Brush up on your cocktail knowledge and mixology skills with these education and training seminars on offer as part of Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW).
These must-attend seminars are an opportunity to learn first-hand from local and international cocktail experts about spirits, techniques, and histories. We have rounded up the best open-to-the public workshops and master classes for true cocktail enthusiasts.
Waterford: Terroir in Whisky
Whisky, much like wine, is tied to the earth. Dr. Dustin Herb of Oregon State University partnered with Ireland's Waterford Distillery as part of a team investigating the influence that terroir has on barley-derived whisky. Now, as part of this VCW seminar, Herb and Waterford are taking influenced from the world’s great winemakers and teaching Vancouverites how to taste the terroir and the possibilities of natural flavour.
Where: The Diamond - 6 Powell St, Vancouver
When: March 8, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30, tickets here
The Impossible to Tell (Mostly) True History of Citrus
This combined tasting and info session in North Vancouver digs deep into an indispensable ingredient of cocktail making--citrus. Every bartender understands the importance of citrus fruits, especially Tarquin Melnyk and Robyn Gray who are leading this seminar. Enjoy stories of cocktail evolution and learn about the many uses of citrus while sipping on five distinct cocktails.
Where: Copperpenny Distilling Co. - 103–288 E Esplanade, North Vancouver
When: March 5, 7 p.m.
Cost: $63.33, tickets here
Nikka Whisky Master Class
Whisky is a storied spirit, and one such tale is that of Aeneas Coffey. Coffey invented his eponymous Column Still in 1831 which revolutionized the distillation process, improved the purity of the spirit, and cut production costs. Nikka’s Coffey-type column stills are among the last few remaining “older style” stills in the world and the whisky is renowned for its unique character. This masterclass discusses all things Coffey while comparing new spirits made with conventional column stills verus the Coffey Still.
Where: Taste of Legacy - 1627 Manitoba St, Vancouver
When: March 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $51.83, tickets here
