Tonight we were at North Vancouver’s own authentic Italian craft distillery: The Woods Spirit Co. Since being taken over by Celia Chiang, as the now owner and president; The Woods has taken a greater role in the community and tonight’s fundraiser was but one such example of that.
Tonight Asya Hemsworth and World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2025: Kate Chernoff were behind the bar representing their home bar. The Keefer Bar is ranked 28th amongst North America’s 50 Best Bars and tonight they showcased their talent and skill well with four unique cocktails, available for this one night only.
The evening was in support of Good Night Out with a table and staff to speak to the program. As per their website, “Good Night Out is a BC based non-profit society committed to building community capacity to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and sexual assault in all sectors, with a focus on hospitality, music, arts and nightlife.” They do this through education, outreach and advocacy.
On weekends you can see their team in pink vests, patrolling the streets of Granville and downtown Victoria. They are looking out for those in distress and will approach and assist those in need. This initiative started with nurses and health care workers noticing the vulnerable and wanting to do something to help.
They also have educational programs where restaurants are able to hire the Good Night Out team to administer their program, and train staff on how to keep their space safe for everyone.
Tonight The Wood’s drinking salon was tight with standing room only. What little bar seats and tables that are normally available, were now sat. Everyone was enjoying the live music by Phil Bo offering his interpretations of top 40 from year’s past. From Ginuwine’s “Pony” to Backstreet Boy’s “As Long as You Love Me”. For drinks you went right to the bar and ordered from one of the 3 bartenders, paying right after.
The $28 ticket price for the sold out event, included a welcome cocktail and a raffle ticket for the evening’s draw; with the ability to purchase more of the former and the latter.
The welcome cocktail was Spruce’d Up G&T with The Wood’s cascadian gin, spruce tip cordial, and a cherry blossom green tea tincture. It was a light and refreshing start with the lightness of a spritz and the refreshing green of rosemary.
50% of every cocktail purchase went directly to Good Night Out. From The Keefer Bar cocktail menu came the following three, we tried them all, minus the lychee drop shooters that came in a set of four.
The Bar-Star Martini was so unexpected. What sounded like a sweet tropical punch, was actually more on the savoury side with a sheen of green peppercorn oil offering a spicy hot punch. Tonka-spiced vodka, The Woods arancello, passionfruit, lime, and sparkling wine. This is the type of cocktail I could enjoy with food thanks to its citrus notes and ginger-like heat.
The Barrel of Birds is the cocktail you drink when you are sick, thanks to its sticky honey that coats the throat. The Woods barrel aged amaro, bacardi gold, pineapple hydrosol, honey, and lime. Topped with a sweet honey and ginger gummy as garnish. This was neither sweet or savoury, but a soothing neutral honey in the middle.
The Birthday Cake stole the show, I have never had a cocktail come with rainbow sprinkles before. The Woods amaro chiaro, donjulio 70, pandan distillate, and fig root syrup. This was the smoothest and easiest drinking of the three. Deceptively strong, this white negroni drank clean with bakery flavours. It ended with the telltale pandan flourish at the end.
From The Woods team they had a Black Sesame Negroni that delivered on its name. Black sesame gin, amaro chiaro, and dry vermouth.
Similarly, the Lustrini had a glittery shine and sheen to it. Arancello, amaro chiaro, woods vodka, tart cranberry strawberry, and lime.
On top of limited edition drinks there were also small bites from Liberty Kitchen to snack on. Mini bowls of rigatoni, stracciatella tomato crostini, meatballs, salmon and prawn mango ceviche, and tiramisu.
As guests sipped, nibbled, and lingered for the grand prize raffle draw, we also had the chance to participate in the silent auction. Over $1,000 in prizes to be own from local businesses like the new Dope Bakery in North Van and Raven Room in Whistler.
In short, this was a great reason to grab a drink and it was so amazing that the community came out to celebrate and support.
The Woods Spirit Co.
1450 Rupert St, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1E9
thewoodsspiritco.com
