In Charlene Rooke’s engaging seminar titled “ABC’s of BC Spirits – From Amaro to Vodka” at the Whistler Conference Centre, we embarked on a captivating journey through British Columbia’s vibrant world of craft spirits. It quickly became apparent that BC’s small-batch distillers are at the forefront of innovation, expertly adapting global spirit styles to their local terroir.

Throughout the seminar, Charlene introduced us to an array of spirits that showcased the diversity and ingenuity of BC distilleries. From Okanagan fruit brandies reminiscent of Eastern Europe to a smoked vodka that conjured images of a beach campfire, from Scotch-style single malt whisky to rum crafted from local honey, the range of spirits produced in BC was nothing short of remarkable.

Charlene also shared valuable insights on how to stock an entire bar using only BC components, offering the potential for crafting truly unique and authentic craft cocktails. It was a testament to the creativity and dedication of BC’s craft distillers.

Here are some tasting notes from the seminar:

  1. Antidote Distilling Black Truffle Vodka: Opulent and rich in flavor, this vodka offered a luxurious and indulgent tasting experience.
  2. Sons of Vancouver Quadruple Sec: Bursting with the vibrant essence of oranges, this spirit delivered a delightful punch of bitter orange oil.
  3. Fernie Distillers Fernie Fog: Owned by a woman and an engineer, this spirit had intriguing notes of bergamot, earl grey tea liqueur, and vanilla. A standout favorite, it was described as tasting like a soothing cup of Earl Grey tea.
  4. Wayward Distillery Krupnik: Spiced with clove and honeycomb, this spirit was recommended as a fantastic addition to apple cider.
  5. The Woods Spirit Co. Nocino: This spirit featured the rich flavors of walnuts and clove, offering a unique and aromatic profile.
  6. Odd Society Spirits Mia Amata Amaro: A complex amaro with notes of frankincense, myrrh, plum, elderflower, nuts, and mint, providing a symphony of flavors.
  7. Mad Laboratory Maple Bacon Schnapps: This spirit had distinct smoky and bacon fat notes, making it an intriguing choice for mixing. It was suggested that it pairs well with Irish whiskey, creating a flavorful combination reminiscent of a maple bacon old-fashioned cocktail.

Charlene’s expertise and passion for BC spirits shone through in this seminar, giving us a deeper appreciation for the craft and innovation happening in the local distillery scene. The tasting notes and insights shared during the event left us with a newfound enthusiasm for exploring and savoring the world of BC craft spirits.