Get Festive with These Four Recommendations from Vessel Liquor

The Goods from Vessel Liquor

Since opening doors in December 2015, Vessel has become Victoria’s hub for all things wine, beer, spirits, cider, and the conversation and culture surrounding them. Our locally-owned, independent company was built around supporting authentic products and producers, from our BC backyard and from around the globe.

Awarded Best Liquor Store in Victoria (five times!), Vessel remains even more committed to serving the community. In 2022 we greatly expanded the footprint of our store, allowing for hundreds more listings. And in 2023, we expanded provincially, with an extensive new website and online store, allowing customers from across BC to shop Vessel from home.

It’s the festive season! Here are four special bottles to “cheers” with this month:

MADE IN BC

Blue Mountain Reserve Brut R.D. 2015, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC. $49.99

From Okanagan Falls’ cult classic Blue Mountain, this special fizz is labelled R.D., meaning “Recently Disgorged”. In this case, the sparkler has been resting for seven years in the cellars before disgorge, and it’s release to the world. Think toasted brioche and hazelnut, up against crisp orchard pears and lemon. Pairs with everything. Find it online.

CHIMAY X CALVADOS

Chimay Calvados Barrel Fermented Grande Réserve 2023, Belgium. $54.99

This exceptional beer was triple fermented and matured in old Calvados barrels, imparting layers of complexing flavours. Sure to be a winter warmer. Find it online.

SICILIAN DREAMING

Citrange Amaro Mandarino di Sicilia, Sicily, Italy. $89.99

This sultry sipper is imbued with organic Sicilian mandarins grown in Etna’s volcanic soils. The fragrant citrus and scrubby wild herbs give this heady amaro an alluring twist. Sip contemplatively, over ice. Find it online.

TEA TIME

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company BLÄ, Denmark. $35.99

Bubbles all day long! This zero-proof organic sparkling tea imbues Jasmin, Darjeeling, and White tea into a fragrant, delicate sipper, kissed with chamomile and citrus. Breakfast of champions, and delight of drivers. Find it online.