D I S T I L L E R Y P R O F I L E
A Twist on the
Traditional for
BIG FLAVOUR
Mad Laboratory Distilling is proving that size does
not matter when it comes to distilling some of the best
spirits found along the West Coast
By Paul Adair
Located in south Vancouver near the Fraser River, Mad Laboratory Distilling is one of the
smallest distilleries in British Columbia, focusing on small batch craft spirits made with
local ingredients and a blend of both traditional and creative solutions. The distillery is the
culmination of a long-time dream of its founder and distiller, Scott Thompson, a self-described
‘mad scientist’ with over 15 years of distilling experience along with an equal amount of time
employed in the hospitality industry.
“I have worked in this industry since I was 19, first starting off as a busser, before moving into
bartending and then into management at a small dive bar in West Vancouver,” said Thompson.
“This is where my love for the liquor industry took hold of me and I was constantly reading to try
and learn more about cocktails, craft beer and – specifically – spirits.”
Thompson’s first inkling to strike out on his own came when the liquor laws in British
Columbia relaxed and were changed to allow its small craft distilling industry to become successful
more easily. When this happened, he immediately started putting together rough plans, followed
up with a business plan and, after no small amount of blood, sweat and tears, was granted
a license in 2015.
“It was a long and arduous journey to the eventual opening and operation of our Lab,” said
Thompson. “With a tremendous amount of support from our friends and family, we managed to
get our logo and label designed, built our still, installed the fermentation tanks, upgraded the fire
suppression system, as well as our facility’s drainage and ventilation systems and then had plans
drawn, re-drawn and re-drawn again. And everything came together to bring us to where we find
ourselves today; producing a fantastic spirit that we can be very proud of, and hope to continue
producing long into the future.”
For the most part, Mad Laboratory operates as a one-person operation with Thompson primarily
performing all of the distilling himself. The distillery currently has about 1,000 square feet
of production floor space and employs a single part-time employee, as well as a few volunteers
who come in from time to time to help. While the distillery also has a 400 square-foot tasting
room on site, this particular space has not been opened to the public as Thompson is often the
only person on site.
WINTER 2020 § POURED CANADA § 11