Indian Summer Festival hosts first annual BC Gin Festival, September 6

Event sees craft gins from around the globe available for tasting, all in support of the annual celebration of South Asian arts and culture

Indian Summer Festival presents the BC Gin Festival on September 6 at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre

COCKTAIL LOVERS AND culture vultures have a new happening to add to their fall calendars: the first annual BC Gin Festival is taking place on September 6 at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. It’s hosted by Indian Summer Festival.

More than 60 types of gin from across B.C. and around the world will be available for sampling at two tastings, one at 6:30 pm and the other at 9 pm. Among the vast array of juniper-based spirits that will be available are Elderflower Rose Gin by Victoria Distillers, Roots and Wings Distillery’s Lavender Gin, Bruinwood Estate Distillery’s Grapefruit Gin, Rose Gin by Wildflower Distilling, Blackberry Gin by Salish Sea Spirits, Long Table Distillery’s Cucumber Gin, and Pink Marmalade Gin by MJ Liquor Distribution.

People will be able to meet the makers as they make their way through the tastings.

Then there’s the Juniper Exclusive Tasting Event from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Amber Bruce, the bartender from The Keefer Bar, will guide people through a curated tasting of rare gins from renowned international distilleries. People taking part in this exclusive experience will have early access to the main tasting hall. The spirits that are part of the Juniper Exclusive Tasting Event include Baron D Gin from France, Japan’s Matsui “The Hakuto” Gin, Cape Fynbos Gin from South Africa, Italy’s Malfy Con Limone, Gin Mare from Spain, India’s Samsara Gin, and Vietnam’s Saigon Baigur Gin, to name just a few.

There will be a silent auction, plus Legacy Liquor bottle shop will be set up selling a range of gins from participating distilleries.

Proceeds from the BC Gin Festival go toward supporting Indian Summer Festival’s programming of South Asian arts and culture.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder and associate editor of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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