Our Story

A little known story led us to big things

Craft Spirits That Celebrate Golden

Established in Golden, BC, the Stolen Bell Distillery was built with a clear purpose – to produce craft spirits that celebrate the stories which define our cherished region.

In particular, our founding story speaks to the determination and grit that completed the Rogers Pass, connecting not just a railway, but a country. With respect for the past and an eye on the future, we handcraft spirits that capture the essence of our community.

Dedication To Our Craft

Our promise is simple: we'll never compromise on quality. Every drop in our bottles is a testament to the dedication we have to our craft, our community, and our shared heritage. Blending tradition with innovation, we preserve the character of our region while crafting timeless spirits that stand as tributes to the legends of our area.

Join us in raising a glass to the past, present, and future - to the stories that inspire us, the promise of quality we uphold, and the timeless traditions we honour.

The Team

STEPH THORNTON

STEPH THORNTON

General Manager

Steph Thornton moved from Western Australia to Canada in 2018 and fell in love with Golden, BC. With extensive hospitality experience across bars, restaurants, and lodges, Steph joined Stolen Bell in 2024 as Lounge General Manager. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where community stories thrive, and she feels proud to contribute to Golden's vibrant hospitality scene.

WES ROUTLEY

WES ROUTLEY

Sales Manager

Golden local Wesley Routley brings engineering, mathematics, and nonprofit expertise to Stolen Bell. He focuses on back-end systems, ensuring resilience and sustainability while supporting BC’s agricultural sector. Passionate about the community’s circular economy, Wesley values craft distilleries’ roles in strengthening local industries. His hobbies, like nordic skiing and cycling, connect him deeply to the region he proudly serves.

EVAN CRONSHAW

EVAN CRONSHAW

Head Distiller

With nearly 15 years of brewing experience and a 5th class power engineer ticket, Evan Cronshaw transitioned seamlessly into distilling. He values collaboration and innovation within the team and takes pride in assembling the distillery’s still without incident. Outside work, Evan’s hobbies, including cooking and brewing beer, inspire his creative approach to designing spirits at Stolen Bell.

Rupert Michell

Rupert Michell

Founder

Originally from Australia, Rupert Michell pursued his passion for skiing and discovered Golden, BC, where he founded Stolen Bell Distillery. Despite limited distilling experience, Rupert immersed himself in learning the craft, completing courses, and gathering industry insights to bring the company to life. Passionate about product development and marketing, he strives to create memorable experiences through exceptional spirits, a welcoming atmosphere, and community-focused innovation.