Vancouver Island’s Best Coast Distillers is paying tribute to one of British Columbia’s greatest firefighting icons with a limited WildFire Whisky label honouring the legendary Martin Mars Bomber.
For over half a century, the massive red-and-white Mars aircraft fought wildfires across the province, dropping up to 27,000 litres of water in a single pass and earning a reputation as one of the most powerful firefighting tools in the world. Based for decades at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, the Mars became a symbol of BC’s resilience — a familiar sight in smoky skies each summer.
Two Mars bombers once called Vancouver Island home: the Hawaii Mars, now retired to the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich, and its sister ship, the Philippine Mars, which now resides in Arizona. When the Hawaii Mars made its final landing in Pat Bay, crowds lined the shoreline to witness history, cheering as the legendary aircraft touched down one last time.
Now, just five minutes from Best Coast’s distillery, the Hawaii Mars sits proudly on display — a lasting testament to courage, craftsmanship, and community.
“WildFire Whisky was created to celebrate that same spirit — strength in the face of adversity, and the power of people coming together,” says Best Coast co-founder Corey Wood. “Honouring the Mars Bomber felt like a natural fit. It’s a BC hero that deserves to be remembered.”
A portion of the proceeds from this limited WildFire release will go directly toward supporting the restoration of the Martin Mars Bomber at the BC
Aviation Museum, helping preserve this piece of Canadian history for generations to come.
Community giving is at the heart of Best Coast’s mission. Other WildFire Whisky labels proudly support the Victoria Firefighters Charitable Foundation, helping fund initiatives that protect and strengthen communities across Vancouver Island.
With its smooth vanilla and a balanced cinnamon finish, WildFire Whisky captures the heat and heart of the West Coast. And this winter, the new Mars Bomber label offers a unique Christmas gift idea — a limited-edition bottle that not only tastes great but also supports two worthy causes close to home.
WildFire Whisky featuring the Martin Mars Bomber label will be available in Nov in select BC liquor stores and online at bestcoastdistillers.com — but only while supplies last.
