In a traditional sauna workshop the aromas of sticky sap from fresh pine and birch mingled with wood glue and leather polish. Then sweet smoke reminiscent of burning pencils wafted over a lunchbox of hard pears and salted liquorice. On the palate, wood transferred to birch water infused with thyme, cinnamon and spruce tips while olive oil burned on a hot barbecue.

A dash of water brought out burnt caraway seeds and juniper wood, with a hint of cough syrup and spirit. Back in the workshop, linseed oil was being worked into balsa wood and sourdough rye bread was toasting on sizzling sauna stones.

NOT AVAILABLE AT ARC LIQUOR IN KELOWNA