A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Superb American Whiskies Distilled In … California?

thumb_IMG_9161_1024

You don’t have to be on the legendary “Bourbon Trail” in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to find producers of great American whiskey. Though bourbon is one of the most heavily regulated spirits in the world, it – along with American rye – can be made anywhere in the USA.

Sonoma County Distillery has been making exquisite spirits since 2010 in the heart of California wine country. Using an old cognac still that now only distills whiskey, SCD produces its flagship 100% Sonoma Rye, the 2nd Chance Wheat (a softer crowd pleaser), and the buttery, “West of Kentucky” bourbon. At the distillery, guests can also try various experimental casks and different proofs of their whiskies.

The Sonoma County Rye easily punches in the same weight class as American ryes from Kentucky. Go with the cask strength, $60 (USD) 53%, a beautiful expression of copper pot distilled rye aged in new, charred American oak. Elegant and subtly sweet on the entrance with a bold, spice-forward backbone, this is one of the best balanced ryes on the market, period!

Though SCR products are currently only available to Canadians in Alberta, word is that these whiskies will soon be available in BC, too! Stay tuned, and cross your fingers that the taxman makes them affordable.

Pro tip: if you ever find yourself in Sonoma, book a tour and see the aging facilities. Aging is a fascinating and sometimes hidden part of the whiskey-making process, and there are no hidden tricks here. It’s full disclosure across the board, and the smells are just as intoxicating as the drams themselves.

thumb_IMG_9115_1024 FullSizeRender-(56) FullSizeRender-(57) thumb_IMG_9126_1024 thumb_IMG_9143_1024 thumb_IMG_9145_1024-(1) thumb_IMG_9154_1024

EVERY AWESOME THING WE DRANK

There is 1 comment

  1. Couldn’ get into the Distillery but managed to taste some of the Sonoma Rye. Very tasty. Who is it that would be bringing this super cool product to BC??

Beer Brief, Vol. 70

It's back (and brief-er)! A bulleted briefing of beer news and imminent events, mapped for your crawling pleasure by Thalia Stopa.

The Coolest New Bars to Score a Cocktail in Vancouver Right Now

There are a whack of new bars to check out if you're looking for somewhere to grab a cocktail in Vancouver right now.

Picking Grapes with Jayton Paul

We put our Picking Grapes questions to the Wine Director for Boxset Collective (Published on Main, Bar Susu, Novella, Twin Sails).

Picking Grapes with Ryan Mellor

One look at the extensive Gotham wine list - broken down by region, sub-region, appellation, varietal, rating and more - left us with no doubts that the restaurant's Wine Director was the perfect person to field our Picking Grapes questions...