Already adding West Coast soul to cocktails in Canada, the West Shore’s Sheringham Distillery embarks on a major launch into the U.S. just in time for World Cocktail Day on May 13.
After quietly slipping across the border for sales in Washington and California “for a while,” this year marks a major movement south, building on existing markets and moving into San Francisco, L.A., Seattle and beyond.
“Later this year, we are looking toward opening up other states more on the east – looking at New York for July and Florida for September,” said Alayne MacIsaac, who owns the business alongside master still (and husband) Jason.
They’re in talks for a few other states as well.
Finding space in coastal markets made sense with Seaside Gin – their flagship spirit made with winged kelp and botanicals such as rose, lavender and citrus – topping the list of five bottles headed for that market.
Traditionally, gin was London dry, and those are amazing, Alayne explained, but they’re two-note: citrus and juniper. Contemporary gins are the biggest market now because they’re so diverse.
“We wanted to always have that terra noir and sense of place in every bottle, but yet so drinkable in any cocktail,” she said.
Seaside is always No. 1 to Alayne with its raw, bold West Coast story and feel “that really shines through in a bottle.”
Inspired by the fresh rainfall that feeds the lush temperate rainforest, Raincoast Gin is challenging for the title. Again featuring the traditional juniper and citrus, it also holds subtle hints of the West Coast through notes of nettle and oakmoss.
“But yet everything is so balanced and so cocktailable.”
It's crucial for her that they’re exceptional on their own, and just as beautiful in a cocktail.
It’s true for the other four spirits expanding into the U.S. this month – Beacon Gin, Lemon Gin Liqueur, Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur and Coffee Liqueur. All enjoy successful sales and market recognition in B.C., a milestone they hope to hit in the U.S.
“It takes a lot of dedication and persistence to continue to grow, especially in some of the most competitive markets in the world,” Alayne said.
The combination of terroir-driven botanicals, the chef’s approach Jason takes to distillation, and small-batch craftsmanship all with an eye to sustainability has won Sheringham accolades, including gold in the BC Food & Beverage Product of the Year in 2020, multiple double golds in the 2023-2024 PR%F Awards and most recently, silver in the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards.
That builds confidence heading into new markets, especially south of the border, with some recent unknowns added.
“Everyone’s asking about what might happen to the economy. Obviously, there’s some unrest and question marks right now. We’re not stopping our expansion, but we have curtailed our expectations a bit for this year. Which I think is a smart thing for any business to do in an unstable economy,” Alayne said “But we are 100 per cent not stopping. We’re excited.”
For a full list of retail locations or to order online, visit sheringhamdistillery.com.
