Events

2017

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is returning to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: February 20-21, 2017, 9-4:30pm each day (NEW! Exam scheduled at your convenience at ANY Pearson Testing Centre)
Where: Vancouver TBA
Full Package Price: $620.00 USD (normally $600 USD for Exam Only!) + 5% GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 16 or while supplies last
MAXIMUM REGISTRANTS: Thirty (30)

Certified Specialist of Spirits, Feb. 20-21, 2016, Vancouver, BC

The Certified Specialist of Spirits, a program of the Society of Wine Educators, is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders & all other liquor and hospitality industry professionals across North America. It involves a comprehensive two day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam scheduled at your convenience through any Pearson Vue Testing Centre.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators. The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals. The Society was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

With Mr. Harden's blessing, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 14-hour instructor-led "Spirits Intensive", including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories and a deeply discounted certification exam registration rate.

Note that the Society offers only the Study Guide and Exam Attendance for $600.00 USD - as such we'd like to think we're offering a pretty amazing value with Study Guide, Intensive Course Seminar, and Exam included in the Full Package price. However, if you'd like to pick and choose your options, we offer that as well.

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked. However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: Study Guides are ordered in groups of ten (10) so that we may save on the extremely expensive shipping from the SWE. As such, the sooner you register, the longer you have to study! All Study Guides must be picked up from:

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900.

You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup. For out-of-town attendees only, please contact us for alternate arrangements.

Note on US Currency: As we pay the group registration fees and shipping costs directly to the US-based Society of Wine Educators and as the Canadian dollar's value is currently around 85 percent of the US dollar, we have no choice but to require payment in USD (which PayPal will automatically convert for you).

2016

Vancouver International Tequila Expo

Vancouver Agave Week and Vancouver International Tequila Expo

Date: May 23-28, 2016
Time: Various
Location: Various; Main Event at Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver
Address: 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
Tickets: ticketstonight.ticketforce.com

The Fifth Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE) is Canada’s largest festival dedicated to Mexico’s number one export spirit. The festival aims to increase the presence of tequila and mezcal in Canada. British Columbia tequila sales in 2014 reached $25.8 million and are growing every year, especially in the high-end premium category. In fact, since our inaugural 2012 event, BC tequila sales have increased more than 16%. This year’s VITE will fuel that growth even further. Our Main Event is a public Grand Tasting Hall (1000 tickets available) with an afternoon trade component to ensure maximum exposure to tequila products and a large customer base. During Vancouver Agave Week (May 23-28), we are holding fun roving party events, tequila seminars, master classes, and pairing dinners at venues around Vancouver to further promote tequila and other agave spirits.

VITE 2016 will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016. The date places the Expo well after the Vancouver International Wine Festival and just in time for spring and summer when agave spirits sales increase. This timing will allow tequila and mezcal brands and sponsors to place themselves before a large core of agave aficionados, cocktail imbibers, and high-end spirits consumers. The afternoon trade tasting event will also draw buyers from across British Columbia and Alberta.

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is returning to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: March 14-15, 2016, 9-4:30pm each day (NEW! Exam scheduled at your convenience at ANY Pearson Testing Centre)
Where: Cin Cin Ristorante + Bar, 1154 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
Full Package Price: $595.00 USD (normally $600 USD for Exam Only!) + 5% GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 16 or while supplies last
MAXIMUM REGISTRANTS: Thirty (30)

Certified Specialist of Spirits, Feb. 20-21, 2017, Vancouver, BC

The Certified Specialist of Spirits, a program of the Society of Wine Educators, is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders & all other liquor and hospitality industry professionals across North America. It involves a comprehensive two day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam scheduled at your convenience through any Pearson Vue Testing Centre.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators. The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals. The Society was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

With Mr. Harden's blessing, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 14-hour instructor-led "Spirits Intensive", including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories and a deeply discounted certification exam registration rate.

Note that the Society offers only the Study Guide and Exam Attendance for $600.00 USD - as such we'd like to think we're offering a pretty amazing value with Study Guide, Intensive Course Seminar, and Exam included in the Full Package price. However, if you'd like to pick and choose your options, we offer that as well.

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked. However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: Study Guides are ordered in groups of ten (10) so that we may save on the extremely expensive shipping from the SWE. As such, the sooner you register, the longer you have to study! All Study Guides must be picked up from:

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900.

You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup. For out-of-town attendees only, please contact us for alternate arrangements.

