Here at The Alchemist, we think it’s time to look forward rather than back; to be hopeful rather than anxious; to raise a glass to the good rather than drink to forget the bad. So the Fall/Winter 2021 issue is all about our bright, sunny future.

Let’s start with an announcement: The Alchemist magazine is thrilled to present Vancouver Cocktail Week from March 6 to 10, 2022. Expect parties, seminars, our Cinq à Sept series and much more. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meanwhile, in this issue, we look at cocktail trends, meet some of Vancouver’s hottest rising bar stars, taste a trio of classic cocktails that make us want to get out of town, and introduce our new writer, YVR Barfly, a cocktail expert who prefers to explore the city’s bar scene incognito. 

Also: In Still Life, Charlene Rooke investigates B.C.’s “third wave” distilling, which is all about capturing our terroir in the bottle. Home Bar columnist Matthew Benevoli shows us how to make a West Coast-influenced spiced rum, perfect for all your holiday eggnog needs. Our Tasting Panel shares their favourite boozy gifts for under $100, and in Moment of Proof, Michael White meets Beam-Suntory’s bourbon ambassador, Ray Daniel. 

Find The Alchemist in select distilleries and independent liquor stores across B.C. Or make sure you never miss an issue, and subscribe right here.