brand Experience Manager for Shelter Point Distillery Chris Read is responsible for sharing the company’s story. He oversees the customer experience at the distillery including tours and tastings. Chris provides Masterclasses on Shelter Point whiskies and Tastings at events, and he enjoys introducing people to our award-winning whiskies and sharing the story of how they are made. He also manages the company’s social media and media interactions.