Note on US Currency: As we pay the group registration fees and shipping costs directly to the US-based Society of Wine Educators and as the Canadian dollar's value is currently around 85 percent of the US dollar, we have no choice but to require payment in USD (which PayPal will automatically convert for you).

2015

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is returning to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: April 13-14 9-4:30pm each day (NEW! Exam scheduled at your convenience at ANY Pearson Testing Centre)
Where: Cibo Trattoria, 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC
Full Package Price: $595.00 USD (normally $600 USD for Exam Only!) + 5% GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 30 or while supplies last
MAXIMUM REGISTRANTS: Thirty (30)

Certified Specialist of Spirits, April 13-14, 2015, Vancouver, BC

The Certified Specialist of Spirits, a program of the Society of Wine Educators, is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders & all other liquor and hospitality industry professionals across North America. It involves a comprehensive two day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam scheduled at your convenience through any Pearson Vue Testing Centre.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators. The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals. The Society was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

With Mr. Harden's blessing, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 14-hour instructor-led "Spirits Intensive", including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories and a deeply discounted certification exam registration rate.

Note that the Society offers only the Study Guide and Exam Attendance for $600.00 USD - as such we'd like to think we're offering a pretty amazing value with Study Guide, Intensive Course Seminar, and Exam included in the Full Package price. However, if you'd like to pick and choose your options, we offer that as well.

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked. However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: Study Guides are ordered in groups of ten (10) so that we may save on the extremely expensive shipping from the SWE. As such, the sooner you register, the longer you have to study! All Study Guides must be picked up from:

Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900.

You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup. For out-of-town attendees only, please contact us for alternate arrangements.

Note on US Currency: As we pay the group registration fees and shipping costs directly to the US-based Society of Wine Educators and as the Canadian dollar's value is currently around 85 percent of the US dollar, we have no choice but to require payment in USD (which PayPal will automatically convert for you).

2014

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is coming to Calgary - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: June 23, 9-4:30pm and June 24, 9-4:30pm (Exam June 24, 3:30-4:30pm)
Where: The Bourbon Room at the National on 10th, 341 10th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Full Package Price: $595.00 USD (normally $750.00!) + 5% GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 3, 2014 or while supplies last
MAXIMUM REGISTRANTS: Thirty (30)
MINIMUM REGISTRANTS: Twenty (20) by May 20, 2014

Certified Specialist of Spirits, June 23-24, 2014, Calgary, AB

The Certified Specialist of Spirits, a program of the Society of Wine Educators, is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders & all other liquor and hospitality industry professionals across North America. It involves a comprehensive 1.5 day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators. The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals. The Society was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

With Mr. Harden's blessing, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 12-hour instructor-led "Spirits Intensive", including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories; and have arranged a certification examination proctored by the Society of Wine Educators.

Note that this course is typically offered by Hoke Harden's Taste and Compare Academy for $750.00! And the Society offers only the Study Guide and Exam Attendance for $475.00 USD - as such we'd like to think we're offering a pretty amazing value with Study Guide, Intensive Course Seminar, and Exam included in the Full Package price. However, if you'd like to pick and choose your options, we offer that as well.

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked. However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: Study Guides are ordered in groups of ten (10) so that we may save on the extremely expensive shipping from the SWE. As such, the sooner you register, the longer you have to study! All Study Guides must be picked up from:

Vine Arts Wine & Spirits, 1310 1st St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V7, (403) 290-0700.

You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup. For out-of-town attendees only, please contact us for alternate arrangements.

Note on US Currency: As we pay the group registration fees and shipping costs directly to the US-based Society of Wine Educators and as the Canadian dollar's value is currently around 90 percent of the US dollar, we have no choice but to require payment in USD (which PayPal will automatically convert for you).

Vancouver International Tequila Expo

Vancouver International Tequila Expo

Date: Saturday, May 31st, 2014
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver
Address: 655 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC
Ticket: ticketstonight.ticketforce.com

The Third Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE) is Western Canada’s largest festival dedicated to Mexico’s number one export spirit. The festival aims to increase the presence of tequila in Western Canada. British Columbia tequila sales in 2012 reached $24 million and are growing every year, especially in the high-end premium category. In fact, since our inaugural 2012 event, BC tequila sales have increased more than 9%. This year’s VITE, with the help of the Consulate General of Mexico, ProMexico, Mexico Tourism Board and the BC Hospitality Foundation as our Charity Partner, will fuel that growth even further. Our Main Event is a public Grand Tasting Hall (1500 tickets available) with an afternoon trade component to ensure maximum exposure to tequila products and a large customer base. During Vancouver Agave Week (May 26-31), we are holding tequila seminars, master classes, and pairing dinners at venues around Vancouver to further promote tequila and other agave spirits.

