From amaretto to whisky, BC Distilled returns to Vancouver, April 9
Local producers put the art in artisanal distilling
BC Distilled takes place April 9 at the Croatian Cultural Centre.
YOU CAN’T DENY the West Coast is spirited, and for proof, look no further than BC Distilled. The largest spirits event of its kind in Canada, it focuses exclusively on local artisanal distilleries.
It all started in 2014 in response to the growing number of craft distilleries here. After a two-year pandemic pause, the fest has some 30-plus distillers and exhibitors onboard this time out.
Participating pourers include Ampersand Distilling Company, Fernie Distillers, Indigenous World Spirits, Lavish Liquid, Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery, Odd Society Spirits, Resurrection Spirits, Sons of Vancouver Distillery, Tumbleweed Spirits, and Wayward Distillery—producers who put the art in artisanal distilling.
On April 9, BC Distilled will host two smaller-capacity public tasting sessions to keep the space less crowded than in the past and put distillers, volunteers, and guests at more ease. The afternoon tasting is from 3 to 5:30 pm; the evening session runs from 6:30 to 9 pm. (If that’s not enough, BC Distilled has a partnership with Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), meaning there will be dogs and puppies on-site as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 draw to support the organization.)
“We are overjoyed to be returning after two years off,” fest founder Alex Hamer said in a release. “The event will be a little smaller, a little quieter, with several new distilleries and lots of new spirits for people to try. BC Distilled brings together our province’s great community of distillers and spirit fans, and I know we’re all looking forward to getting together after this long break.”
There are satellite events, too. The BC Whisky Tasting hosted by Davin de Kergommeaux, recognized as the world expert on Canadian whisky, takes place April 6 at North Vancouver’s Copperpenny Distillery. Each attendee will get a signed copy of The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries (co-written with Blair Phillips).
On April 8, Forage Restaurant hosts the fourth annual Distillers Dinner. Executive Chef Welbert Choi will feature five cocktail and spirit samples from BC distilleries, paired with five terroir-based courses. An optional cocktail reception preceding the dinner will be hosted at next door’s BeSide, with a sixth distillery providing cocktails.
More information is at BC Distilled.
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