The place previously mentioned, Bok Chi Go Jang Ku Chi Go (북치고 장구치고) makes the makgeoli for the majority of restaurants around the Vancouver area. Most Korean restaurants thus serve the exact same makgeoli. It will always taste slightly different just due to age/freshness, and how much the makgeoli is shaken/stirred before serving. It comes in giant containers for restaurants which are difficult to pour, so initial pours are often watery, while closer to the end it gets thicker.
Bok Chi Go Jang Ku Chi Go will also sell its makgeoli to customers in 4L jugs for ~$20. Sometimes they will refuse if you don't speak Korean.
About 2 years ago, the BC Liquor Store started importing
Jinro Makgeoli in 1L green bottles for $10. I've never seen this makgeoli for sale in Korea, it seems to be repackaged for the Canadian market. Several restaurants around Vancouver now offer this makgeoli, as well as some BC Liquor Stores.
Most recently, I have seen that Midam Cafe on North Road is now selling a newly imported white bottle makgeoli. I have high hopes for this one as it looks similar to one I had in Korea, but I haven't tried it yet. I've been told by several other restaurants that they will soon carry this makgeoli as well.
In terms of taste, I find the standard Vancouver makgeoli to be quite sour. In Korea there are similar ones, but also a significant number of sweeter makgeoli which are more pleasant.
For introducing new friends to makgeoli, try serving them a bowl of it with a splash of Sprite/7-Up in it. Most people unfamiliar with makgeoli find it untasty on their first try. Also, some restaurants offer cocktail makgeoli, which has a fruit mixer or blended fruit in it. Common flavours are banana, yogurt, strawberry, and pina colada. Ones I remember serving this are Base on Robson and Damso on Denman.
If you want an authentic Korean drinking experience (atmosphere, food, and drink), I recommend going to Chungdamahn on Robson and Cardero (behind the 7-11). On Fridays and Saturdays its incredibly busy, dark, and loud, and they serve all the popular Korean drinks and drinking food.
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