Categories

• BC Wines
• Beer
• Beijing Bulletin
• Chef Eric Pateman
• Cooking Classes
• EBC Retail Review
• Events
• Fraser Valley
• General Comments
• Okanagan
• On the Road
• Press Releases
• Retail Store
• Stefan Posthuma
• Stephanie Yuen
• Vancouver
• Vancouver Island
• Whistler
• Winespeak
• Recipes

Categories

• September 2010
• August 2010
• July 2010
• June 2010
• May 2010
• April 2010
• March 2010
• February 2010
• January 2010
• December 2009
• November 2009
• October 2009
• September 2009
• August 2009
• July 2009
• June 2009
• May 2009
• April 2009
• March 2009
• February 2009
• January 2009
• December 2008
• November 2008
• October 2008
• September 2008
• August 2008
• July 2008
• June 2008
• May 2008
• April 2008
• March 2008
• January 2008
• July 2007
• June 2007
• March 2007
• February 2007
• January 2007
• October 2006

Spiritspeak: Victoria Gin

November 25th, 2009 Write a Comment  Print This Post

Who – Victoria Spirits

What – Victoria Gin

Where – Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island

Why – This is a product that has garnered worldwide interest and accolades – and is something that British Columbians should be proud to call our own. Noted British drinks writer Jim Murray sampled a test batch of Victoria Gin and pronounced it “stunning”, and it went on to be championed by local bartenders, sommeliers and restaurateurs.  It’s easily evident why the love affair with the Queen (the stunning label is Queen Victoria in her radiant youth).  This complex spirit is intense and full bodied, with a smooth spiciness and pristine balance between the hallmark evergreen flavour of juniper with notes of citrus, floral, and spice. 

When – At tonight’s Cooking with BC’s Best Market Dinner with Chef Vikram Vij, we’re pairing Victoria Gin and Tonic with Vij’s Punjabi Heart Attack - homemade samosas with beef, lamb & paneer.  We can’t wait to see how this complex spirit matches with his complex spice.  Worthy of BC’s Best 

How (much) – $50.00

Winespeak of the Week – Back when it was released in 2007, Ken Winchester was better known for his coveted wines – Sharp Rock Pinot Noir, Marions Reach and Island Pinot Gris are some names that have had wine aficionados licking their lips.  But eager for a change, and following his heart, Winchester opened the first licensed distillery on Vancouver Island over two years ago, at the Barking Dog Vineyard property on the Saanich Peninsula.  Ken brought over a handcrafted, wood-fired copper pot still from Germany and patiently pieced it together himself (following some Germanic, Ikea-like instructions).  His first spirited efforts were well received eaux de vie – made from local fruits, as well as grappa – crafted with pomace from his winemaking. 

His Victoria Gin took a bit longer to perfect – the unique recipe blends ten organic and wild botanicals, from juniper berries to rose petals. The eleventh ingredient was said to be a secret, known only to Ken (hmm – love?).  Ken and his partners split ways last year and though he no longer has anything to do with the production of this spirit (the folks at Victoria Spirits handle all production), all gin lovers everywhere owe him a debt of gratitude for showing us what is possible locally.