Sipping Shochu in B.C.

A quaint mountain town deep in the heart of the rugged Kootenays seems an unlikely spot for an urbane izakaya pub, but Rossland, B.C. is just that kind of place.

Part of the Red Mountain Resort group, Drift Izakaya moved into the space formerly occupied by the Nowhere Special lounge on Rossland’s heritage main street in December 2008. The cozy room, with its plum-coloured walls displaying sepia-toned photos of old Japan, has since become a hotspot for live music.

In addition to the usual suspects of Asian import beers and sake, the Drift carries an old-world wine list comprised primarily of unoaked varietals to complement the Japanese-North American fusion small-plates menu of sushi rolls, fish tacos, panko-breaded prawns, spicy agadashi tofu and de rigueur starter bowls of edamame.

The Drift beverage roster also includes the izakaya staple shochu. The Japanese vodka is considered something of an old-timer’s choice in the old country, but it was entirely new for this Rossland first-timer. Distilled from sweet potatoes, the Dan Dan shochu has a pleasant honey-like sweetness that softens the distinct vodka bite. Served up straight over ice, it’s a clear choice to chase the umami-laced creations drifting out of the kitchen.

Drift Izakaya
2104 Columbia
Rossland, B.C.
V0G 1Y0

Phone: 250-362-2190