Sippin’ along the Spice Trail

Follow the fragrance of ginger, saffron and cardamom to discover Surrey’s burgeoning cocktail scene

The Badam Da Naasha cocktail from Vikram Vij’s restaurant My Shanti in South Surrey is delicate and sophisticated with the subtle taste of almonds and saffron. It is also beautiful, thanks to its silver leaf garnish. Photo courtesy of My Shanti

Exploring Discover Surrey’s new Culinary Spice Trail has been an excellent way to find terrific new eateries in this booming city, especially South Asian ones. But alongside the dosas, pakoras and momos, there is also an exciting cocktail scene developing here.

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Business in the back, party in the front

Distillery tasting rooms are some of the hottest cocktail bars in B.C. Here are a few to try in the Vancouver area.

The tasting room at Surrey’s Central City Brewers & Distillers is a welcoming space to sample spirits and enjoy a cocktail or two. Duncan Joseph photo.

Distillery visits aren’t just for spirits geeks—although staff (even the distillers) are usually keen to tour guests through the production line. Even micro-distilleries now offer flights, cocktails and tastings, some spiked with snacks or entertainment. More reasons to visit: You can buy bottles right from the source, including seasonal and limited releases, only-at-the-distillery products (such as collaborations with local brewers or food producers) and even cocktail accoutrements. Since many distillery tasting rooms are small, family-run affairs, call ahead or check social media for hours, especially if your group is more than a few or would like a tour.

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Enter the dragon

Is Baijiu the new tequila?

Baijiu is beginning to make its mark on western cocktail menus. Lou Lou Childs photo

As unlikely as it sounds, the infamous Chinese firewater baijiu—a pungent brew capable of bringing tears to eyes and setting throats ablaze—could be the hot new ingredient for bartenders.

Clear, potent (50 per cent-plus alcohol by volume) and often compost-pile fetid, the centuries-old spirit distilled from sorghum and other grains is also the world’s most consumed liquor.

Never heard of it? You’re not alone.

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Central City Brewers & Distillers

The successful B.C. brewer of the popular Red Racer beers, Central City began distilling after it moved into a giant new facility in North Surrey in 2013.

11411 Bridgeview Dr., Surrey
604-588-2337
CentralCityBrewing.com

Read more about Central City Brewing and Distilling:

Bitter & Sweet: Why you should be drinking vermouth made in B.C.

Roll out the barrel: Where B.C. was once a major barrel producer, today distillers are scrambling to find casks

Sweet launch for bitters line

What’s gold and bronze and acclaimed all over: Local Lohin McKinnon Whisky launches to international accolades

Recipe: Blueberry Gin Smash

It’s G&T time: The Alchemist’s tasting panel searches for the best B.C. gin to enjoy with your tonic

Business in the back, party in the front: Distillery tasting rooms are some of the hottest cocktail bars in B.C. Here are a few to try in the Vancouver area

Recipe: Salted Caramel Rob Roy

Royal flush: Central City’s newly-released gin pays homage to its B.C. roots

B.C.’s gold-medal gin: Central City strikes award-winning balance with Queensborough

Roll out the barrel: Surrey’s Central City may have begun as beer brewers, but they are fast becoming one of B.C.’s most important distillers of single malt.

B.C. distilleries aim to produce world-class whiskies

Recipe: QB Spring Into Gin cocktail

Recipe: QB Blackberry Zest cocktail

 


PRODUCTS:

• Lohin McKinnon Whiskies
• Queensborough Gin
• Queensborough Omakase Japanese Gin
• Queensborough Wine Barrel Aged Gin
• Queensborough Pink Raspberry Gin
• Sparrow Rum
• Peeled Orange Liqueur
• Fit Hard Soda
• Bitters by Christos


TASTING NOTES:


Queensborough Gin

FRAGRANCE: Spruce tip.
FLAVOUR: Spruce, juniper and citrus.
FEEL: Soft and smooth.
FINISH: Lasting botanical bouquet.
BEST ENJOYED: In a Last Word cocktail.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
London Dry style gin with added spruce tip gives a unique West Coast flavor. Well rounded. —Robyn Gray, July 2016


