Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/365611
Distilled Wisdom A Turner Valley craft distillery is about to set rye making back by hundreds of years. And that's a good thing. It started in May, when farmers from across Western Canada planted fi ve hectares of rye at historical Bar U Ranch in Turner Valley using horse-drawn plows. It was partly for fun, partly for a deeper connection to the land, says David Farran, who bootstrapped Eau Claire Distillery with his buddies Larry Kerwin and Brad Stevens earlier this year. "We wanted to try to do things from absolute scratch," he says. "We're calling this farm-to-glass. You should know where every- thing that goes into your glass comes from." e rye will be harvested this fall and used to make the distillery's fi rst batch of rye whisky, a special edition of around 200 bottles. e whisky will age for two to three years in oak barrels, until it has absorbed enough of the wood's sugars and caramel fl avours. Until then, spirit lovers can tide themselves over with Eau Claire vodka and gin, available at select liquor stores across Alberta. Or visit the distillery's new tasting room on Sunset Boulevard. eauclairedistillery.ca –T.H. TOUR DE CUISINE Does the thought of dining among fellow foodies at an outdoor table loaded with harvest fare tickle your tastebuds? This fall, AMA is pitching in to take viewers on a cinematic journey from farm to fork – showcasing how our own backyard has become a celebrated culinary destination. This series of videos will follow local meat and produce from its origins in Alberta elds to the plates of talented chefs who present it in tantalizing new ways. The best part? You and a guest could win a seat at one of the harvest suppers, alongside a culinary who's who of Alberta. –S.R. For more, including how to enter, visit: ama.ab.ca/AbsorbAlberta Eau Claire Distillery president David Farran demonstrates rye planting at Bar U Ranch; (right) the distillery's craft vodka. (BAr U rANcH) diANA NG, (AccOrdiON) iSTOck F A l l 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A 11 Squeezebox Spectacular There are battling banjos and duelling pianos – so why not competing accordions? As part of Edmonton's Accordion Extravaganza September 12–14, musicians in youth and adult categories will go head to head (hip to hip?). The weekend also includes a cabaret, a pancake breakfast and performances by champion accordionist Michael Bridge and Of One Accord, an accordion jazz band. edmontonaccordion.com/extravaganza absolute scratch," he says. "We're calling this There are battling banjos and duelling pianos – so why not competing accordions? As part of Edmonton's Accordion Extravaganza September 12–14, musicians in youth and adult categories will go head to head (hip to hip?). The weekend also includes a cabaret, a pancake breakfast and performances by champion accordionist ENTER TO WIN A SEAT AT A HARVEST SUPPER!