Added on March 5, 2025 by Velvet Steele
I spend more time than I’d care to admit scouring the internet, hunting for new and exciting finds in the world of drinkware, glassware, and barware. Beautiful, well-crafted pieces that are worth adding to a home bar-essentials.
Added on February 20, 2025 by Velvet Steele
Tucked away on the border of East Vancouver sits Terminal City Brewing, Vancouver’s first, and one of the finest, ferment-on-premises establishments.
Added on February 13, 2025 by Velvet Steele
The Bar Cart, that great piece of furniture on wheels, complete with a handle, that proudly holds all your cocktail paraphernalia and prized libations. The apartment-friendly accessory.
Added on January 31, 2025 by Velvet Steele
As January concludes, many reflect on it as a reset month, embracing new experiences and setting the tone for the year ahead. Notable upcoming events in Vancouver include Whisky Global, the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and Vancouver Cocktail Week, offering exciting opportunities for enthusiasts. Plans for product reviews and exploring local bars are also on the agenda.
Added on January 7, 2025 by Velvet Steele
Beer – a timeless beverage, beloved across continents and cultures, with a history as rich and varied as its flavours. For a deeper dive, the folks at Wikipedia have a great historical read ready for you.
It’s a drink born from the fermentation of grains like barley, wheat, oats, and even rice, resulting in a kaleidoscope of styles, colours, and strengths. From humble lagers to robust ales, beer has found its way into every corner of the globe and every type of gathering, from royal feasts to casual pub nights.
But how well do we really know the beer we drink? Beyond the familiar...
Added on January 2, 2025 by Velvet Steele
Here’s to a bright and brilliant 2025—we wish you all the best for the year ahead.
Now that the holiday madness has finally begun to settle, we hope you’ve had a chance to catch your breath. We certainly have and are happily enjoying a little downtime after a whirlwind season.
Added on December 25, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Happy Holidays, everyone! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something entirely your own, a steamy, chocolatey cup of comfort: hot chocolate!
Added on December 23, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Specialty coffees always seem to be on the menu after a beautiful delicious dinner out on the town. Robust flavours and scents that tantalize the taste buds and give the nose an aura of delight
Added on December 22, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Throughout this Advent journey, we’ve celebrated an array of exceptional beverages to elevate your holiday season. But there’s one key component we’ve yet to truly dive into: the perfect mixer
Added on December 20, 2024 by Velvet Steele
When we think of holiday bubbles, Champagne often comes to mind—the sparkling wine synonymous with elegance and celebration.
Champagne, as defined by tradition, hails exclusively from the Champagne region of France, adhering to strict appellation rules. From specific vineyard practices and grape sourcing to the precise methods of pressing and secondary fermentation, it’s a true demonstration of meticulous winemaking. If you’re curious, Wikipedia has an excellent historical overview worth exploring (preferably with a glass in hand).
But let’s be honest: Champagne isn’t...
Added on December 19, 2024 by Velvet Steele
For today’s advent entry, I’m combining two days into one because they pair so naturally—like a fine wine and a perfect meal. It’s time to raise a glass to wine lovers everywhere!
The Vancouver International Wine Festival
Mark your calendars: from February 22 to March 2, 2025, the Vancouver International Wine Festival will once again take centre stage. Celebrated as one of the best wine events globally, it features 122 wineries from 15 countries, drawing both trade professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Why You Should Go:
• The Heart of the Festival: The Tasting Room,...
Added on December 17, 2024 by Velvet Steele
My Italian friends have always had a knack for poking fun at their own cultural icons, and Limoncello is no exception. They’d crack jokes about this sunny, sweet-tart liqueur, though I’ve never fully understood why. From my very first sip, I’ve been enchanted
Added on December 16, 2024 by Velvet Steele
I’ve always loved a beautiful decanter—not just for short-term spirit storage but for the elegance they bring to any gathering.
Added on December 15, 2024 by Velvet Steele
As a gin enthusiast, discovering Odd Society’s Strawberry Wallflower Gin was a delightful surprise.
Added on December 14, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Let’s talk about something exciting for the new year—Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW) 2025, now entering its fourth year.
Added on December 13, 2024 by Velvet Steele
holiday sipping: Mead. Also known as “honey wine,” mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, made by fermenting honey
Added on December 12, 2024 by Velvet Steele
We’ve already touched on one of the five essential elements of a good whiskey: smoke. But why stop there? Smoke can transform other cocktails too, enhancing both the flavour and the aesthetic of your drinks. It’s that little touch of je ne sais quoi that elevates your beverage from ordinary to extraordinary.
