Getting to Know: Gillespie’s Fine Spirits

Gillespie’s mantra is LOCAL AWESOME BOOZE! They handcraft their artisan spirits and cocktail accompaniments using BC grains and fruits in their distillery in Squamish. At market you can buy their vodka, gin, lemoncello, and Boozewitch shrubs. ‘What are shrubs?’ you might be wondering. Well, we had the same question! Kelly from Gillespie’s was kind enough to give us more information about shrubs and about her family business.

What is a Shrub?

Shrub is another name for a sipping vinegar or drinking vinegar. We like to call it a flavour enhancer. It is a way of preserving fruit used since the colonial era. Ours are bright and lively as they don’t have the cooking step and are made with our signature long ferment apple cider vinegar. They can be used in soda water (great for soda stream lovers), in cocktails, and a myriad of culinary purposes. Reduce sugar and enhance flavour!

Why do you participate in markets? Why are they important for you and the public?

Markets are a fantastic way for us to reach our clients directly. When you see our products on the shelves at shops, we don’t get the opportunity to jump out of the bottle and tell you a bit about us, why we do what we do and how to use our products. Local is the new exotic. Buying locally is such an amazing experience. And keeps our dollars in our community. I like to think that every dollar is a vote for what you believe in and if supporting local families, makers, bakers and growers is important to you, then the market is the single best way to make that happen.

What are some of the things customers may not know about you or your business?

We are literally a family business made up of myself (Kelly) and my partner in life (John). He makes it and I sell it. John was born in Saskatchewan but grew up in Scotland. He is the handiest person I know. He was trained as a mechanic and all of our equipment was custom built by him, having been repurposed from other food industries. That man works really hard and often long into the night. Add to that our almost 2 year old son, life and business is pretty intense when you’ve got to get up and be at a market early squirrelly!

We won the Squamish Green Business award for our green efforts and our spirits are award winning and appreciated by industry professionals and the public alike.

In addition to being an award winning cocktail maker, teacher and drink consultant, I am also a yoga teacher and an actress so keep your eyes peeled for me on the tube!

Why is buying local important?

Buying local changes the world. from an environmental stand point, to your health, to the world economy, to the health and wealth of your community. The more we can localize and support innovators and people who want to bring their beauty, talents and gifts to the world, the better we will all be. It takes great courage to build a product, apply for markets and show up with your banner up and put your stuff in front of people. Tremendous vulnerability and courage. Encouraging those people changes the very fabric of where we live. Never mind those farmers – Did you eat today? Thank a farmer!

Sunday December 3

It’s the first market of December! It’s a month full of good food, family, friends, and community. We’ve got what you need for wholesome holiday meals or the perfect gift for a loved one on your list. Be sure to make a visit to the market part of your weekly plan this month!

Stay warm with some delicious hot food and drink options this Sunday. This Little Piggy and Island Time Food Truck will be on-site serving up delicious meals, and Brewnetti will be serving up hot coffee.

Kids! Stop by our Kids Craft Table to make a pair of paper mittens. Decorate yours with shiny sequins, fuzzy pom-poms, or create your own design with markers.

We’re happy to have the always entertaining Barry Wilson as our musician this week. Barry plays a little of everything from rock, folk, country and more! Stop by and give him a listen.

                                                                 Vendors for Sunday, December 3

Sunday November 26

It’s Members Day this Sunday! Members can shop great vendor specials to stock up on their favorites. Not a Market Member? Click Here to find out more and and sign up!

Sunday’s Member-Only Deals:
Chef Pieter: 3 dips for $25
Gesundheit Bakery: $1 off a purchase of $5 or more
Gillespie’s Fine Spirits: Boozewitch Shrubs – 2 for $30
Kizzy’s Macarons: 1 FREE macaron with purchase of 5 or more
Nutrigreens: 20% off
Red Barn Plants & Produce: Delicata Squash – 4 for $5

This Sunday is also our first workshop of the season. In this workshop, Master Gardener Lori Greyell will teach you how to do a soil analysis in your garden, and how to amend your soil for optimal growing. Participants will bring a soil sample from their home to be tested in the class.

Sign up for the 10:30am workshop HERE
Sign up for the 12:00pm workshop HERE

Kids! Visit our craft table this Sunday to make a cute clothespin snowman. Complete with fuzzy nose and scarf, he will be a great addition to your holiday decorating.

Ranj Singh is our musician this week! His mix of Popular music and Indo-Canadian vibes have become a favorite at our market!

Vendors for Sunday, November 26

Sunday November 19

Join us for a great market this Sunday with local produce, baked goods, artisan creations, and more! 

Come hungry and grab breakfast or lunch at Kampong-Taste of Malaysia or Island Time Food Truck. And, we’re welcoming Green Coast Coffee back to the Port Moody market with his delicious nitro-brewed coffee.

Kids! Visit our kids craft table to make a fun cupcake liner octopus! Choose from different colors and patterns to make a unique friend to take home with you.

We’re excited to welcome Cade Knudson to market for the first time as our musician this week! Come check out his cool bluesy jazz vibe!

List of Vendors for Sunday, November 19

Sunday November 12

Thanks to everyone who came out to make our Opening Day so great! The fantastic vendors and products keep going all season! Be sure to keep checking in with us each week to see your favorite vendors, and your new favorites, too!

Hunger Management and This Little Piggy will be our food trucks this week. And don’t forget to pick up a delicious, hot coffee from Brewnetti!

Kids! Visit our kids craft table to make a poppy. You can create one that is wearable, or just for display, but a beautiful tribute either way!

This week’s musician is Larry’s Brother. Steve of Larry’s Brother always provides us with some great up-beat tunes to keep us tapping our toes at market!

Vendor List for Sunday, November 12