I decided to head to Vancouver this weekend, to visit, pick up supplies, check out the gluten-free baking scene over here, AND of course, sample some cocktails.
After having made my way tediously from the ferry through the tunnel (only took an hour 
), I was definitely ready for some dinner and a cocktail. We decided on Indian, and headed down to the All India on Davies Street, since we could then walk down to Granville and Yaletown from there. Dinner was nice and filling. While there is a buffet set-up, I recommend ordering off the menu. Any of the paneer dishes are pretty tasty. Fresh naan bread, and the tandoori fish was also pretty good.
From there, we headed to the Refinery, which was set up for a private party for the night. Disapppointing, especially since it was a chilly night! However, we trudged on, thinking we’d get a coctkail at George — No quiet cocktails here! The scene looked and sounded more like Studio 54!!! We were after somthing a little more subdued where we could talke, so we headed down to the Pourhouse. Successs!!!
Our Bartender, Brian was more than amenable to making a variety of cocktails. I started with a Negroni with Hendrick’s Gin and Punt E Mes, garnished with a flamed orange zest (nice touch!), while @doomcat87 tried one of the Pourhouse’s specials, the Centennial (rye, apricot liqueur, peach bitters). Hers got the thumbs up.
We finished the evening with a Whisky Sour (they ask if you want with or without egg white, AND will make with the whisky of your choice), and @doomcat87 tried an Aviation for the first time. They have Rothman and Winter Creme de Violette, which I hadn’t tasted, and is amazing stuff. Not at all as heavily floral and soapy as the Giffard, and a gorgeous, deep, dark violet colour! it really made for an outstanding Aviation.
One thing you’ll notice behind the bar is the absense of soda guns. All mixes are poured fresh from cans or bottles — quite a bit fresher! Citrus is squeezed at the beginning of the shift, but is fresh, and is measured, not free-p0ured. We were also happy to see drinks being tasted as it was being made
Thanks to Pourhouse, for a couple of tasty, well crafted cocktails! Worth another visit