D I S T I L L E R Y P R O F I L E
The distilling process at Mad
Laboratory mainly depends on which specific
product is being created, but the distillery
currently produces only one kind of
mash that is diverted to its various products
following the second distillation. Mad
Laboratory does not temperature control
its fermentation tanks and – because of
this – during the warm summer months
the time from brew to final product will
typically take about two weeks for most
products. In the cooler winter months, this
process usually takes between three to four
weeks to complete.
Last February, Mad Laboratory was
honoured to be recognized at the 2019
Canadian Craft Spirit Competition – an
annual celebration of the best artisan spirits
from the smallest distilleries across the
country. The care that Mad Laboratory puts
into products was deservedly rewarded with
two gold medals for its Mad Laboratory
Gin6 and Mad Lab Vodka, a silver medal
for its Mad Dog Single Malt and a bronze
medal for its Viking Vodka.
“I am always proud of everything we
create, but it was gratifying to have a panel
of experts validate that we are truly producing
fantastic products,” said Thompson.
“Personally, I was thrilled to receive this recognition
and knowing that someone appreciates
what I’m doing has certainly helped
to keep me motivated during some of the
more difficult times.”
As a relatively new distillery in the
British Columbia artisan spirit market, Mad
Laboratory has encountered its fair share
of challenges along its path to success. As
with many new businesses, Thompson was
taken aback by the amount of start-up
money required to get his venture off the
ground; even with supportive partners helping
and investing substantial capital into
the distillery.
“What I learned was that you
should take your estimated budget and
then triple it; only then might you have
close to the amount you will need,” said
Thompson. “The list of things that I found
out about this business the hard way
could fill a book. And even now I am still
learning and I always want to find a better
way of doing things.”
Thompson is committed to helping
give back to the community he serves.
Mad Laboratory routinely seeks different
opportunities to participate in local charity
events for organizations such as Easter
Seals, YVR For Kids and Canuck Place
Children’s Hospice. In addition, the distillery
also enjoys sponsoring a number of cultural
and local artists’ events.
Looking ahead, the distillery remains
wholly focused on promoting and growing
its brand, as well as striving to everimprove
the quality of the products it
creates. Thompson knows that when he
can provide someone an opportunity to
sample his spirits, they will – more often
than not – end up loving them. As part of
his long-term plans, Thompson hopes to
max out his production and maybe secure
additional storage space to produce even
greater volumes.
“But the biggest thing that we are
building towards is our whisky program,”
said Thompson. “So, of course, we are
counting down the days until our Single
Malt Whisky is released on Nov. 3, 2021.
We have started with as many barrels
as we can fit into our limited space and,
in the future, I would love to be known
for being one of Canada’s top single
malt whiskies.”
Mad Laboratory will be introducing
a number of additional products soon,
including the newest flavour of its popular
Kombucha Cordial, Black Cherry Vanilla.
The distillery will also be releasing a new,
lightly-oaked version of its white single
malt, Restless Spirit.
“The best part of owning my own
distillery is creating; not just making, but
creating,” said Thompson. “I am able to
build the specifics of our processes, equipment,
recipes, branding and culture from
the ground up, and can be involved with
every minute detail. At times it can be a
lot to handle, but when someone tries one
of our spirits for the first time, watching
their face light up is extremely rewarding,
particularly when they recognize the love
and care that went into crafting it.”
Mad Laboratory spirits are distributed
at many private liquor stores across
British Columbia, and a comprehensive
list of its products can be found at
www.madlabdistilling.com/products.
Photos courtesy of Mad Laboratory Distilling
“It was gratifying
to have a panel of
experts validate
that we are truly
producing fantastic
products.”
– Scott Thompson, Mad Laboratory Distilling
WINTER 2020 § POURED CANADA § 13
/products
