Whether it’s sweet, vanilla-scented bourbon, spicy rye or smoky peated malt, we love whisky, the “water of life” that transforms humble grains into sophisticated spirits. And one of the best places to sample whisky of all sorts—and the drinks in which it shines—is at the third annual Vancouver Cocktail Week, March 3 to 10.
Sip, sample and learn about whisky at these events.
If you love scotch:
Scotch and Charcuterie Pairing at Bartholomew
March 5, 4 to 6 p.m.
Explore the different whisky regions of Scotland, tasting iconic single malts along with complementary charcuterie and cheese pairings.
Scotch Whisky Dinner at L’Abattoir
March 7, 6 to 10 p.m.
Refined flavours are on the table when L’Abattoir joins forces with global leader in premium spirits, Diageo, to showcase the relationship between Scotch whisky and cuisine. A five-course dinner will be paired with single malts, blended whiskies and cocktails selected by Diageo’s whisky connoisseur.
Spirited Women
Friday, March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate International Women’s Day with like-minded spirits. Dive into the world of Scotch whisky and learn about the important roles women have played in its past and shaping its future. Enjoy over cocktails and tacos.
If bourbon is your jam:
Old Bourbon, Modern Cuisine at Glowbal
March 5, 7 p.m.
This four-course dinner of North American cuisine is paired with cocktails made with Old Forester, America’s original bottled bourbon. Guided by Joel Virginillo, Brown-Forman Reserve Spirits & Scotch Specialist, guests sip and sample their way through the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company before, during and after Prohibition.
If you prefer your whisky with a Canadian accent:
Whisky Den at Clough Club
March 6, 6 to 10 p.m.
Settle in for a night of whisky exploration, eh? A Canadian whisky ambassador will lead guest through a tasting of whisky expressions, an educational blending session and a cocktail-paired tasting menu.
If you’re intrigued by Japanese whisky:
An Evening with Nikka at PiDGiN
March 6, 6 to 9 p.m.
The Michelin-recommended restaurant serves up a five-course menu of its Asian-influenced Pacific Northwest cuisine, paired with Nikka Whisky cocktails. Even better? Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Naoki Tomoyoshi, international business development representative for Nikka Whisky, who will discuss these elegant spirits and share insights into the art of crafting exceptional cocktails.
An Omakase Experience with Kujira at Ama
March 6, three seatings—5, 7 and 9 p.m.
Chef Takuya Motohashi and bar manager Troy Resch take guests on a two-hour culinary adventure with a (mostly) raw omakase experience, its multiple courses thoughtfully paired with mini Kujira whisky-based cocktails.
Flights & Bites with Shinobu at Clough Club
March 7, two happy hour seatings—4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.
This one-night pop-up features a flight of three mini Shinobu whisky-based cocktails along with an array of perfectly paired small plates. Additional cocktails and snacks will be available to order—this is the perfect pitstop before dinner or after work!
If you’d like to say hi to rye:
The Resurrection of Rye: Distillery Tour & Cocktail Tasting at Resurrection Spirits
March 6, two seatings—6:30 and 8 p.m.
Resurrection Spirits uses 100 per cent B.C. rye grain to handcraft whisky, gin and vodka. Come learn about how rye transforms into this diverse array of spirits, them enjoy a sampling of three seasonal cocktails at the tasting lounge.
Finally, all these great whiskies and so much more will be poured at the Green Garden Gala on March 9 at the Sutton Place Hotel, and that is one event no cocktail—or whisky—lover will want to miss.
Tickets for seminars, dinners, neighbourhood crawls, drag shows, the opening brunch, the closing gala and all other events at Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist, March 3 to 10, 2024, are now on sale. For tickets, information on the unticketed Cinq à Sept series of happy hours or the Vancouver Cocktail Week 2024 program guide, visit thealchemistmagazine.ca/vcw/. A print version of the program guide is also available at bars, restaurants and private liquor retailers around Vancouver.
