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The Woods Spirit Co – A Bittersweet Farewell to Barrel-Aged Nocino

This autumn marks the end of an era for The Woods Spirit Co. as the North Vancouver distillery announces the final release of its award-winning Barrel-Aged Nocino. Known for its depth, complexity, and story, this liqueur has become a cult favourite among spirit aficionados. The 2025 vintage — crafted with green walnuts harvested from the Okanagan — will be the last of its kind, available starting October 1.

The Woods Spirit Co Line-up / Photo: Adam Dewar

For The Woods team, the end of this chapter reflects more than a change in production — it is a moment of reverence. The combination of shifting climate conditions and two consecutive years without fruiting walnut trees has made the cherished summer solstice harvests in Summerland unsustainable. Each green walnut was hand-picked before hardening, lending the Nocino its spiced-citrus perfume, layered with notes of pine, bay leaf, and a whisper of bittersweet warmth. This distinctive balance led to national recognition in 2023 when the liqueur earned Best Liqueur in Canada at the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition.

Embracing Change With Grace

“Making Nocino has always been one of Woods’ most meaningful traditions,” shares owner Celia Chiang. “Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but it reminds us to adapt, to celebrate the fleeting beauty of what we create, and to savour each moment as it comes.”

The Woods’ story has always been one of evolution — and this year, it continues with two exceptional new releases that showcase the distillery’s inventive spirit and deep respect for craft.

Two New Chapters Uncorked

The Vintage 2025 Barrel-Aged Amaro, winner of Gold with Distinction at the 2024 CASC Awards, matures for up to 18 months in ex-bourbon barrels. Its complexity unfolds in waves of vanilla, grapefruit zest, dark fruit, and gentle woody bitterness — an elegant choice for sipping neat, over ice, or in a Boulevardier as winter draws near.

The Crema Nocciola (Hazelnut Cream Liqueur) — awarded Gold at Sip Magazine’s Best of the Northwest 2024 — brings indulgence with integrity. Made with locally grown Abbotsford hazelnuts, Moja Coffee distillate, and Canadian oat milk, it redefines the modern cream liqueur with a plant-based twist that is as rich as it is sustainable.

A Toast To The Woods

This final Nocino release stands as a tribute to craft, community, and the beauty of impermanence. Each small-batch bottle is available exclusively through thewoodsspiritco.com for distillery pick-up or delivery. Raise a glass to The Woods Spirit Co. — where tradition meets transformation, and every sip tells a story worth savouring.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].