VITE 2014 will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014. The date places the Expo well after the Vancouver International Wine Festival and just in time for spring and summer when tequila sales increase. This timing will allow tequila brands and sponsors to place themselves before a large core of tequila aficionados, cocktail imbibers, and high-end spirits consumers. The afternoon trade tasting event will also draw buyers from across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Vancouver International Tequila ExpoTequila 101

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2014
Time: 1:00-2:30pm
Location: Hyatt Regency, Room TBA
Address: 655 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC

Description: Tequila, the national spirit of Mexico, is in the midst of a renaissance. No longer is it considered merely a cheap way to get drunk, nor is it the headache/hangover/party drink that causes you one bad experience to be sworn off forever. Learn the difference between adulterated tequilas and 100% blue agave tequilas and enjoy sipping them like a fine Scotch or Cognac. Take a journey to the beautiful yet enigmatic blue agave landscape in the highlands, lowlands, and valleys of the tequila regions in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, & Michoacán. In so doing, you will connect with the culture and history of both ancient and modern Mexico. This session will provide a base of knowledge in history, culture, geography, production methods and more. A flight of six to eight 100% agave tequilas will be tasted.

Vancouver International Tequila ExpoMezcal 101

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2014
Time: 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Hyatt Regency, Room TBA
Address: 655 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC

Description: Join Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits along with world-renowned mezcalera from Mexico City, Zaloren Gonzalez, for an entertaining and educational seminar and tasting featuring a selection of artisan-crafted mezcals from the Oaxaca – Mexico's most culturally rich and biologically diverse state. You'll learn about the history, culture, and production processes surrounding mezcal, plus the botany, lifecycle, & agriculture surrounding the agaves used for mezcal. Plus you'll taste a flight of six to eight 100% agave mezcals!

Art of the CocktailArt of the Cocktail - First Annual Bar Games Competition

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2014
Time: 7pm
Location: Raw Bar at the Hotel Arts
Calgary, Alberta

Details: artofthecocktail.ca

Sponsored by Lorenz Agave Spirits and Uno Mas Tequila

Watch as bartenders from all over compete against each other in front of a panel of food and beverage luminaries. Competitors will need to bring their best game to the wood as they're judged on speed, charm and memory. They'll be pushed to the max before they can claim title of First Annual Bar Games Champion.

Our esteemed judges include: Tequila aficionado Eric Lorenz, and Barkeep Stephen Phipps!

All proceeds will go to the Calgary Film Festival.

Tickets: artofthecocktail.ca

To register to compete, see: artofthecocktail.ca

Beverly Corners Liquor StoreBeverly Corners Liquor Store Tequila Tastings

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2014
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Beverly Corners Liquor Store
102-2763 Beverly Street
Duncan, BC, V9L 6X2
Tel: 250 715 2025

Details: bcmpliquorstore.com

Cascadia Liquor StoresTequila/Mezcal Seminar

Dates: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Time: 7pm
Location: Cascadia Uptown
101-3671 Uptown Boulevard
Victoria, BC
Tel: 778-265-6265

Tickets: Available by donation in advance at Cascadia Uptown

If you still think that tequila is something harsh you shoot with salt and lime you should come see what you are missing. Discover what true, premium tequila and mezcal tastes like and compare the differences between Blanco, Anejo and Reposado tequilas as well as Blanco and Anejo mezcal.

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is coming to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: March 24, 9-4pm and March 25, 9-4pm
Where: Cibo Trattoria
900 Seymour Street (Note the new location!)
Vancouver, BC
Full Package Price:  $495.00 USD (normally $750.00!) + 5% GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 4, 2014

Certified Specialist of Spirits, March 24-25, 2014, Vancouver,BC

The Certified Specialist of Spirits, a program of the Society of Wine Educators, is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders & all other liquor and hospitality industry professionals across North America. It involves a comprehensive 1.5 day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators. The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals. The Society was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

With Mr. Harden's blessing, Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 12-hour instructor-led "Spirits Intensive", including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories; and have arranged a certification examination proctored by the Society of Wine Educators.

