In Charlene Rooke’s illuminating seminar titled “Whisky from BC to the World,” held at the Whistler Conference Centre, we embarked on an extraordinary journey through British Columbia’s flourishing whisky scene. The seminar highlighted the remarkable diversity of whisky styles being produced in BC, ranging from smooth triple-distilled Irish-style drams to single malts reminiscent of Scotland and corn whisky with bourbon-like qualities.

What made this seminar particularly fascinating was the exploration of grains, both ancient and modern, including unique Canadian wheat-rye hybrid grain, triticale. Charlene’s expertise guided us as we delved into the world of BC whisky, gaining insights into its production and tasting profiles.

Here are some tasting notes and impressions from the seminar:

  1. Kazoo Whisky: This whisky, with a fantastic origin story, impressed with its bold and easily drinkable nature. Notably, it offered a creamy texture on the palate.
  2. Ancient Grain Whisky: Featuring a wonderful bouquet of flavors, this whisky showcased the diversity of BC grains not typically used in whisky production. Its aromatic nose left a lasting impression.
  3. Boneyard Whisky: Potent and slightly peaty, this whisky was a delightful experience on the tongue. Its complexity, stemming from a blend of many batches, offered a fun and dynamic flavor profile.
  4. Mad Laboratory Single Malt: Described as a “BC Scotch,” this whisky was wonderfully peaty and well-balanced. Its award-winning status was evident in its rich and pleasing character.
  5. Arbutus Distillery Rye: This BC Rye, made exclusively from rye, was praised for its smooth, naturally sweet, and highly approachable taste. We also learned about the history of Canadian Rye and Arbutus Distillery’s commitment to producing a pure product.
  6. Bearface Wilderness Series 2: This whisky, with its complex and “woodsy” character, left a strong impression. It featured thick forest flavors, peatiness, and delightful aromas reminiscent of wild mushrooms, leaving attendees curious about the even rarer Series 1.
  7. Shelter Point Smoke Point: A whisky with a unique profile due to its distinct distilling method, it featured a commanding aroma with spicy and smoky notes. It offered a fun and captivating drinking experience on its own.

Charlene Rooke’s seminar allowed us to explore the rich tapestry of BC whisky, from its diverse styles to its innovative use of grains. It was a journey that deepened our appreciation for the craft and artistry behind each bottle, leaving us eager to explore more of the future icons of the small-batch whisky industry in British Columbia.