I am sure you have heard about Vancouver's burgeoning craft brewery scene.  And BC wines have long been a favourite among discerning oenophiles.  But did you know that Vancouver is also at the epicentre of Canada's micro-distillery renaissance?

The number of craft distilleries in BC has doubled just in the past 2 years, from 18 to 34. Local distilleries are now turning out everything from gin and vodka to amaretto and whisky.   And spirit lovers can sip and sample nearly all of their creations at the BC Distilled Festival, March 25th - 26th in Vancouver.

This is the 3rd annual festival and features nearly 30 BC based artisan distilleries showcasing dozens of inspired spirits.  The highlight: the Main Tasting Event, Saturday March 26th at Vancouver's Croation Cultural Centre. Some 27 local distilleries will be on hand, pouring locally made gins, vodkas and brandies, as well as more unusual creations including honey-based spirits and bitter liqueurs like amaro.  Also this year are aged spirits, including gins that have been specially aged in barrells to give unique tasting profiles.

But it's not all about the booze.  The festival's partnering restaurants-including Forage, Edible Canada, The Uniion and others-will also be serving canapes specially prepared to complement the artisan spirits.  At the trade tasting, you can even snack on donuts from Vancouver's own Cartems prepared with Sons of Vancouver Ameretto and Longtable Gin.  Tickets to the main event are $59.99  Should be fun!