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Johnnie Walker Lounge, Parq

Tonight we were at the grand opening of the Johnnie Walker Lounge, located on the 3rd floor within Parq Casino.

This is a brand new private event space available for anyone to rent, and we would get a taste of the potential tonight.

The capacity is 50 guests, but seats 35-40 comfortably. It includes a private bar with an experienced bartender ready to craft bespoke drinks and the unique opportunity to practice your gambling skills with a real casino dealer.

Tonight, the latter was a crash course in blackjack where the chips are on the house and even if you lose them all, there are no consequences.

They want to be known as the ideal space for holiday parties, corporate gatherings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or a memorable night out with friends.

We began our evening at the bar with three Johnnie Walker black inspired cocktails as well as wine, sparkling, and beer options.

A classic Old Fashioned with Johnnie Walker Black, a dash of bitters, orange twist, and demerara syrup. A classic.

I was delighted by the sweeter Manhattan Black with Johnnie Walker Black, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, and maraschino cherry.

The Scottish Mule was refreshing. Johnnie Walker Black, lime juice, and ginger beer.

Towards the back of the room the Johnnie Walker team was sampling the colours of their collection, minus the red, which was described as “the well”, often mixed with soda.

We started with the Gold label as the smoothest and the most approachable with no smoke or peat. The most delicate of the options in comparison. Honey on the nose with layers of vibrant and tropical fruit, and a distinct creamy vanilla end.

Next we went to the higher end of their rainbow. The blue is tiptoe-ing smokey. A richer bouquet that enrobes the tongue with a creamy mouth feel that finishes clean. The longer it lingers the better it gets. Sweet spice from apples and plums to start with orchard fruit and summer berries on the palate.

We then turned up the smoke with the Green label. The smokiness lingered, unlike the blue that wisps through and has you missing it. Clean aromas of cut grass and fresh fruit. Woodsy notes of oak and cedar alongside light garden fruits and tropical florals.

We ended with the Black label neat, the same whisky that was featured in the cocktails above. Scents of tropical dark fruits and creamy toffee on the palate from its maturation in oak casks.

For food we got bites directly from their lounge menu. They came out in rotations and I was only able to capture a few. Like the easy grazing Charcuterie Board with pâté, salami, chorizo, prosciutto, a variety of cheeses, fresh fruit and pickled vegetables. Plus a selection of dips served with artisan bread and crackers.

The Fresh Veggie Platter was a colourful display of seasonal vegetables accompanied by roasted garlic hummus dip or spinach ranch dip.

The steamed bao buns were served in steamers available in a fried chicken coated with a sweet and spicy sauce, pickled daikon, green onion, and mayo. A sliced pork belly with kimchi, cilantro, and mayo, and a vegetarian marinated tofu option.

There were also easy to grab flatbreads available in a Philly Cheese Steak, Cajun Chicken, Pesto Shrimp, and veggie.

The seafood options included seared albacore Tuna Tataki with papaya, carrot, and a daikon slaw topped with yuzu dressing.

For the vegans there was a plant based impossible scallop balled and fried with Tartar sauce.

In summary this was a lovely evening and a wonderful way to showcase the space and the possibilities for any future private event within it. I especially enjoyed the casual card component.

Parq Vancouver Casino Resort
39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B OR3
(778) 370-8600
parqvancouver.com

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