Charlene Rooke, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructor for the next three seminars, guided us through a captivating exploration of the world of craft spirits. Her passion for the subject was evident as she delved into the intricate details of what defines a craft spirit. According to her, it’s not just about the end product but also the meticulous process and commitment to authenticity that truly sets craft distillers apart.
In our first seminar, titled “BC Craft Gin: A Taste of the West Coast,” Charlene introduced us to the innovative and diverse world of British Columbia distilleries. These distilleries have been reinventing gin by using unique botanicals sourced from the region, ranging from Vancouver Island truffles and seaweed to the leaves, barks, and berries of the lush rainforest. Some craft distilleries adhere to the traditional London Dry style, while others push the boundaries with New Western Gin, resulting in a fascinating spectrum of colors and flavors.
As Charlene presented the tasting lineup, she emphasized the importance of supporting local craft distillers who adhere to specific rules, ensuring the authenticity and quality of their products. These rules included using only BC grain, fruit, and produce for fermentation, on-site fermentation and distillation using traditional methods, and the absence of additives, preservatives, or artificial flavours. Furthermore, craft distilleries must not employ neutral grain spirits (NGS) and their total annual production cannot exceed 100,000 litres per year, as per the Craft Distillers Guide of British Columbia—a seal of authenticity we should all look for.
Throughout the seminar, we had the pleasure of tasting a variety of BC craft gins, each with its own distinct character:
- CopperPenny Distilling Gin 006: Notable for its minerality and collaboration with Fanny Bay Oyster, this gin offered refreshing lemon and citrus notes with a hint of sage.
- Wayward Bee Champion Gin: This gin presented a floral bouquet with softer, spruce tips, and juicy evergreen notes. Its silky texture and spicier clove hints made it a delightful choice.
- Sons of Vancouver Junicopia: Exhibiting woodsy notes and a bone-dry profile, this gin showcased a unique character.
- Shelter Point Saratoga Sands iGin: With oak aging, toffee, spiced, mulberry, and orange blossom peel, this gin evoked memories of sarsaparilla and root beer with a touch of vanilla.
- Endeavour Gin: This gin had a grainy yeasty quality and offered fruity notes of apricot, pear, and apple.
- Antidote Distilling Black Truffle Gin: A standout favorite for many, this gin was truffle-infused and exuded floral and citrusy notes. Its transformation to purple with the addition of water added to its allure.
- Empress Elderflower Gin: Infused with elderflower, this gin had intriguing hints of spice, white pepper, and ginger, making it an aromatic and flavorful choice.
- Salal Gin: With a sweet and syrupy profile, this gin provided a unique tasting experience.
Charlene’s guidance and expertise enriched our understanding of BC craft gin and its fascinating evolution. Her recommendations for Montis Distilling, RainCity Distillery, and Pemberton Distillery further emphasized the importance of exploring local craft distilleries in Pemberton, Squamish, and Whistler, enhancing our appreciation for the rich and diverse world of craft spirits.
