April Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

HAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT APRIL IN ALBERTA? One day, we might be shoveling snow, and a few days later (or possibly the same W day) we might be out and about in shorts showing off our pale, pasty legs! We scoured the globe to find some interesting and tasty spirits to share this month, and for those longing for a beach vacation, we have a few tequilas and rum to sate the craving for slushy cocktails – or evening sipper, along with some arak from Lebanon, a smattering of whisky, and a couple of new to us spirits from Saskatchewan!

Massaya Arak, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Arak isn’t an everyday drink in Alberta, but maybe we can start a trend with a quality bottle like Massaya. Produced from the native Lebanese Obeïdi grapes, it’s distilled twice before being macerated with green aniseed, and a third time before ageing a couple of years in clay amphorae. It’s strong and clear with herbal notes (and no added sugar), and traditionally drunk with plenty of ice or water to cut the 50 percent ABV, and watch it turn milky. Serve as an aperitif, or try with bourbon and ginger ale, or with mint and soda for a mojito! CSPC +847755 $47-50

Romero Amber Rum, Alberta

It’s still a little mind-blowing that there is a rum distillery in Alberta, and that it’s also really good! A subtler example of amber rum and showing off a fine balance of sweeter notes, but also a firm molasses character on the mid palate finishing on a clean, woody caramel palate. A fine sipping rum, but also makes a fine alternative to bourbon in a cocktail – or drinking by the fireside. CSPC +840670 $75-80

Black Fox Oaked Gin, Saskatchewan

John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote are fifth-generation farmers and alumni of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program, and on their farm just outside Saskatoon they grow fruit, flowers, and grains and distil them into gin and whisky. Made with 15 botanicals, many home-grown including calendula and rhubarb, their gin ages in first-use American white oak casks to produce this stunning, smooth oaked gin – almost whisky-like in complexity. Sip and enjoy, or use in your negroni, old fashioned, or sour – you’ll be impressed! CSPC +819741 $82-86

Black Fox SE Eleven Single Grain Whisky, Saskatchewan

Named after the location of the land, SE 11-36-06 W3, Black Fox’s single grain whisky is made from Triticale – a hybrid grain between wheat and rye, grown, distilled, and aged at Black Fox farm. It’s light bodied and smooth with tropical, soft fruit notes of mango and apricot, a little toasted almond, and vanilla fudge. At 47.9 percent ABV, it opens up beautifully with a few drops of water. I think of some whiskies as ‘winter whiskies’, where I want to sit in front of a fire cradling my glass, but I’d happily drink this Single Grain whisky all year round! CSPC + 847805 500 mL $90-95

Bowmore Masters’ Selection, Islay, Scotland

One for the collectors – a new expression from Bowmore and a first edition single malt whisky in partnership with Aston Martin. Inspired by the Golden Ratio, it’s created from 61.8 percent 21-year Bowmore aged in first-fill sherry casks, with the remainder including Bowmore matured for more than 35 years. Try with a drop of water, it’s exceptional: sweet and rich, honey-maple aromas follow through on the palate with toffee and mocha, and a warming spice, leading to a long, smooth finish. Treat yourself or someone you love. CSPC +1182590 $500-550

Tequila Cascahuin Plata Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico

The pure depth and range of quality these days is staggering – I almost miss some of those old, sweaty/dirty examples…. but not really. Bright salinity and steely aromas with clean vegetative notes and lots of mineral. On the palate, very smooth, with a white pepper spiciness and a little bit of heat on the back end. A fine sipping tequila any day of the week. CSPC +843709 $65-70

Tequila Cascahuin Anejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico

Spending 14-16 months in American Oak has a few advantages for aging quality tequila, it settles the spirit a little making it smoother and mellow, but also using those older barrels like at Cascahuin doesn’t add a lot of barrel flavour either. Slightly smokey and salty on the nose with some milder, nutty characters lead into a rich and spicy palate with plenty of flavours to describe with your friends. You might just never need a bourbon ever again. CSPC +843707 $80-85

Grand Love Anejo Tequila, Mexico

A truly delightful tequila expression with robust salinity, tropical fruits, and smokiness to complement that agave character. On the palate is where the smokiness really comes into play, and provides ample support to what is an exceptionally smooth, very much sipping tequila that has all the authentic characters you want with a mild, almost caramel finish. A very nice tequila to have for special guests. CSPC +849357 $120-130

Shinobu 10 Year Mizunara Oak Whisky, Japan

It’s always fun to find a new whisky, and let alone something different, with an age statement, but also one offering something a little fun. The Shinobu is full flavoured with a deep smokiness, but one that evokes more coffee and nuttiness over peat character. Surprisingly floral with a great palate. Best without water, but still fine with a splash. CSPC +825572 $120-130