Fans of local artisan distilleries can celebrate! One of their favourite events of the year is fast approaching.
The quality and variety of spirits made in BC are increasing exponentially. Here’s your chance to sample many of these excellent products.
On Saturday, April 4, 2020, the 7th annual BC Distilled takes places at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive). The Trade Tasting will take place from 2pm to 4:30pm and the Public one from 6pm to 9pm.The event, the largest in the nation, showcases local artisan distilleries. Attendees will be able to sample products from 40 BC artisan distilleries, including:
Tofino Distillery: “Taste the Spirit of the West Coast” with this distillery. Their products include small batch vodka that’s been precision-filtered, as well as rose hibiscus gin, which is perfect for cocktails.
Devine Spirits: Located on the Saanich peninsula, this distillery specializes in handcrafted, small batch spirits, using BC ingredients. Their products include Glen Saanich, a single malt whisky aged in once-used Bourbon barrels, and Genever Gin, an original Dutch-style gin.
Look out for other exciting participants, such as Alchemist Distiller, Fermentorium Distilling Co., Misguided Spirits, Sheringham Distillery Ltd., and The Liberty Distillery.
If you want to take home any items you sample, be sure to visit the selection at the pop-up Legacy Liquor shop. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 draw in support of Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), who will have super cute dogs and puppies in attendance at the event.
In the lead-up to the main event, there are two other evenings planned. On April 1, 2020, Davin de Kergommeaux, a world expert on Canadian whisky, will be hosting a BC Whisky Tasting at the Beaumont Studios (326 West 5thAvenue). He’ll also be launching his new book, The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries (co-written with Blair Phillips). Signed copies will sell for $14.99 versus $32 retail elsewhere. Attendees will be able to sample from a minimum of 8 whiskies, such as Odd Society’s Blender’s Release, as well as munch on appetizers, like beef brisket sliders, from Whiskey Six BBQ.
On April 3, 2020, Forage (1300 Robson Street) will be the location for the 4th annual Distillers Dinner. Expect a 6-course dinner highlighting local ingredients, paired with cocktail and spirits from BC distilleries. The dinner is sold out, unfortunately, but a wait list is available.
Photo Credit: Leila Kwok
More info and tickets ($69.99 plus tax and processing fee) can be found on-line. Note: BC Distilled has issued a statement in relation to precautions to be taken with regards to COVID-19.
