The Goods from Vessel Liquor

Victoria, BC | 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 (six 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.

The strike is over, the shelves are filled again, and we’re stocking up for the holidays. Here are four stellar picks to keep you warm and cozy this November:

MADE IN BC

Whistle Buoy x Vessel Liquor Ahoy! West Coast Pilsner, Victoria, BC. $4.99 for 473mL

For our 10th anniversary next month, we’ve collaborated with local Whistle Buoy Brewing to create Ahoy! – a West Coast Pilsner. With grain from Field Five Farm, and hops from Maple Bay Hops (both grown on southern Vancouver Island), this bright golden pilsner has a crisp body, with grass and florals, followed by earthy bitterness of classic west coast hops, centennial and cascade. Ahoy! Find it online.

ORGANIC, NATURALIST SAKE

Terada Honke Gonin Musume Junmai Kimoto Sake, Japan. 69.99 for 720mL

Terada Honke is a Chiba Prefecture brewery headed by 24th generation (!) owner/brewer Masaru Terada. They are known for their natural brewing methods, using organic rice, native yeasts, and house-cultivated koji. AND the brewers sing traditional sake brewing songs. This amber coloured sake reflects its rich, unfiltered, pure form, with a 70% polish rate, and layered umami, citrus, and fresh cedar notes. Find it online.

DARK & STORMY SEASON

Bumbu XO Rum, Barbados. $66.99 for 750mL

Don’t let November’s stormy weather get you down. Fortify with a Dark & Stormy, with a healthy slug of Bumbu XO from Barbados. Rich and smooth, this was matured in old Bourbon barrels and finished in white oak Sherry casks. A splash of proper ginger beer and a slice of lime is all you need for your storm watch. Find it online.

DON’T GO NOUVEAU

Domaine Lapierre Morgon 2023, Beaujolais, France. $59.99 for 750mL

Beaujolais Nouveau Day is November 20, but we strongly encourage you to upgrade to a serious Cru Beaujolais instead. From the iconic and groundbreaking Lapierre family, this biodynamic Bojo comes from 70+ year old vines, tended gently. Perfumed plum, iris, tayberry glide through this medium bodied Morgon, with lofted acidity, and supple tannins to support through the stony, saline finish. Pairs with autumn. Find it online.