A new vodka and gin distillery has opened right next to a law firm in Richmond, and it's no coincidence.
Deep Blue Distilleries is co-owned by Kyla Lee, a criminal lawyer at Acumen Law, along with co-worker Paul Doroshenko.
Lee told the Richmond News they decided to open up a distillery when the unit next to their law office became available for lease around 2018, and they began renovations almost immediately.
“It’s been just a marathon to get this going, just between all of the permitting and the renovations,” said Lee.
During renovations, the building code changed, forcing them to redo some of the work to meet the new requirements from the City of Richmond and Richmond Fire-Rescue.
Once inspections were completed, the distillery imported a gin still from Spain and a vodka still from Hungary.
After the stills arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Their contract with the manufacturer included flying in experts from Hungary to set up the equipment and teach them how to use it, but travel restrictions stalled this process.
“We couldn’t fly them out, and we were stalled for quite a period of time, just until the travel restrictions opened up to bring them here and do all of the setup and get that going,” Lee explained.
When asked why she decided to open a distillery, Lee said she’s always been interested in different drinks and cocktails.
“I like flavours and mixing things and I was just kind of interested in it from sort of that angle,” she said.
Doroshenko, on the other hand, has a long family history of distilling in Alberta, according to Lee.
Métis heritage influences name choice
Lee wanted to honour her Métis heritage and legacy in the name of one of their products, Nookum gin.
Nookum, which means “my grandmother” in Métis and Cree, is a tribute to the strong, resilient women who have passed down their wisdom, culture and traditions through generations, according to Deep Blue Distilleries’ website.
Deep Blue’s other product is Charm Vodka.
While the distillery is still waiting for a lounge permit to offer a full cocktail menu, they are open for tours, limited tasting under liquor regulations and have bottles for purchase.
The distillery is managed by staff and the chief distiller, while Lee and Doroshenko are involved in operations behind the scenes.
Deep Blue Distillers is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 5800 Cedarbridge Way.
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