On Sept 2nd,Vic Spirits threw down our first cocktail competition in collaboration with Boneta.  Sixteen of Vancouver’s top mixologists came together to battle it out with fire, ice, attitude, and plenty of spirits.

Mixologists included: Allura Fergie, Fet’s/ Brad Stanton, Uva/ Colin MacDougall, West Restaurant/Colin Turner, Cin Cin/Danielle Tartarin, DB/David Wolowidnyk, West Restaurant/Jon Smolensky, Brix/Josh Pape, The Diamond/Justin Tisdall, Shangri-La/Keenan Hood, George/Kerren Bottay, Bearfoot Bistro/Lauren Mote, the Refinery/Shane Clark, Terminal City Club/Shaun Layton, George/Simon Kaulback, Boneta/Wendy McGuinness, Chambar

Danielle, from DB, shakes it down

Simon and Colin got things rolling and set the bar high.  JT set his cocktails ablaze.  JS and Kerran sabred a champagne bottle. In concert, West gents Colin and David brought the kitchen to the bar.  Brad, Jon, Josh, and Shane stuck their green thumbs in the mix by incorporating a lush bounty from local gardens.  Cucumbers a plenty!  Of course, we balanced our healthy vegetable servings with a variety of fruit-based cocktails including Keenan’s Apple Snap and Shaun’s jam-spiked concoction.

Vancouver mixology was at its best: fresh, young, and innovative.

Lauren, from the Refinery, pours it out

This amazing talent was put through the wringer by our judges:

Andrew Morrison, Scout Magazine/Jay Jones, Pourhouse/ Joanne Sasvari, One for the Road/ Judith Lane, Gremolata.com/ Mark Shipway, WSET Program Coordinator/ and our Peter Hunt

Judge Andrew Morrison meets Chef Jeremie Bastien’s Vic Gin-inspired canapés

After the dust settled Wendy McGinness from Chambar came out on top for her Victoria’s Flip.

Congrats Wendy!

Lauren Mote and David Wolowidnyk tied as runners-up in the competition judged on a sorted criteria developed by the Vic Gin family.

“Shifafa on the side”: David’s BTL and Lauren’s Kiwi Fruit Roll-up

Lauren Mote, Wendy McGuinness, and David Wolowidnyk

Congratulations to everyone for making magic with Vic Gin and showing off its versatility.  It was truly inspiring to witness your artistry and camaraderie!