LIQUOR

LIQUOR Northern Keep comes from a more civilized place

by Mike Usinger

Northern Keep Vodka is made with prairie rye, winter wheat, and glacial mountain water. A s a valuable public service, we crack open spirits from B.C. to Bahrain and beyond, then give you a highly opinionated, pocket flask–sized review.

TODAY’S FREE POUR Northern Keep Vodka

THEIR WORDS “Northern Keep Vodka is distilled from a blend of the finest Canadian rye and winter wheat grains grown and harvested by prairie farmers. Just as these farmers keep their lands in trust, so does our vodka keep the great character of the Canadian North.”

TASTING NOTES Here’s something really odd about Alberta, which happens to be the birthplace of Northern Keep Vodka: everyone dutifully obeys the speed limit, at least around Banff. “Keep right except to pass” seems to be a provincial mantra—the only time you see a car in the left lane on a highway is when a driver has decided the posted speed limit of 90 kmh is too slow. As soon said drivers pull out to pass—usually dutifully doing 92 kmh—they zip back into the right-hand lane. The point of this observation? That would be Albertans, and by proxy, Alberta distillers, seem to understand the importance of attention to detail.

The makers of Northern Keep Vodka pride themselves on a close relationship with the province’s farmers, who provide the prairie rye (70 percent) and winter wheat (30 percent) used in the distilling process. Add glacial Rocky Mountains waters to the process, and you’ve got something as (Western) Canadian as Banff National Park, Drumheller, and the ever-fascinating Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage site.

Smooth is the first thing that comes to mind with Northern Keep Vodka, which no doubt has everything to do with the fact that

> Go on-line to read hundreds of I Saw You posts or to respond to a message < HORSESHOE BAY B.C. FERRY WORKER MISSED OPPORTUNITY I SAW A: r I AM A: s WHEN: SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 WHERE: Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver I was walking out of the long-term parking lot in Horseshoe Bay when you surprised me when you said “Hi” to me. Asked me how I was and wished me a good shift at work. I was very taken aback by this because you seemed so genuine and kind to a total stranger. I think you could see on my face I was stressed. Thank you for making my day. I regret not stopping to talk to you longer. My wish is that you see this & we can go for coffee! Maybe Horseshoe Bay again? YOU THOUGHT MY NAME WAS MIA AT MAIN STREET JJ BEAN I SAW A: s I AM A: r WHEN: SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 WHERE: JJ Bean Main and 14th I was sitting outside the Main and 14th JJ working on my computer. You walked out of the cafe and we looked at each each other. You walked away, but a minute later you came back. You asked if my name was Mia. I said no, and you said I was the wrong person. I thought you were cute and was stoked that you came back to talk to me, even though I wasn’t who you were looking for. If it doesn’t work out with Mia, next time try me! FIAT PARKING AT WHOLE FOODS - ROBSON I SAW A: r I AM A: s WHEN: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 WHERE: West End - Whole Foods Enjoyed your smile as you pulled into the parking lot, as I was walking up Robson. You , a pretty blonde driving a little sports car. Me, the guy with the hat and grocery bag. Coffee ? LIBERTY CAFE I SAW A: r I AM A: s WHEN: SEPTEMBER 4, 2021 WHERE: Liberty cafe Main St I was standing outside Liberty cafe Early Saturday afternoon as you were walking by and I couldn‚Äôt keep my eyes off your beautiful smile and eyes. You crossed over and headed to front & company. You had a yellow/mustard?? Top on. Cutoffs and blundstones. I had some beat up denim and boots with a vest. Couldn‚Äôt do what I felt compelled to do as I was waiting for a friend but I think we should cross paths again so I can indulge this compulsion ;) ESCALATOR HOLT RENFREW I SAW A: s I AM A: s WHEN: SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 WHERE: Holt Renfrew Vancouver You were going down escalator at Holt Renfrew and I was going up. Our eyes lock, we both turned back to look...couldn't come find you and introduce myself was with a friend. Me orange T silver grey hair, you stunning smile. Love to meet. TALKING WITH BLONDE ENGLISH CYCLIST ON SEAWALL WEST END/YALETOWN I SAW A: r I AM A: s WHEN: SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 WHERE: Seawall West End/Yaletown I was cycling behind you on the seawall around Granville Bridge area, you almost got run into twice by people coming into your lane coming in the opposite direction. I commented to you how silly some people are lol and we kept chatting for a few minutes. You have been here in Canada for 4 years and I told you I have been here for 11. You were wearing blue cycling gear and have blonde hair. I would love to cycle with you one day? Should have asked for your number! HANDSOME MOUNTAIN BIKER FROM PRINCE GEORGE IN COQUITLAM PARK I SAW A: s I AM A: r WHEN: AUGUST 28, 2021 WHERE: Pinecone Burke Prov. Park Today, around 4 pm, my girl friend and I were on an Evo car at Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, in Coquitlam. You spotted us as we drove by you while looking for a place to park, then you rode by us, put on the most beautiful and mesmerizing smile and said “Good afternoon” All I could think of doing was reply and ask you if the park entrance was to the left or right, then you answered you didn’t know either cause you were from Prince George. I should have introduced myself and asked for your number, but I just got speechless instead. If you see this, I’d love to see you again, maybe for a walk/hike. GOOD-LOOKING GUY ON DRAKE + SEYMOUR I SAW A: s I AM A: r WHEN: AUGUST 28, 2021 WHERE: Drake + Seymour I was looking awful coming back from the gym and you looked amazing in a navy shirt and grey (I guess?) pants. You and your friend passed by me while crossing Drake + Seymour, close to Shoppers. You aknowleged me and said a discreet “hi” as we passed by each other. You two were heading towards Yaletown. I’d love to get to know you. Your perfume was so good too! TROUT LAKE CYCLISTS I SAW A: s I AM A: s WHEN: AUGUST 23, 2021 WHERE: Trout Lake You were sitting on the bleachers around Trout Lake near the bike path. You were wearing a blue shirt and had an orange bike near by. Around 3:45 today, I biked past, and you smiled and nodded your head. Would be interested in chatting. Cheers.

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the spirit is distilled five times. Syrupy will also do as a starting descriptor, especially if you’re drinking it neat and straight from a glacier-cold bottle tucked in the back of the freezer. Lemon-zest hits right off the top, as does a soft wash of blue grama grass, with a snappy finish bringing fresh pepper and bright-eyed grain spice. Sometimes, as anyone who’s ever driven the highways of Alberta knows, attention to detail is a beautiful thing.

COCKTAIL TIME The weather’s beginning to turn, which means it’s time to start thinking warm and comforting thoughts. On ice also works.

APPLE HARVEST

1 oz. Northern Keep Vodka 1 oz. honey syrup 3 oz. Apple Cider Ginger beer to top Cinnamon stick

To make with hot apple cider, combine ingredients in a mug and give a quick stir, garnishing with a cinnamon stick. For cold apple cider, combine all ingredients in a rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. g

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