Vancouver’s gay pride festivities have begun for the long weekend and Prophecy kicked things off with a bar takeover by La Cantina Concha. This is Canada’s new and only queer owned and operated cocktail bar, located in the heart of Montreal.
At its helm is Daphnée Vary Deshaies, Concha’s co-owner and one of North America’s most respected bartenders. She may be a familiar face, as she once lived in Vancouver and has held space at some of Vancouver’s most iconic bars, like The Diamond.
Tonight all the tables were booked and there was walk-in, standing room only at the bar. Here, you could watch our enigmatic bartender mix and shake one of La Cantina Concha‘s signature cocktails. This is a one day only menu with 4 different cocktails and 1 non-alcoholic option to choose from.
Each one was expressed like how the rest of Prophecy’s drink menu is. A colour coded flavour guide highlighting what is sweet, savoury, full-bodied, or refreshing.
A portion from each of the above mentioned cocktails sold tonight went to supporting Rainbow Railroad. A charitable organization known for their work in helping at-risk LGBTQIA+ individuals get to safety, around the world.
All of La Cantina Concha‘a cocktails are approachable, matching the vibe of their Montreal bar concept. My guest and I are both fans of non-sweet drinks, so stuck with the green and briny option, passing on their take of an espresso martini and grapefruit forward Paloma.
The Verde Que Te Quiero Verde was slightly peppery from the herbal greens, but overall drank like a pressed green juice with Tanqueray no 10, Fino Sherry, Mint, Coriander, Parsley, and Sea Salt. Its flavour was consistent from start to finish. Slightly tart with refreshing cucumber and apple, this was our favourite.
The Dirty Concha Tini is great if you like a briny martini, and that I do. Don Julio Blanco, Fortified Wines, Spiced Pickles & Brine, and Orange Oils. I did find the garnish a little overkill with the pickle cubes coupled with the same pickle flavouring in the cocktail. I would have like a sweet pepper or pickled onion that would have been in the same vein, yet enough of a contrast to offer a break from the intensity of the brine.
For our second round of drinks we looked to Prophecy’s regular drink menu. My guest stuck with her green theme and went for the Garden City with Prophecy Vermouth Blend, Green Chartreuse, snap pea, yuzu kosho, lime, and shiso. It was sweeter with the peas, but less concentrated with all the crushed ice. Once again a healthy tasting cocktail thanks to green herbs and vegetables.
I was lured in by the Microcosm and the idea of a miniature drink, as described by our server. I did check for clarification, but I guess not well enough. Whereas I thought I was getting a cocktail in a miniature glass, so that I can feel like a giant holding it. It was actually a smaller volumed cocktail in a narrower glass. I was disappointed to say the least. Especially as I would not otherwise order such a sweet cocktail. Belvedere Organic Vodka, strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla, lemon, and yoghurt clarification. This was a take on a cosmopolitan that reminded us of Kool-aid with all its sugars.
I only knew to visit tonight, after stopping by at Prophecy 2 days ago, to celebrate International friendship day with an informal launch of Alberta Premium, golden rye 9 years. This is Canadian whisky aged in three different barrels: ex bourbon, ex Canadian whisky barrels, and brand new American white oak.
The result is you get a combination of aging much longer than the original Alberta premium, which is about four years. The 9 years is 5% higher, locking in all the above flavours. Raisin and caramel with a smooth finish, coupled with the old rye character that the original Alberta Premium is known for, but softer.
The whisky was much sweeter and smoother than expected, syrupy with caramelized sugars. Easy sipping and a great option for those who don’t like their spirits bold or forward. I preferred it neat, as apposed to the Prophecy Old Fashioned we also had it in. There, it added additional layers to the familiar cocktail that muddied up the classic.
We sipped our drinks, grazed on charcuterie boards, and snacked hickory sticks and caught up with friends. This was a lovely way to celebrate national friendship day.
And after discovering that there were three Leos in the room, myself included, we ordered a round of Jell-O shots to christen the moment. This is Prophecy’s Jelly Worldwide with Suntory Toki, aromatized wine, chocolate, and lemon acid. They were solid and jiggly. Tasty and fun to eat with your hands, and a great way to play with your drink, but dangerous if you take too many.
Prophecy Bar
801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
(604) 336-3383
prophecybar.com
