These educational events feature a combination of sessions for industry and consumers.
There is serious education and training that goes into every cocktail. Learn about spirits, their history, cocktail techniques and more from some of Canada’s greatest experts in the field. Note that some seminars are designed for industry professionals only, while others are open to everyone.
Check back often as more events will be added in the coming weeks.
Sunday, March 5
The Impossible to Tell (Mostly) True History of Citrus
Copperpenny Distilling Co.
103 – 288 East Esplanade
7 pm
Citrus is an indispensable component of craft bartending. Imbibe five distinct cocktails as you discover everything you need to know about citrus fruits, their uses and great stories of the evolution of cocktail culture from acclaimed bartenders Tarquin Melnyk and Robyn Gray. A must-attend event for cocktail enthusiast and professional bartenders alike, set in the stunning space of North Vancouver’s Copperpenny Distilling Co.
Monday, March 6
Classic Cocktail Master Class and Workshop
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
67 West 6th Avenue
3 to 4 pm
Learn the classic cocktail serves and about what’s #trending from Diageo World Class bartenders.
Tuesday, March 7
Coffee Cocktails Master Class
Their There
2042 West 4th Avenue
5 to 8 pm
Led by Diageo World Class bartenders, learn how to make and enjoy delicious coffee cocktails using Ketel One vodka, Roe & Co Irish whiskey and Don Julio tequila while you indulge in Their There’s famous Mochi donuts.
Nikka Whisky Master Class
Taste of Legacy
1627 Manitoba Street
6 to 8 pm
When Aeneas Coffey invented the Coffey Column Still in 1831, it was a revolutionary distillation process which improved the purity of the spirit and cut costs to the product. Nikka’s Coffey-type column stills are among the last few remaining “older style” column stills in the world. They are renowned for the unique character they impart to the distilled spirit. Join us this evening as we talk all things Coffey while sampling a selection of new make spirits and compare conventional column still distillate to Coffey Still. Featured is the Nikka Coffey Spirit range, which will be showcased throughout this year’s Vancouver Cocktail Week. A small food pairing will be provided to taste with each spirit.
Wednesday, March 8
No & Low Alcohol Cocktails & Canapés
Botanist Restaurant
1038 Canada Place
3 to 5 pm
Led by Diageo World Class bartenders, learn how to make tasty no- and low-alcohol cocktails at home with Seedlip and Ketel One Botanicals while you enjoy some canapés.
Waterford: Terroir in Whisky
The Diamond
6 Powell Street
3:30 to 5 pm
Join plant scientist and barley expert Dr. Dustin Herb in this rigorous discussion (and tasting) of the influence of terroir on single malt whisky. He will share the latest research, dispel the myths and open our minds to the new frontiers of natural flavour. Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Irish Whisky obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley.
Thursday, March 9
Cocktail bitters: Why a little bit can go a long way, featuring Scrappy’s Bitters
Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street
7 to 8:30 pm
VCW is excited to welcome Brand Ambassador Ben Sheffield and the entire team from Scrappy’s Bitters to Vancouver for a unique cocktail bitters masterclass designed to educate drinks enthusiasts how to better utilize cocktail bitters in their libations. Founded in Seattle by Miles Thomas in 2008, Scrappy’s is now a mainstay product that you can find behind any serious cocktail bar around the world. This seminar will walk attendees through some of Scrappy’s proprietary methods and explore how different botanicals (fresh vs. dry) can yield such drastically different results in cocktails. Using a variety of bitters flavours, we’ll use our VCW partner brand Fords Gin to create a comparative cocktail tasting, as well as take a deep dive into the history of the category and the science behind why just a little bit can go such a long way. Tickets include cocktail tasting and a Scrappy’s mini to take away.
Friday, March 10
Chinese Dumpling Master Class with Johnnie Walker cocktails
Propaganda Coffee
209 East Pender Street
5:30 to 8:30pm
Dumplings are not just one of the best-loved foods in China and around the world, they also symbolize good fortune and wealth. Judy, also known as the dumpling diva, passes on this Chinese tradition through her dumpling-making masterclass that has been featured by CityTV, WhereTraveler and Airbnb. This will be a hands-on experience. We’ll discuss what makes a good filling, prep the ingredients (local, organic and free range), fold the wrappers, cook the dumplings and then, of course, we’ll eat them. While learning to be a dumpling-making master, you will enjoy well-crafted Johnnie Walker cocktails. By the end of the three-hour experience, you’ll be an expert!
What makes a luxury rum sustainable: an exploration of luxury rums by Flor de Caña
Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street
7 to 8:30 pm
Brand ambassador Chris Mosey will talk about the history of Flor de Caña, its production and its impact. A small food pairing will be offered to taste with each rum.