And have I got the perfect find for you!
Discovering Spirits with Smoke
While exploring the Vancouver Circle Craft Market, I stumbled upon a booth that immediately caught my attention. From afar, I saw smoke curling through the air—was something on fire? As I got closer, I...
Added on December 11, 2024 by Velvet Steele
1803 Candles—100% soy wax creations that deliver exceptional quality, sustainability, and some of the most evocative scents you can imagine.
Added on December 10, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Glögg is the quintessential Nordic winter warmer—a spiced, often alcoholic mulled wine or spirit cherished across Scandinavia, from Denmark to Sweden, Norway, Finland, and even Estonia. This festive elixir is a hallmark of the holiday season, evoking cozy evenings and the nostalgic glow of shared merriment.
For a deeper dive into its storied past, including the unexpected impact of prohibition (or lack thereof), check out the history on Wikipedia. But today, we’re here to talk flavour, tradition, and how to bring this beloved drink to life in your own home.
A Sip of Nostalgia
Glögg...
Added on December 9, 2024 by Velvet Steele
While my aesthetic these days leans heavily into the sleek, pseudo-futuristic charm of mid-century modern design—think the 1960s vision of tomorrow—I’ve always carried the heart of an old punk rocker and Goth. That side of me, dark and brooding, tends to surface, especially during the holiday season. Candlelight, heavy shadows, and a glass of something warming in hand—it’s my kind of festive.
For some time now, I’ve been on a quiet quest for the perfect chalice—a vessel worthy of sipping wine, mead, or Glögg in a room bathed in flickering candlelight. Despite endless...
Added on December 8, 2024 by Velvet Steele
If you’re in Vancouver and love all things vintage, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with Attic Treasures. It’s one of our favourite spots for uncovering mid-century modern, retro, and vintage gems. From glassware to décor, it’s a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
On my most recent treasure hunt, I unearthed a few fabulous finds perfect for the ultimate beverage host—or anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game. Here’s what I discovered:
1. Thermal Jugs
These beauties, retired from the Four Seasons, are ready for a second act. They’re perfect...
Added on December 7, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Ask a Dane if they like licorice, and 90% will give you a resounding “yes!” Ask again if they love Salmiak licorice, and you’ll probably get an even higher percentage.
As a first-generation Canadian with Danish roots, I can honestly say I grew up on this stuff—starting at just six months old. Most North Americans cringe at the thought of salty licorice, but in my family, it was the ultimate joke: give a baby Salmiak and watch the hilariously scrunched-up faces that follow. It’s the Danish equivalent of handing a baby a lemon or onion just to see the reaction.
The joke didn’t...
Added on December 6, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Let’s shake things up on Day 6 of The Drink Guy’s Advent with a spirit that embodies quality and craftsmanship: Truth Vodka from Liberty Distillery. Produced right on Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver, this oat-based vodka is an award-winning gem that deserves a spot on your holiday bar cart.
Crafted with care in small batches using 100% organic BC oats, Truth Vodka is a testament to Liberty Distillery’s commitment to clean, pure spirits. Drawing inspiration from distilling traditions dating back to 1842, their process is as meticulous as it is fascinating. Distilled three...
Added on December 5, 2024 by Velvet Steele
For Day 5 of The Drink Guy’s Advent, we’re sharing a touch of Scandinavian-inspired nostalgia with a homemade recipe: Jule Syrup. This sweet and mildly spiced blend is perfect for enhancing any holiday drink—be it a beer, cocktail, glass of wine, or even a cozy warm beverage.
Rooted in the traditions of Juløl (Scandinavian Christmas beer) and passed down through generations, this family recipe is as versatile as it is delightful. Whether you’re looking to add depth to a crisp lager or a hint of magic to your mulled wine, Jule Syrup is the secret ingredient you didn’t know you...
Added on December 4, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Step back in time with Day 4 of The Drink Guy’s Advent, where we bring you a touch of medieval charm: the Genuine Viking Drinking Horn from Divit Horn. Fashioned from authentic ox horn, each mug is a one-of-a-kind creation, with unique colours, shapes, and natural variations that make it as special as the drinker holding it.
