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Tasters' set of microbrew at Canmore's The Grizzly Paw

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A Refined Look at the Cocktail List

4 Comments July 25, 2009

The Refinery

My love for The Refinery goes way back. Back when it was the hipster Sugar Refinery, back before hotshot mixologist Lauren Mote got set up behind the bar, but if there was any doubt it’s gone now. I will pick out my regular bar stool on my next visit.

Though they’ve been open for a bit, last Thursday marked the “grand opening” party. Granville Street construction is coming to a close and you are no longer in danger of losing a heel on the way to sophisticated sipping, so they celebrated in fine style with a whole lot of prosciutto and a cocktail list to make my heart sing.

The Refinery

The charred bourbon sour, their take on an old favorite, combines Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon, charred oak syrup, egg white meringue and oak bitters. This is Mote’s signature, award-winning cocktail and in addition to finding it behind the bar, there was also a deconstructed version on display and a mini sample to take home.

Think the smokey sweet taste of bourbon and BBQ, combined with a hint of citrus and a little foam. I loved it and was ready to commit, but my friend was equally enamoured with the Sake Sour.

This drink takes the hard-to-stomach flavors of Japanese plum wine and combines them with gin, lime, edd white, and the magic – rose-lychee black tea bitters. This is a simply amazing flavour pairing and despite the “sour” name, goes down so easily.

I’m not entirely convinced which is the winner. I think I’m going to have to go back for a couple more show-downs. Reserve my place at the bar, Miss Mote…

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Categories: Downtown, Events, Food

Comments

4 Responses to “A Refined Look at the Cocktail List”

  1. Kurt on July 25th, 2009 8:48 pm

    I’m sure the Old Fashioned tasted better with the whisky in it… the (sans-Bourbon) mix Karen brought home was kinda gross.

  2. Lauren Mote on October 11th, 2009 11:55 pm

    oh geez Kurt! the syrup is meant to replace the simple syrup in the charred bourbon sour recipe – we’re still making it, you should pop in for one! it’s actually being featured in en route magazine this december! i woulda thought it gross too without the whiskey… :)

  3. Karen Hamilton on October 14th, 2009 9:26 am

    Hi Lauren,

    Degan and I had a good laugh when Kurt described what he had done. I do want him to try the real deal so will make sure to come in with him soon for a taste.

  4. Tiny Bites 2009: a year in review : Tiny Bites on December 31st, 2009 5:03 pm

    [...] A Refined Look at the Cocktail List [...]

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