The week continues with more 50 Best Bar activations. There are so many to choose from that one must be discerning.
I missed the Lucano Masterclass hosted by Flavour Camp leader and Vancouver’s own Whiskey Queen Reece Sims, but I was able to make it to the Lucano Lounge Popup at Chinatown’s Meo. Here, Reece was sampling the product line in partnership with TS Global.
On top of being able to taste their way through the 6 bottle portfolio, guests were also able to try 4 different cocktails featuring Lucano.
Lucano is an Amaro, a renowned Italian herbal liqueur from Basilicata. It was created in 1894 by Pasquale Vena, based on a secret recipe of over 30 herbs. It has a complex, bittersweet flavour profile and is commonly served as a digestif, neat, or in cocktails.
The Meo Filthy Martini immediately caught my eye. I love a savoury martini and the fact that this promised more than just the regular “dirty” experience had me intrigued. Mancino Vermouth Secco, Nikka Coffey Vodka, and Cerignola Olives. The cocktail was incredibly briney, so I originally avoided the giant maroon olives sharing the glass. However, these ended up being my favourite part of the drink, acting as both a snack and the equalizer, balancing out the sharp tang of pickle brine. This is a great one to sip and sit with.
The Pine Negroni was another interesting one. Mancino Vermouth Amaranto infused with Candy Cap Mushrooms, Botanist Gin, and Campari. It took you to a damp and cool wooded forest as the name promised. You got the pine on the forefront with a vegetal quality to end on. This was a cocktail that kept you coming back for more as you tried to figure it out, sip after sip.
The Meo “White Negroni” was a mix of Mancino Vermouth Ambrato, Nikka Coffey Gin, and Bergamot Liqueur. Aside from its clear colouring this was much like a classic negroni in flavour and character.
And as a non-alcoholic option, and to best show case that Lucano has a 0% proof available on its roster, there was the Lucano Zero Highball. Amaro Lucano, Rose Hips, Lemon Verbena Cordial, Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda (non-alcoholic option available with Lucano Zero). This was a refreshing spritz with juicy grapefruit bubbles. A fun one to enjoy without any side effects.
In short, this was a great personal way to get better acquainted with this lesser known and used spirit, ideal for those like me.
Meo
265 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8
(604) 559-6181
meochinatown.com