Natural Beauty of the Horn
Able to hold up to 16 ounces of your favourite beverage, these drinking horns are ethically sourced—no live animals are harmed in the process. The natural beauty of the horn means no two mugs are alike, making each piece a truly...
Added on December 3, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Today, let me introduce you to something a little out of the ordinary—a passport, but not the kind that whisks you through international borders. This is the Yeast Van Passport, a tasting passport that opens the door to some of the best craft breweries and distilleries East Vancouver has to offer.
Conceived by Aaron Jonckheere of Strange Fellows Brewing—a self-proclaimed wanderer and founder of the Yeast Vancouver Brewing District—this passport is a celebration of brewing excellence. It’s the result of a collaborative effort between the vibrant breweries and distilleries of East...
Added on December 2, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Welcome to Day 2 of The Drink Guy’s Advent Calendar!
After kicking things off with the festive delight of Danish Juløl, we’re diving into a local treasure trove: the vibrant craft breweries of East Vancouver—or, as the locals lovingly call it, Yeast Van.
This area is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering an eclectic mix of breweries brimming with character, flavour, and a warm holiday buzz. These spots are as fun and lively as the people who frequent them. Whether it’s a quick pint or a full evening of exploration, the East Van brewery scene is a must for this time of...
Added on December 1, 2024 by Velvet Steele
If you’re of Danish descent like I am, you may know Juløl—that dark, sweet, candy-like lager that feels like Christmas in a glass. Growing up with it, this seasonal brew became a cherished part of my holiday traditions.
No Ordinary Beer
Juløl is no ordinary beer. Flavoured with licorice, black currant, Munchener, and caramel malts, it’s a bottom-fermented wiener beer with a beautifully layered profile. But what does “bottom fermented” mean?
Simply put, it’s a slower fermentation process where yeast settles at the bottom of the liquid, occurring at a cooler...
Added on November 1, 2024 by Velvet Steele
vintage barware for the collector
Added on June 30, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Go big or go home seems to be the edict for a boozy cocktail for eager budget minded tourists.
We know travel can get costly, that’s no secret, but libations that give you your money’s worth certainly put a smile on a holiday traveller’s face.
The technique of “free pour” for a tall delicious drink, doesn’t happen all that often. At least not in the northern climates, but when it does? The shock and amazement of watching that never-ending alcohol stream quickly turns into desire and want. Maybe even a need?
Sitting across from a bartender in the theatrical throws...
Added on April 29, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Most think of the glory days of airline travel having long gone. However, there are those of us that still try to adhere to the past and those “days gone by”. I’m one of them if you haven’t already figured that out.
Added on March 24, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Mocktails: Vancouvers’ newest addition to the Non-Alcoholic beverage scene.
Added on March 20, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Beer and Bon Voyage: Is our travel and tourism review of Batch 44 Brewery in beautiful British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
Added on February 1, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Negroni is a cocktail, made of equal parts gin, usually sweet vermouth, and Campari. Campari being the key ingredient with its distinct, almost medicinal flavour, that is mellowed, but strengthened with the addition of the other two ingredients. Not a weakened flavour by any means.
Think of it as 1/3, plus 1/3, plus 1/3, to make that whole, and you’ll never go wrong.
My first memories of Campari was of my Danish cousin drinking it mixed with soda water in Copenhagen to settle her stomach and aid in her digestion. Yes, Campari is considered a stomach bitter, a...
Added on January 16, 2024 by Velvet Steele
Sam’s Straws, is an all-Natural and Disposable, Eco-friendly Drinking Accessory, Premium Beverage Straws Set for Parties, BBQ’s and Bar Use.
In my journeys around the world, both in person and online, I’m always doing so with the intention of looking for new things to review and bring to the masses. Ok, so maybe it’s not my intention, but just something I love to do, especially if it’s something worth letting folks in on.
It just so happens that I quite literally stumbled upon a link to Sam Fricker, an Australian Olympic Diver, who competed in the Japan Olympic Games 2021....
Added on January 4, 2024 by Velvet Steele
The Liberty Distillery is an artisan style local Vancouver award winning distillery that boasts handcrafted, traditional spirits. I was finally able to visit their old world, blended with new world, sampling show room in the heart of Granville Island, local tourist destination over this past holiday season.
Glad I did!
Granville Island is situated under the Granville Street Bridge, some would say centrally located, some not. I find it easily accessible on foot, transportation, or by car. Parking however is a challenge in this rather busy spot, so I would suggest leaving the car at...
