Odd Society Spirits

Spirit making is a strange alchemy — part science, part gut feeling — which reflects its invention during a more mysterious time. For local East Vancouver distillery Odd Society Spirits, the ethereal, unique nature of the process is clear in their tasting room, branding and liquor.

Located in a former motorcycle workshop on Powell Street, Odd Society’s HQ features high, broad windows that stream sunlight onto the dark-wood bar during the day, and let in streetlamp ambiance by night. Magic-realist murals behind the bar, painted by Vancouver artist Shwa Keirstead, depict the distillation process.

It’s here you can sample the vodka, gin and vermouth from the company — either straight or in one of their delectable cocktails, such as Razzle Basil, Odd Aviation or The Modern Hound, which is Production Manager and Distiller Joshua Beach’s favourite.

This sense of beauty and quirk is reflected in the labels of each bottle, from the moustached owl representing East Van Vodka to silver floral scrolls sliding over the Wallflower Gin. In addition to these two essential offerings, fans can enjoy vermouth, moonshine, cassis and whisky in the coming months as the company launches new products that have been evolving since they opened.

This striking brand isn’t just skin-deep: it’s reflected in each liquor that’s lovingly created. “It’s not about putting another mass-market, clone product out there,” explains Josh. “We want to do something a little different, a little odd.” He gives the example of Odd Society’s vodka. Most vodkas are made with the cheapest carbohydrate available and distilled to such a high percentage that very little flavour remains. In contrast, Odd Society uses a single-malt, resulting in a grassy, almost spicy flavour.