The trend predictions for 2020 are in: the so-called Lo & No movement, what some call a Gen-Z-driven low-proof and no-proof imbibing trend, is not going anywhere (not to mention the low-sugar, gluten-free and low-calorie movements). Sample what some of your colleagues across Canada are doing to embrace it.
In B.C., craft challenges to vermouth production (it requires a high-volume winery license) haven’t stopped distilleries from partnering to produce a wave of on-trend products that add craft-cocktail versatility to tasting rooms and back bars, and are often deliciously potable on their own.
Among the first wave were a Torino-style Moderna and a French-influenced Bianca from DeVine Wines and Spirits on Vancouver Island, a bomb of a Bittersweet Vermouth from Vancouver’s Odd Society that drinks like an aperitivo and Imperative Dry Vermouth fortified by Ampersand Distilling Co.
Add to those recent releases like Terra Dry Vermouth from Central City Brewing and Distilling, Marrow Vermouth from Okanagan wine country, Esquimalt Vermouth from cocktail-mixer makers Rootside Provisions and the titanic Beaufort Vermouth, from the eponymous Vancouver Island winery (fortified with Sheringham Distillery spirit) that just happens to be owned by director James Cameron.
Fortify a Canadian apero hour with The Woods Amaro, an amplified Campari-style red bitter from North Vancouver, or Bitterhouse aperitovs from B.C.’s G&W; plus from Ontario the red wine-based Niagara grape spirit Vinea, the born-in-Toronto/made-in-Italy Capo Capo or the new Affino, a bitter-lemon bottling that’s been embraced by craft distillers like Ontario’s Dillon’s.
Add to that inspiration some new distilled, no-alcohol gin-alternative spirits like Sobrii from Stratford, Ontario, and Lumette from Vancouver Island.