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Here are the show notes for Part 2 on our series on Craft Distilling in BC and here on the island. There is a lot to cover so let’s dive right in and listen to what our Spirits/Cocktail expert Shawn Soole has to say.

Link To Podcast

Segment 1 ~ What Makes a Craft Distillery a Craft Distillery

There continues to be a lot of debate as to what can be referred to as Craft. The same level of debate happens within the brewing business.

The key thing is to separate the marketing function of the word craft from the the legal definition.

In B.C. to be considered a craft distillery the distillery must produce less than 50,000 litres of spirit and they can not use what is called Neutral Grain Spirit (NSG). They must distill their own NSG.

Segment 2 ~ Craft Vodka

Vodka is usually the first thing that a distillery will make because it is the easiest. There are no ageing requirements.

For years what was most desirable about Vodka was neutrality, which lead to Vodka becoming more of commodity where the only differentiator was the brand and price. Craft Vodka in BC is changing that and provides a sense of terroir.

Shawn’s Recommended Craft Vodkas (coming soon)

1. Sheringham Vodka ~ $45-$50

 

2. Unruly Vodka ~ $45-$50

 

3. Liberty Truth Vodka ~ $54-$60

 

Segment 3 ~ Craft Gin

So what makes a Gin a Gin. The only single element that is required is Juniper berry. After that the list of botanicals can include anything.

Gin is becoming the hot spirit because of the diversity. We are blessed, here on the coast, to have such a phenomenal array for Gins produced right here on the island.

Shawn’s Recommended Craft Gins (coming soon).

1. Stump Gin ~ $50

2. Arbutus Empiric Gin ~ $43

3. Juniperus Lupulus ~ $45-$50

4. Ampersand Gin ~ $44-$47

Segment 4 ~ What is the Future and Where Can I Find Local Craft Cocktails

It may be a cliché but the future is indeed bright. There is a great deal of interest in locally produced spirits and that is only set to grow. Look for more and more space on the retail space and back bar given to locally made spirits.

If you want to find some great cocktail lists featuring locally made Craft Spirits head to Olo Restaurant, Clive’s Classic Lounge, Veneto, The Guild and Sooke Harbour House.

Best Buy of The Week – Three Winds 2009 Grenache

Rare is putting it mildly. Wines at this price point are made for consumption within a few years of release so to find a 2009 that was still fresh, alive and delicious is very special.

Cheers

the Dork UnCorked

Tagged: CFAX1070, Craft Distilling, Craft Gin, Craft Vodka, Dork UnCorked Radio, Shawn Soole, What Does Craft Distilling Mean?