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BCLIQUOR Lunar New Year Tasting Event

Today we were invited to a special showcase hosted by the BC Liquor Store. All invited guests gathered at their flagship location on Cambie and 39th. This is not their largest branch, but it is the only one with a full tasting room, that includes bar and functioning kitchen with sink.

Located in the very back of the store, past their central Lunar New Year display in red and gold is the tasting room.

Guests were invited to check in and take advantage of the snake cutout photo op as they wait for the event to start. The evening was centred around food and drink pairings inspired by Asian cuisine. The food was prepared by Executive Chef Felix of Grand Villa and the cocktail by the team at Dachi restaurant.

Course by course we were given a description of each bite and sip. We began with the plant based Inari prepared using a Special Sushi Rice Mix of Mushrooms and Oshinko Pickles. Its spongy and juicy coating over the rice offered a rejuvenating start that washed the palate.

The second course was a Scallop Ceviche with Red & White Onions, Lime, and Green Chili Oil. I loved the flavour but could have done with less of the pooling liquid. The scallop was sliced thin, offering a creamy mouthfeel in contrast to the zesty raw strands of onion atop.

Paired with Dachi’s “Snake Venom” cocktail and its tangerine spritz finisher to help liven up the seafood with. This was prepared with a stunning bottle of vodka that included 23 karat gold flakes and a glass dragon built into the bottle itself at its centre.

At its base this was a classic martini, clean and crisp with dry Vermouth, Disaronno, Amaretto, and Tangerine. This was evenly composed and well balanced without an overpowering spirit focus.

By his description the Chef was most excited to showcase the Smoked Duck Dumpling with a Duck Fat Chili Oil Vinaigrette and Green Onions. Here the duck was made into a mousse for a whipped filling with a starchy on starch mouth-feel. An interesting take and taste, but for the sake of contrast I would have liked it shredded duck meat instead.

This rich one-bite dumpling was paired with the Château de Fieuzal Rouge 2020 which was Merlot dominant with Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 60% new French oak barrels for extra brininess. Its full bodied natured paired well with the heaviness of the dumplings, with its tart cherry notes adding acidity, working towards an elegant finish with plenty of tannis.

My partner’s favourite bite was the Miso Peanut BBQ Chicken Skewer with Fresh Coriander, and Crushed Peanuts. A take on
Malaysian style satay given some added depth from an umami miso.

A light squeeze of the accompanying lime added freshness and much needed acidity to break things up. Each chunk of skewered chicken was juicy and fatty, easily engulfed by the creamy peanut butter mixture that was one you lick your fingers clean of.

This was partnered with Steamworks Lions Gate Lager. This clean and fresh brew paired well with the saucy chicken, acting as a breath of fresh air in between bites. And for those interested in giving it a try, you can take advantage of BCL’s $5 off deal, on now until end of the month.

And our last course was the most memorable as it was a challenging pairing for Kweichow Moutai Chiew aka “Flying Fairy” Baijiu. A premium spirit retailing at $588. Before we were given a tasting of thist we were taught how to authenticate the bottle via special branded UV light.

This medicinal spirit with a liquorice undertone is a flavour all its own. Best before or after the 5-Spice Braised Pork Belly with Daikon, slow cooked in Sambuca. Both coat the two together elevated flavours that the other lacks.

As for the pork belly itself, these were extra fatty cubes of meat given a fresh texture from the block of radish. I was impressed by how well executed this pairing was.

In short, this was such a great and informative showing. We learned a lot and left fed and in great “spirits”, excuse the pun. And everyone walked away with keepsake engraved beer glasses customized with either a name or a salutation.

BCLIQUOR 39Th & Cambie
5555 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3A3
(604) 660-9463
bcliquorstores.com

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