Note that this course is typically offered by  Hoke Harden's Taste and Compare Academy for $750.00! And the Society offers only the Study Guide and Exam Attendance for $475.00 USD - as such we'd like to think we're offering a pretty amazing value with Study Guide, Intensive Course Seminar, and Exam included in the Full Package price. However, if you'd like to pick and choose your options, we offer that as well.

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked. However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: All Study Guides must be picked up from Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba,Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900. You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup. For out-of-town attendees only, please contact us for alternate arrangements.

Note on US Currency: As we pay the group registration fees and shipping costs directly to the US-based Society of Wine Educators and as the Canadian dollar's value is currently around 90 percent of the US dollar, we have no choice but to require payment in USD (which PayPal will automatically convert for you).

Mezcal vs. Tequila

Dates: Saturday, March 15th
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: ZYN @ Inglewood: 1543 - 17th Avenue SE
Price: $40.00
URL: zyn.ca/event/mezcal-vs-tequila.html

Do you know the difference between mezcal and tequila? Some people believe that mezcal and tequila are one and the same, which is not technically a fact. Eric Lorenz of Agave Spirits will be joining us at ZYN to break the myth about mezcal and tequila once and for all. Be prepared for an informative and entertaining Saturday afternoon.

To reserve your spot for this event, please RSVP to Tara at tara@zyn.ca.

2013

Mexi-Go Expo Calgary – Spirits Pavilion

Date: January 2014 TBD
Location: Telus Convention Center
120 – 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
E-mail: joel@mexi-go.ca
Phone: (604)757-3835
URL: mexi-goexpo.com

Mezcal...A Hands-On Tasting

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Time: 4 - 6 pm
Cost: $33/person
Location: ZYN Inglewood
1543 -17th Avenue SW
Calgary, BC

If you are tired of Bloody Marys and Mimosas, it's time to step things up a notch! Joining us at ZYN for a hands-on lesson in all things mezcal will be Eric Lorenz, a mezcal aficionado, importer, writer, educator and traveler. If you're asking yourself, what is mezcal, don't worry, you're not alone. Today all of your questions will be answered. It will definitely be an interesting afternoon in Inglewood!

To reserve please email tara@zyn.ca.
Space is limited.

Crowfoot Wine & SpiritsMagnifico Mezcal: Agaves Gone Wild

September 26, 2013
Time: 7pm
Price: $30.00
Location: Crowfoot Liquor
7414 Crowfoot Road N.W.
Calgary, AB T3G 3N7
Phone: (403)296-2200
events@crowfootliquor.com

Tickets: crowfootliquor.com

Society of Wine EducatorsThe Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is coming to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: September 23-24, 9-4pm
Where: The Granville Room Cocktail Tavern
957 Granville Street (between Nelson and Smithe)
Vancouver, BC
Full Package Price: $495.00 (normally $750.00!) + 5% GST

Certified Specialist of Spirits, September 23-24, Vancouver, BC

The CSS is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders and spirits managers across North America. It involves a comprehensive 1.5 day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam.

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris (of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon) and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators.  The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals.  The Society was founded in 1974  as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Inc. and David Wolowidnyk (of West Restaurant/Canadian Professional Bartenders Association) are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 12-hour instructor-led “Spirits Intensive”, including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories; and have arranged a certification examination proctored by the Society of Wine Educators. Note that this course is typically offered by Hoke Harden's Taste and Compare Academy for $750.00!

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.

Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked.  However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: All Study Guides must be picked up from Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900. You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup.

Mexi-Go Expo Vancouver – Spirits Pavilion

Date: September 14-15, 2013
Location: Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews (Davie & Pacific), Vancouver, BC
E-mail: joel@mexi-go.ca
Phone: (604)757-3835
URL: mexi-goexpo.com

Mezcal Tasting Dinner

Date: August 13, 2013
Location: Añejo Restaurant and Tequila Bar
#2, 2116 – 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: (587) 353-2656
Email: info@anejo.ca
URL: anejo.ca

Bittered Sling Bistro's “Coastal Mexican Experience” Featuring Onilikan Artisanal Liqueurs and Spirits with Lauren Mote, Owner of Kale & Nori | Bittered Sling Extracts

Tickets: $60, click here to purchase
Date: May 27, 2013, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 331-7900
Email: info@kaleandnori.com
Details: www.legacyliquorstore.com/Events/Current-Events

