Edible Vancouver Island September/October 2023

LOCAL LIBATIONS

Whisky Culture ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Photo courtesy of Artemis Whisky Bar"

WORDS HEATHER LEARY

“It's not whisky until it’s shared.” It’s a refrain heard frequently at tastings presented by Adam Bradshaw, Strath Liquor Merchants ’ whisky curator, and perfectly captures the philosophy of a whisky culture on Vancouver Island that is as much about community as it is about consumption. Sold-out events, brisk sales and plenty of online chatter reveal an active, dynamic community. And while whisky on the world stage has a prestigious reputation, Vancouver Island’s whisky community is more interested in peat levels than price. WHAT IS WHISKY? Whisky is a distilled drink made from fermented grain. The most commonly used grains are barley, corn, rye and wheat, but many Canadian distillers are now experimenting with other grains. To be called whisky in Canada, it must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, and the alcohol by volume must be no less than 40%. In Canada, whisky can contain up to 9.09% of a flavouring, spirit or colouring. WHISKY: WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY In over seven years presenting whisky throughout Vancouver Island, Bradshaw has witnessed whisky repeatedly bring people of different generations together. ”People bring their parents or their kids to tastings. The whisky is something they can share in common.” As founder of The Dram Association, a club focused on

exploring whisky, Bradshaw has witnessed many people go from whisky curious to whisky enthusiast. “Someone is always interested in how it’s made and what the ingredients are, but we don’t take the facts and figures too seriously.” It sparks lively conversations ranging from what casks were used to what flavours are present. No one is more familiar with the Island’s enthusiasm for whisky than Graeme Macaloney, founder of Macaloney’s Island Distillery . He has been all over the world talking whisky and was drawn to the unique culture on Vancouver Island. “We moved from Edmonton to Victoria to build our distillery because of the whisky culture here,” says Macaloney, who is keen to share that culture with the world. “Our bottles have an invitation to come and experience our unique Island.” Beginning production in 2016, the distillery’s first expressions were released in late 2020. Macaloney noted that the enthusiasm for the whiskies was matched by an enthusiasm for experiences that explore a whisky’s heritage along with touching, tasting, smelling and sampling. While the distillery tours dig as deep as people want, Macaloney wants it to be accessible to all. “You have to have fun.” Shawn Soole, lounge manager at Clive’s Classic Lounge credits an enthusiastic community for embracing Clive’s philosophy of “whisky is for everybody.” Clive’s recently earned World Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year for 2023 at the Icons of Whisky Awards presented by Whisky Magazine. Soole also received high praise,

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