Spirit of Merlot Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Very light. Background of wine fruit.
FLAVOUR: Light and subtly sweet. Allspice and anise notes.
FEEL: Thin, with some alcohol warmth.
FINISH: Lengthy. Sits on palate with a background of fruity notes.
BEST ENJOYED: Chilled or alongside a warm beverage.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A fun, local eau de vie. –Trevor Kallies, October 2016


Lohin McKinnon Single Malt Whisky

FRAGRANCE: Stonefruit, honey, heather, slight oak.
FLAVOUR: Christmas cake, toffee, candied citrus.
FEEL: Lovely silky feel on the palate.
FINISH: Subtle spice, stewed fruit, charred oak.
BEST ENJOYED: As is, no water, no ice.
THE BOTTOM LINE: If this is three years old, we are in for a treat in the next ten years on the West Coast for whisky. –Shaun Layton, February 2017


Spirit of IPA

FRAGRANCE: Floral, mild hops, citrus, jelly bean.
FLAVOUR: Slightly sweet, some chocolate notes.
FEEL: Light to medium body.
FINISH: Super clean, spicy, delicious.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat. Would also make a fantastic Gin Sour.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Super-cool product. Not overpowering or as hoppy as you might expect. –Scott Barber, June 2017


Lohin McKinnon Barley & Rye Lightly Peated Whisky

FRAGRANCE: A touch of peated grain when you search for it.
FLAVOUR: Peat smoke more present on palate. Rye spice is nice.
FEEL: Spicy.
FINISH: Nice rye spice.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat at bottle strength or a touch of water.
THE BOTTOM LINE: They did a good job on this one. It’s a fun whisky to sip on. –Trevor Kallies, October 2017


Dragon Mist Distillery

Using wheat from Dawson Creek, Surrey-based Sherry Jiang is producing Canada’s only expressions of traditional Chinese spirit, baijiu.

213-19138 26th Ave., Surrey
604-803-2226
DragonMistDistillery.com

Read more about Dragon Mist Distillery:
Enter the dragon: Is baijiu the new tequila?


PRODUCTS:

• Dragon Mist Vodka
• Dragon Mist Baijiu
• Dragon Mist Gin
• Cranberry Liqueur
• Coffee Liqueur
• Blueberry Liqueur
• Limoncello


TASTING NOTES:


Baijiu Gold

FRAGRANCE: Sweet wheat, bread.
FLAVOUR: Intense with heat, anise, lingering sweetness.
FEEL: Light on the palate, extremely vibrant on the tip of the tongue, dissipates quickly.
FINISH: Very long finish of sweet wheat.
BEST ENJOYED: An intense high-proof spirit. Think a Chinese version of the ever-popular White Dog.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Packs a punch for those looking for a neutral spirit with some balls. —Wendy McGuinness, April 2016


Coffee Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Steeped medium roast.
FLAVOUR: Tempered coffee, touch of anise.
FEEL: Soft, unassuming.
FINISH: Sweet, too short.
BEST ENJOYED: Maybe on the rocks.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Too unassuming to make an impact. —Josh Pape, July 2016


Cranberry Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Stewed dark fruit.
FLAVOUR: Tart cranberry snap.
FEEL: Oily, good staying power. 
FINISH: Lasting.
BEST ENJOYED: In a punch or simple mixer with soda.
THE BOTTOM LINE: A great festive holiday mixer. —Robyn Gray, October 2016


Blueberry Liqueur

FRAGRANCE: Berrylicious.
FLAVOUR: Not overly sweet at all. Very enjoyable.
FEEL: Light. Doesn’t have that thick sugar feel, which is nice.
FINISH: Short, clean.
BEST ENJOYED: Neat, as an after-dinner sipper. Would be great in a spritz.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Get a bottle if you’re looking for a natural-tasting liqueur. —Scott Barber, July 2017