Vancouver International Tequila Expo – Grand Tasting Hall

Tickets: $40 Super Early Bird, $50 Early Bird, $60 Regular
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013, 6-9pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver
655 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC
Email: info@vancouvertequilaexpo.com
URL: www.vancouvertequilaexpo.com 

Vancouver International Tequila Expo – Trade Tasting

Tickets: Email trade@vancouvertequilaexpo.com
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013, 4-5pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver
655 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC
Email: info@vancouvertequilaexpo.com
URL: www.vancouvertequilaexpo.com 

Vancouver Agave Week

Dates: May 19-24, 2013
Various locations around BC's Lower Mainland
Email: info@vancouvertequilaexpo.com
URL: www.vancouvertequilaexpo.com

Bittered Sling Bistro's “Coastal Mexican Experience” Featuring Onilikan Artisanal Liqueurs and Spirits with Marc Smolinski, A Drinker’s Peace | Max’s Burgers

Tickets: $60, click here to purchase
Date: May 8, 2013, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 331-7900
Email: info@kaleandnori.com
URL: legacyliquorstore.com/Events/Current-Events

Tequila Expo Preview Dinner

Tickets: TBA
Date: May 7, 2013, 7:30-9:30pm
Location: El Azteca Modern Tequila Lounge
1130 Mainland St., Vancouver, BC 
Phone Reservations: (604) 638-0127
URL: elaztecavancouver.com

Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting

Date: May 4, 2013
Location: Crowfoot Signature Liquor Store
7414 Crowfoot Road N.W., Calgary, AB
Phone: (403) 296-2200
Email: events@crowfootliquor.com
URL: www.crowfootliquor.com/events

Tickets & Info

The Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Intensive Course and Certification Exam is coming to Vancouver - and you're invited to participate!

What: Certified Specialist of Spirits Intensive Course and Exam (CSS)
When: April 15 9-4pm and April 16 9-1:30pm
Where: Establishment Lounge
3162 W. Broadway (at Trutch)
Vancouver, BC
Cost: $495.00 (normally $750.00!) + 12% tax

Certified Specialist of Spirits, April 15-16, Vancouver, BC

The CSS is the industry-leading standard for spirits training and for bartenders and spirits managers across North America. It involves a comprehensive 1.5 day course involving tasting, education, and a rigorous final exam. 

The Certified Specialist of Spirits recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of knowing fermentation and distillation of all major spirits types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.

The CSS was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris and Hoke Harden, Spirits Educator, and gifted to the Society of Wine Educators.  The Society offers professional educational third-party certification credentials to aspiring trade professionals.  The Society was founded in 1974  as a not-for-profit (501c3) organization with the mission to advance wine and spirits education through professional development and certification.

In conjunction with Hoke Harden, Lorenz Agave Spirits and David Wolowidnyk are offering the Certified Specialist of Spirits "Spirits Intensive" package, with a 12 hour instructor-led “Spirits Intensive”, including a comprehensive tasting of across all major spirits categories; and have arranged a certification examination proctored by the Society of Wine Educators. Note that this course is typically offered by Hoke Harden's Taste and Compare Academy for $750.00!

Professional certification requires a score of 75 or more from an objective test of 100 points within one hour.

For the best results, sign up early, receive your Study Guide, self-study, then sit the Spirits Intensive as the final review prior to taking your examination.
Note: Neither Lorenz Agave Spirits, David Wolowidnyk, nor the SWE guarantees you will pass the examination if you take the entire package. Passing the certification exam depends solely on your ability to answer the questions asked.  However, based upon past results, those students who have thoroughly read the Study Guide and have taken the Spirits Intensive have a high pass rate.

Study Guides: All Study Guides must be picked up from Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B8, 604-331-7900. You will receive an email confirming arrival of your Study Guide with instructions for pickup.

Azuñia Tequila Tasting Dinner


Tickets: $55
Date: April 9, 7:30-9:30pm
Location: El Azteca Modern Tequila Lounge
1130 Mainland St., Vancouver, BC 
Phone Reservations: (604) 638-0127
URL: elaztecavancouver.com

Enjoy an evening of fine cuisine created by the lovely and talented Chef Aurora specifically to pair with the exquisite flavours and aromas of Azuñia Tequila. An amazing value including a Welcome Cocktail, Amuse Bouche, Appetizer, Entrée, either Dessert or a Dessert Cocktail, and a flight including Azuñia Platinum Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo Tequilas.

