After Dark Distillery

After Dark Distillery is one of the Shuswap's most charming surprises, a hidden gem set in the heart of Sicamous inside a repurposed historic bowling alley. The building alone makes it worth a look, but it is the spirits and the welcome that keep travellers talking. This is a small, character-filled operation where the personal touch is part of the appeal, and visitors regularly mention how generous and friendly the experience is.

The lineup is led by moonshine in around nine flavours, including crowd-pleasers and conversation-starters like Apple Pie, Root Beer and the famously divisive Pickle Moonshine. Beyond the moonshine you will find premium vodka, gin and whiskey, all made using traditional methods, local ingredients and mountain spring water that gives the spirits a clean Shuswap character. It is the kind of place where you are encouraged to be adventurous and try something you would never order off a shelf.

The tasting room is laid-back and welcoming to everyone, whether you are a committed whiskey drinker or just a curious traveller passing through on the highway. Pop in to sample the range, with the owner often on hand to pour, explain and steer you toward the flavours worth trying. Tours and tastings can be arranged on request, so it is worth calling ahead if you want the fuller behind-the-scenes look.

Set right in Sicamous at the gateway between the Shuswap and the Okanagan, After Dark is an easy and memorable stop on a road trip through the region. If you like your distillery visits with a side of personality and a few flavours you will not find anywhere else, this unassuming spot delivers exactly that, one small-batch pour at a time.