Three Grog Night, or, Nicely Toasted

 Cocktail Correspondent: Weldon Gardner Hunter

Last February, my friend Michael & I tried to get seats at End Dive (1802 Government Street, Victoria). We were turned away - it was the busy Family Day Weekend here in beautiful British Columbia and the place was rammed. One year later, I got lucky going solo. This time the place, like my metaphorical glass, was half-filled.

I started off with a Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong:

Dry Vermouth, Amaro Nonino, Citrus Sherbet, Cara Cara, Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Sea Buckthorn garnish

Smooth and kind of creamy, it's the first drink I've had with sherbet. It's citrusy & pleasantly reminiscent of a mimosa. The orange flavour profile is really up front with the Nonino and Cara Cara added. The vermouth and pale ale anchor it and add floral notes. It got tartier as I sipped. Like the best companions.

Ok, it's vacation - let's have another:

Purgatory: Don Papa 7 year rum, Diplomatica Reserva, Dillon's Single Grain Rye, Cynar, East India Solera Sherry, Cacao & Coffee Bean Bitters

Velvety with a peppery kick. This is spirit forward, the rums and the rye are pretty burly. The Cynar and sherry combine to give the drink some dried fruit and cola suggestions, which pair well with the rums. In the meantime, the bitters are just a shade over subtle and add richness.

By now, I was figuring out what my next move should be. Go to another bar? Call it a night? The bartender appeared and I found myself uttering "Someone Get the Grill Out of the Rain":

I could tell this one would be complex before it was placed in front of me. And it was going to have a similar flavour profile to the last drink. Fruit forward: pineapple and melon lead. Tetsukabuto is, apparently, known as the Japanese pumpkin, it has a sweet & nutty taste. There's suggestions of vanilla, and peppery, bittersweet notes emerge once more, this time from the Capo. A proper concoction, and the big ticket item on the cocktail menu. I should have asked about the name - anyone else reminded of "Macarthur Park"?

End Dive is a lively room, with a friendly atmosphere and staff. The bar and kitchen are right next to each other & a nice toasty smell emanated from the dishes being prepared. Afrobeat on the playlist. Worth a visit, and worth the wait.