With the growing popularity of the flourishing craft spirits industry in B.C., the Chilliwack Academy of Music will be hosting the first annual Fraser Valley Distillery Festival on Jan. 29.
Building on the success of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s sell-out Beer and Wine Festivals, this tasting event will showcase the best of the B.C. craft and micro-distillery industry.
All proceeds support music education in the Chilliwack community, through the Chilliwack Academy of Music. The non-profit music school operates out of the Cultural Centre, providing a range of music lessons for children and adults in the community.
This spirited affair will feature some of the finest B.C. distilleries, offering locally made and award-winning gin, vodka, whiskey, fruit liqueurs, spirits, aperitifs, and more.
"What a wonderful and opportune time to taste what's new out there," said Academy of Music fundraiser Bonnie Mason.
Similar to the successful B.C. Distilled event in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Distillery Festival is a one-stop-shop for craft spirit lovers to taste a variety of regional sourced products.
Entry to this evening event includes samples from the represented distilleries, a keepsake festival glass, appetizers and desserts from top local restaurants, and live entertainment from local musicians.
There will also be a silent auction featuring some of the best attractions of the Fraser Valley, as well as plenty of raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw. Take home a bottle of your favourite by visiting the on-premise store provided by Sardis Liquor.
"We're stepping outside the box with this," Mason said of the event in its inaugural year. But with great liquor and spirits to taste, fun prizes to be won, and in support of a worthy cause - what's not to love?
"We'll only grow from here," she enthused.
Of over 17 attending distilleries, participants include Victoria Spirits, Noteworthy Gin, Long Table Distillery, Odd Society Spirits, Arbutus Distillery, and more.
Tickets are $45 and are available at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (9201 Corbould St), at 604-391-7469 or online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca. The event runs on Jan. 29 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Event attendees must be 19 or older and ticket holders must provide proof of age. Make sure that you prepare a safe ride home.
Learn more at fraservalleydistilleryfestival.com.