Monthly archive for July 2017

The exploratory beer drinker has so many local options in the stores these days that it’s easy to overlook the dozens of delicious imported brews that are still regularly shipped to Alberta from Europe.

If you've read Game of Thrones or Harry Potter or watched Robin Hood, you've probably heard of mead. Although it receives many references in literature and medieval entertainment, the description of what mead can be…

Sales from April to June 2017 showed a whopping 14.9% increase in Micro-brewed beer over 2016, and Canadian wine increased volume sales 6.6%. Gin was another strong growth leader with a 10% increase. The figures…

Has there ever been a better time to be a gin drinker? A gin renaissance has unfolded over the past few years and in Alberta we are truly reaping the benefits. Thanks to our privatized market with no barriers to entry, we have access to many examples of this unique and distinctive spirit.

Spirits took the lead in sales this spring with gin being the spirit of choice for many Albertans. As the weather warmed up, people started enjoying gin and tonics and a range of fresh cocktails, such as the Fiore Negroni and Wishbone’s Beautiful British Columbia (recipes in the Gin Styles & Cocktails article). Rum, whisky and vodka also showed increases over 2016.

Have you thought about installing a growler filling station in your liquor store? With a growler bar, you’re providing a product on tap that clients want, especially when it’s a beer that’s only available in kegs. The first time a customer buys and fills up a growler (64 ounces) the cost is about the same price as a 6-pack of beer—between $5/litre up to $13/litre for more expensive brews. Refills become cheaper once customers have their own growler and aren’t paying recycling fees.

Amaretto Sour is sure to please your palate. This delicious summer cocktail not only tastes great, it has great visual appeal too!

The Strath is, quite simply, unique in BC.   Grant Olson describes his family’s Victoria property as “a beverage-oriented hotel” and laughs a little when he says, “I think we were a little bit crazy to keep pouring dollars into creating and growing this entertainment complex.”

Canada will be the first G20 country to legalize cannabis and a lot needs to happen before that becomes a reality in July 2018. The senate will be sitting to discuss the legislation in September after their summer break.

Bubbles are always a great way to start dinner, an afternoon, or simply great conversation. However, as we all know, there is a grand spectrum of quality, from the lowest grade to the finest. Most elegant and delicate bubbles will lift your spirits and at times allow you to remember that moment forever.

“The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight.” – Carly Fiorina, former CEO of HP

Your point-of-sale (POS) system is collecting data every day, but what are you doing with that information? Some people think that collecting and analyzing big data is reserved for large corporations that can afford marketing departments and analysts, however, small businesses can benefit just as much.