On the weekend of October 16th Victoria’s Crystal Garden will emerge as the city’s Temptation Island. The Art of the Cocktail will showcase some of the world’s finest spirits created by Brand Ambassadors and local restaurants and lounges. Just think, all this cocktail culture, all under one roof!

Flavour Fashion: The bitters are back!

The bitters are coming back to the cocktail scene and we’re featuring the best of bitters at the Art of the Cocktail. Here are some samples for your taste.

When your lips pronounce “Punt E Mes”, your tongue waters a bitter-sweet ecstasy. Punt E Mes is one point sweet and half a point bitter. This brew dances in citrus and spicy flavours. It also includes stress reducing aromatic herbs.

Italy’s Fernet-Branca is an herbal liqueur with a hay-like fragrance. Infused with myrrh and rhubarb, Fernet-Branca tantalizes the taste buds, and it’s a great digestive after a meal!

Amaro Montenegro brings a unique blend of over 40 herbs and spices from around the world. Some say they can taste a bit of vanilla and orange. But you can only know for sure when you taste it yourself!

It’s all available at the Art of the Cocktail.

Local Boutique Distilleries

The Art of the Cocktail hasn’t forgotten about our boutique distilleries close to home. Check out how we’ve gone beyond fermenting apples to distilling them to create a new spirit: Pommeau, in the “Apple to Eau to Pommeau” workshop hosted by Kristen Jordon of Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse. Jim Romdall from Vessel (name Best Bars in America by Esquire Magazine) will be mixing up cocktails and sharing recipes.

Victoria Spirits is known for its gin made in small batches from a wood-fired still right here on Vancouver Island. You will also meet Okanagan Spirits, the creator of Taboo Genuine – Absinthe: a fruit and botanical alcohol spirit.

We are giving a warm welcome to Aviation Gin, our neighbours from Portland. Aviation Gin showcases a variety of gin styles made exclusively in smaller parts. So greater attention to detail is paid to each part.

Only the Best of Local Lounges!

Here is a peek into our participants this year at the Art of the Cocktail. Go ahead and pamper yourself! It’s time to sink into the comfort of some of the city’s finest lounges and bistros.

If you yearn for colonial royalty, then the Bengal Lounge at the Fairmont Empress offers a signature selection of cocktail and martini menus served in an atmosphere inspired by 19th century Indian royalty.

Or enter the world of modern elegance as you step into Clive’s Classic Lounge. This unique lounge feels like your second living room featuring an ambiance of rich cocktail culture.

Enjoy the mouth-watering fresh local produce, seafood, and cheese to go along with your wine at the Marina Restaurant.

And not to forget the prettiest restaurant in Victoria, Bon Rouge Bistro. Their menus cater to the pickiest epicure.

Craving a little more fast-paced urban style? Veneto Tapa Lounge and The Office [restaurant + lounge] are the happening places to be. Located in the heart of Downtown Victoria, these modern lounges are great places to unwind after work.

Of course raw, hand-crafted, artisan beers on tap can be found at Spinnakers and Sips Artisan Bistro. This is the place of decadent desserts and weekend brunches. The perfect choices to complement your ‘spirit’!

Come experience the worlds and eras of cocktail in just one wonderful night at the Grand Tasting on October 16.

——————————————————

Get your tickets today (Ticket purchase only available in advance)

Art of the Cocktail will take place on October 16 – 18.
Location: Crystal Garden, 713 DOUGLAS ST, Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 2B4

For details please visit: http://www.artofthecocktail.ca