Edible Vancouver Island September/October 2023

earning Bar Manager of the Year, Highly Commended - Rest of World (the awards are split into five regions: America, Ireland, Scotland, India, Rest of World). “Victorians love brown, bitter and strong,” says Soole, who appreciates the city’s longstanding love of whisky. “It’s a massive spirit on the Island.” In addition to a massive international selection, Clive’s features over 50 B.C. whiskies, including multiple small batch releases. “You see places in Scotland with special bottlings and we do that with local whiskies,” says Soole, noting that the exclusivity of local distilleries appeals to visitors and locals. ENTHUSIASM FOR LOCAL Kevin Titcomb, head distiller at DEVINE Distilleries appreciates the unwavering local support of Island whisky enthusiasts. DEVINE produces spirits in a regional context, using local grains and other ingredients to create a region-specific flavour profile. Balancing the traditional with the unique, they experiment with grains, techniques and casks for their whiskies. While global brands promise consistency year to year, DEVINE and other local distillers are keen to create a unique experience with each batch. Terroir-driven Glen Saanich is made from barley grown minutes away on the Saanich Peninsula. “Year to year, Glen Saanich is going to be slightly different as the growing year affects the whisky,” says Titcomb. “People like to go back and compare their bottles from year to year.” “The Island has always benefitted from people who are proud to be from the Island. It’s craft supportive,” says Rick Pipes, co-owner and head distiller at Merridale Cidery & Distillery . Merridale’s recent Father’s Day release of their seven-year-old Whisky Jack’s sold briskly as families flocked to Merridale for farm-to-table experiences. Finishing the whisky for two years in their own apple cider brandy barrels gave the whisky a unique profile that is part of the appeal. “There are lots of great B.C. materials to work with and create,” says Pipes. “B.C. can focus on what it does well and make a name for itself as a region.” EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY Artemis Whisky Bar opened in June 2022. A speakeasy tucked below ground level, the literary password to enter sets the stage for the unique experience of discovery that owner Vaibhav Patel envisioned as fundamental to the bar’s purpose. With a collection of whisky from almost every whisky producing country, each visit is a chance to discover, and guests are eager for the opportunity. “We find young people are coming in and trying things. They might have tried something in their dad’s liquor cabinet and maybe they didn’t like it. When they come in and they say ‘I don’t know if you can change my mind but you can try.’” This open-mindedness is notable throughout the whisky community as whisky drinkers gather to sample, share and discuss.

shop something different... With locally sourced and imported products this is a foodie destination worth discovering! www.deepcovemarket.com

38 SEP/OCT 2023 EDIBLE VANCOUVER ISLAND