New $71K bathroom debuts at South Surrey whisky distillery
Published 8:15 am Thursday, October 15, 2026
Winter is coming, so it’s a good thing there’s a new throne in place at a South Surrey whisky distillery.
After turning a staggering $71,000 renovation quote into a community crowdfunding win, Mainland Whisky is officially back and bigger than before.
Thanks to crowd support — which funded 50 per cent of the washroom project alongside financing from their landlord — the craft distillery has completed construction, expanding its tasting lounge capacity fivefold from 10 to 50 seats, Mainland Whisky co-founder Steve Watts said in an email.
“We can’t thank our community and partners enough for standing by us,” said Watts. “Now that the throne is built, we’re thrilled to get back to what we do best: Bringing people together in an expanded clubhouse where great conversation and craft spirits take center stage.”
The festivities kick off with an exclusive soft launch on Thursday, Oct. 22, featuring Volume 2 of their BC Beer Craft Whisky Series.
The event will also showcase a three-and-a-half-year Okanagan wine-barrel-aged whisky (cask strength at 61.5 per cent ABV) distilled from Russell Brewing’s Wee Angry Scotch Ale. Original brewer Graham Kenny will lead the discussion alongside custom pairings from famous chocolatier Chez Christophe. (Tickets $25)
The grand opening follows on Friday, Oct. 23, marking the official launch of a new Happy Hour (4-6 p.m.) returning every Friday afterwards, with a menu featuring $6 Time Machine Old Fashioneds, $6 Iced Normando (IYKYK), $9 whisky flights, $4 jalapeño popcorn, and $5 snack mixes.
To round out the month, the distillery is also hosting a Halloween cocktail party on Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring exclusive seasonal drinks and live tarot card readings by Shaiju Mathew. Guests can book their tarot card reading via social media, through the website at mainlandwhisky.com, or by calling 604-372-4424.
To learn more or purchase event tickets, visit www.mainlandwhisky.com.