Cooley Distillery's Tyrconnell & Connemara Irish Whiskey

Irelands only independent whiskey distiller, Cooley Distillery, has won many awards throughout the years with the most recent being named Distillery of the Year by Malt Advocate in February 2010. Cooley was established in 1987 with a very clear vision of restoring some of the ancient brands and distilling techniques of Irish whiskey.

Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Named after an Irish race horse that won a classic horse race with odds of 100 to 1 in 1876; The Watt Distillery (know owned by Cooley Distillery) wanted to celebrate this great win with a special commemorative Tyrconnell label showcasing the horse and this label is still used today.

Distilled in the old Irish tradition, this pure pot still single malt whiskey uses only the most natural Irish ingredients of barley and fresh spring water. The resulting whiskey is then left to peacefully mature in oak casks. It is from this maturation that the "whiskey becomes smoother, more flavorsome, and draws its golden color from the cask."

It has a golden yellow color and an aroma that is full, fruity and citrus with a spiciness taste. Well structured with honey notes and the tang of oranges and lemons. There is a strong malt presence that is balanced well with the oily sweetness on the finish.

Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

It is the only Irish peated single malt and it is inspired by the ancient Irish distilling traditions of drying malted barley over peat fires. It is double distilled in two small pot stills and then left to mature for many years in American Oak casks. The combination of old and young whiskey creates a rich malt with fruit flavors that have vanilla undertones and a deep full bodied peat essence.

Connemara is lightly golden in color with smoky peatness that is balanced by a heather floralness with hints of honey and oak on the nose. It has a silky smooth taste with a honey sweet start, followed by more complex aromas of fruit and malt that gives way to an intensifying full peat flavor. With a long finish of golden honey notes and deep caramel peat spreading across the palate; there are hints of chocolate, vanilla and oak at the very end.

Firefly Maple Ridge will be having a complimentary tasting of Tyrconnell and Connemara Irish Whiskey on Saturday, March 13th from 3pm-7pm.

WINE OF THE WEEK - Laurent Miquel - Chardonnay Viognier

Laurent Miquel - Chardonnay Viognier

Languedoc-Roussillon: Vin de Pays d'Oc 2007

Handpicking only the best Chardonnay and Viognier grapes from his family estates in the Languedoc region of France, Laurent Miquel has produced a wine that is a testament to the terroir.

Described as "bursting with fresh fruit character," the Chardonnay Viognier has combined aromas of citrus and white peaches. On the palate enjoy rich apricot and citrus flavors with a hint of almond on the finish.

Serve this wine as an aperitif or with sushi, grilled seafood or Thai chicken curry.

On Thursday, March 4th Firefly Maple Ridge with be having a complimentary tasting of Laurent Miquel wines, including the Chardonnay Viognier.

Laurent Miquel Wines

Laurent Miquel, the winemaker and man behind the label, comes from a long family history of wine making. Laurent is a native of Languedoc and his ancestors have been involved in wine making for over five generations. Initially Laurent pursued a career in engineering but later decided to root to his roots and went back to school to study Enology. This education combined with the help of his father’s experiences and wisdom, helped Laurent to create his vintage in 1996. "Historically, the wine flows in my veins," said Laurent Miquel."

Laurent Miquel is installed at the Château Cazal Viel, owned by the Miquel family since 1791. Located at the foot of the mountains Caroux, the vineyards can "develop subtle and varied wines." The climate calls for hot and dry summers which are often followed by a mild fall, thus giving rise to "beautifully aromatic wines, which are beautifully sung to their fabulous terroir."

Firefly Fine Wines and Ales in Maple Ridge will be having a complimentary tasting of Laurent Miquel wines on Thursday, March 4th from 3pm -7pm.

Chase & Warren Family Estate Winery

Chase & Warren Estate Winery

Port Alberni, BC

Chase & Warren sold their first bottle of wine in 2003 but the vineyard was started in 1995 and the first vine planted in 1996. The aim of Chase & Warren is to produce wines that are reflective of the Winery’s rich natural surroundings and to offer a personal connection to the folks who visit them.

"The property is situated on a southwest-facing slope that lends itself admirably to the growing of grapes and has strikingly beautiful views of the mountains and the valley."

Chase & Warren is currently working with a landscape artist to develop the 35-acre property with vineyards, gardens, walkways and view points "to enhance visitors’ experience while visiting the Winery." The winery hopes to have a minimum of 25 acres of grapes planned throughout the property once everything is completed.

 

TAKE THE STEAM TRAIN TO THE WINERY- Chase & Warren is one of the only wineries in North America that is serviced by a steam train that stops right at the vineyard.

 

At Firefly Maple Ridge enjoy a complimentary tasting of Chase & Warren wines on Friday, March 5th from 3pm -7pm.

Sea Cider

Sea Cider was born from Kristen and Bruce Jordan’s shared passion for organic farming, cidermaking and cider drinking! They found a gem of a farm in 2004 – sitting high up on a hill overlooking the sea. With rich soil and a favourable climate, the site was perfect for growing the best cider apples in the world.

Kings & Spies- is a fruity but drier sparkling cider made with local hertiage apples.

Pippins- is made with newton pippin apples to give the cider a fresh fruit, crisp aromatics. 

Rumrunner- is made a little different than the other ciders as it is aged in rum barrels. It has notes of brown sugars and spices which is perfect to keep you warm on a cold day.

Pomona- is a desserts-style cider that is made with crabapple juices at cool temperatures.

You can find the above ciders at Firefly Fine Wines and Ales in Maple Ridge 

Lake Breeze Vineyards

Lake Breeze Vineyards is located in Naramata, BC 12 km north of Penticton on Naramata Road in south central Okanagan Valley. The charming Naramata Bench countryside is dotted with several other wineries and B & B's making for a perfect wine tasting experienc. Plentiful accommodation, restaurants and entertainment is available in Penticton and the village of Naramata.

They have 17 acres under vines with nine different varietals including Pinot Blanc, Semilon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This small production winery has had several award winning wines, houses a lunch patio, self catering cottage.... and oh yes, they also were the first winery in Canada to commercially produce a Pinotage in 1999.

Complimentary tasting February 16th at Firefly from 3pm-7pm

HOWE SOUND BREWING

HOWE SOUND BREWING

Howe Sound Brewing was established in the summer of 1996 and is located in Squamish, BC. With the help of John Mitchell, known as the "grandfather of micro-brewing in Canada," Howe Sound created and perfected the initial recipes for its brews. Using only unfiltered 100% barley mash to create their craft style beers, Howe Sound brews "a diverse selection of flavorful, well balanced ales."

Howe Sound is a family owned enterprise that provides itself on having green initiatives since they day the doors were first opened in 1996. For instance the specially designed re-usable 1 liter with a combination crown and swing cap (pot-stopper) is very popular among U-brews and home brewers.

In January 2010, Howe Sound Brewing launched its new beer, Three Beavers; ”a strong, malty red ale with an aromatic Cascade hop nose." The label depicts three beavers standing on a podium wearing the gold, silver and bronze medal that the brewery received at the North American Brewer’s Association Beer awards.

Complimentary tasting of Howe Sound Brewing at both Firefly locations on Thursday February 25th from 3pm - 7pm.