Q&A: MASTER DISTILLER JOSHUA BEACH

How did you get into the distilling world? I started brewing beer at home, and became so fascinated with the process that I enrolled in a master’s program in Scotland. Since then, I’ve worked in Germany and Vancouver, eventually launching a line of spirits for a distillery in Niagara before starting with Georgian Bay a year ago.” What’s the key to creating a spectacular spirit? “I think the real key is having all flavours and characters in balance. Especially with gin, you want to make sure the spirit character isn’t overpowering, but is in harmony with all the botanicals around it. What makes Georgian Bay Gin so special? “It’s a London dry gin that we distill with botanicals, including juniper that’s hand-picked from the shores of Georgian Bay. It’s got such a bright citrusy nose. We use orange and lemon peel that really shines through. There’s a floral aroma, with the pine and juniper, but then you also get the underlying creaminess of the spirit.” What do you love about Georgian Bay Vodka? “I think the cereal, caramel and vanilla notes really come through on the nose, but then it still stays true to a vodka. Vodkas should always be neutral, but hint at the underlying raw ingredients, and I think ours does that really well.” What’s your favourite cocktail to make with Georgian Bay spirits? “I personally love our gin in a negroni. That’s my all-time favourite go-to at any time of year. I’m also a big fan of mules with our vodka.”