Sombra Mezcal and Cocktail Tasting

Date: March 9, 2013
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 331-7900
Email: info@legacyliquorstore.com
Details: legacyliquorstore.com

Mezcal Master Class featuring Sombra, Pierde Almas, Fidencio, and more!

Date: February 21, 2013
Time: 7-9pm
Location: 16th Street Liquor Store
220 16th Street West Vancouver, BC
E-Mail: info@16thstreet.ca
Phone: (604) 926-1339
URL: 16thstreet.ca

The Bon Vivants Series Presents: Lorenz Agave Spirits - Mezcal Gone Wild!

Date: February 20, 2013
Time: Industry 12-2pm, Public 6-8pm
Location: Clive's Classic Lounge
740 Burdett Avenue Victoria, BC

Description: Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits returns to provide yet another entertaining and educational seminar and tasting of new agave spirits to British Columbia - this time, we'll be focusing on exclusively wild-harvested agaves. You won't want to miss this as we'll tasting mezcals made from at least SIX DIFFERENT SPECIES OF WILD-HARVESTED AGAVE! Mr. Lorenz will be joined by world-renowned mezcalera from Mexico City, Zaloren Gonzalez, who has been researching agave species and indigenous mezcal production since, well, since Eric was still only drinking tequila! (Let's just say years and years).

At any rate, these two will lead you through the highlights of wild-harvested mezcals from both El Jolgorio and Pierde Almas, and as usual, there will be some fun little bonus items...And along the way, you'll learn more about agave botany, terroir, Oaxacan culture and mezcal production than you've ever been exposed to before. And no one will go thirsty!

E-Mail: info@clivesclassiclounge.com
Phone: (250) 361-5684
URL: clivesclassiclounge.com

Three-course Agave Spirits Tasting Dinner featuring Uno Mas and Azunia Tequila, Fidencio and Scorpion Mezcal

Tickets: $39
Date: February 11, 2013
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Location: El Azteca Modern Tequila Lounge
1130 Mainland St.,
Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 638-0127
URL: elaztecavancouver.com

2012

Fidencio Mezcal Tasting Dinner

Eric Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, and Chef Randall Rosa of Los Angeles' Sublime Food Lounge team up for a gastronomic adventure pairing 4 courses with the entire Fidencio Mezcal lineup: Clasico, Unico, Pechuga, and Tobala, served both neat and in cocktails. Guests will also learn what makes artisanal mezcals and about Fidencio's more than 100-year history of mezcal production, all in Mr. Lorenz' engaging and entertaining style.

Date: September 2012
Tickets: $45.00
Location: Legacy Liquor Store
1633 Manitoba Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 331-7900
Email: info@legacyliquorstore.com
Details & Tickets: legacyliquorstore.com

Fidencio Mezcal Tasting Dinner

August 16, 2012

Founding Partner, Vancouver International Tequila Expo

May 12, 2012

Let's Talk Tobala, Clive's Classic Lounge, Victoria

March 29, 2012

Presenter, Tales of the Cocktail Vancouver

February 12-14, 2012

2011

Presenter, Hopscotch Vancouver

November 20, 2011

Presenter, Whistler Lifestyle Takeover

November 11, 2011

Invited Guest, Oaxaca International Agribusiness Forum

November 8-10, 2011

Sponsor and Presenter, Tails Up Scorpio Birthday Bash

November 5, 2011

Presenter, Tequila and More Calgary 2011

October 28-29, 2011

Cooking Class with Shelora

October 20, 2011

Trade Tasting, Fidencio Mezcal, Clive's Classic Lounge, Victoria

October 20, 2011

Presenter, Spirits of Mexico New York 2011 Festival

October 13, 2011

An Afternoon with Agave Spirits: Tequila, Latitude on Main, Vancouver

October 1, 2011

Presenter, Spirits of Mexico San Diego 2011 Festival

September 17, 2011

Presenter, MexicoFest 2011, Vancouver

September 12, 2011

Staff Tequila Training, COA Tequileria, Seattle

July 7, 2011

Staff Tequila Training, El Cazador Whidbey

May 28, 2011

2010

Taste the Winners of SOM2010, Cha Taqueria, Portland

November 21, 2010

Taste the Winners of SOM2010, Barrio, Seattle

Date: November 20, 2010

Competition Judge, Spirits of Mexico 2010 Festival

Date: August 16-17, 2010