Monthly archive for February 2017

The Vancouver International Wine Festival’s coveted Spirited Industry Professional (SIP) Award has been presented to Harry McWatters, CEO and president of ENCORE Vineyards Ltd.

Landsea Tours & Adventures has won the coveted 2017 Employees First Award, while Yolanta Malkovska from 8th Generation Vineyard took home the Customer Service Award, presented last evening at the BC Tourism Industry Awards Gala in Victoria. Both awards are sponsored by go2HR, BC’s tourism human resource association, as part of the 2017 Tourism Industry Awards hosted by Destination British Columbia.

Peter Hak, a longtime Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries executive, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, the Crown corporation’s board of directors announced recently. Hak has served as CEO in an acting capacity since October 2016. His role becomes permanent effective immediately.

The craft beer revolution continues to expand throughout BC at an unprecedented pace. Along with all the new breweries that are opening, it seems like one or two new trends take the beer world by storm each year. A couple years ago, everyone got excited about radlers, and last year kettle sours were all the rage. IPAs never seem to go out of style, but they do shift as brewers discover new hop varieties or brewing methods. So what will beer lovers be excited about in 2017?

The jaded history of Irish whiskey worldwide is shrouded in a tumultuous story of tax evasion – and in the modern age – late night shots at the bar. However, Irish whiskey is more than a shot; it is a dynamic spirit of the ages that can be worked into many drinks, both classic and modern.

“Fuisce”, or “uisce beatha” in its native Irish, has long since been in the shadow of its more dominant neighbour, Scotch. Irish whiskey is lighter and more fragrant, with higher-end products offering a smoother finish due to their triple distillation.

Today's drinkers are looking for more than beer in a generic shaker sleeve or six ounces of wine served in an eight-ounce footed goblet. Many are looking for interesting and unusual cocktails, premium�whiskies,�or craft�beers served…

The European Union (EU) has joined the US in challenging BC’s liquor laws, noting that the rule to sell only domestic wine violates international trade principles.

People working in the liquor industry have to be extremely diligent when dealing with intoxicated patrons, yet there are times when employees are unclear about their legal responsibilities and what they should do with those patrons.

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission’s (AGLC) latest DrinkSense campaign is sparking a conversation on responsible drinking with young adults, ages 18 to 29.  

A customer is planning a party and wants to know what cheese should be served along with some of their favourite wines and beers. There are hundreds of types of cheeses, and by arranging them into a few categories, pairing becomes a simpler process.