June Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

At last! The summer months are upon us and it would be a crying shame to spend this beautiful season indoors. For some of us, June brings the end of the school year, Father’s day, and for others, it’s just a great chance to be active in Alberta.

We’ve got a range of spirits to recommend from Scottish and American whiskies to Welsh and Irish gins, covering most of the bases from sitting on the deck on a sunny afternoon to a cool evening by a bonfire, but they will all taste better outside!

Tommy Bahama Rye Whisky United States

Washington’s Coral Cay Distilling has spent the last 10 years developing a range of Tommy Bahama spirits to bring the island life to us. And now we’re tasting a 4-year old rye whisky blended with minimum 8-year old light and heavy rum –that’s a first for us! At 46.5 percent ABV it’s perfect for cocktails, but what to mix it with? It’s rye whisky, so you expect spice and pepper but has sweetness from the rum. We enjoyed it with ginger ale, and try as a sour! CSPC +839875 $100-$105

Brecon Botanicals Gin, Wales

A second label from Penderyn Distllery, “Brecon” allows them to produce more than the acclaimed whiskies they’re famous for, and we’re happy for that! Botanicals gin says “From the four corners of the world” and it’s hugely aromatic. It’s juniper forward, followed to me by spicy coriander root and citrus, and at 43 percent ABV, perfect for mixing with tonic, soda water if that’s your fancy, and juices and additives to make your favourite gin cocktail! CSPC +842305 $50-52

Tommy Bahama Vodka, United States

Well, here’s a thing – Tommy Bahama’s “Copper” Vodka is distilled eight times! The result is a super smooth mouth-feel and elegant finish, yet we know it’s made for cocktails – so what will we mix it with? We tried the suggestion on the bottle for the Mule, and added a little ginger beer – yes! Then we added some lime juice – yes, yes! And then pineapple juice – yes, yes, yes! They’re right, it’s a great vodka for whatever the mood takes you to add! CSPC +839870 $65-68

Glendalough Rose Gin, Ireland

Glendalough Rose Gin, from the Wicklow Mountains, southwest of Dublin, was released last month as a beautiful tribute to head distiller, Rowdy Rooney’s, late mum. The delicate pink colour comes from distilling rose petals from her garden, and it’s infused with more roses too. Think pink peppercorns, citrus and rose… and sip it neat while thinking of your mum, or add ice, good tonic, and a slice of lime, and relax in the sun in your Muskoka chair, with a good book. CSPC + 811635 $47-51

Knob Creek 9 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, United States

Back on the market after a too-long hiatus, Knob Creek’s 9 year old, 100 proof bourbon brings the goods. Toasty, nutty, cereal aromas with nuanced barrel notes and the right amount of fiery heat leads into a rich, slightly smoky-sweet palate that is absolutely best neat in the glass, though a touch of cold water balances the alcohol character and gives the spirit a little breathing room. Makes a killer Manhattan too. CSPC +326009 $50-55

The GlenDronach 2009 Vintage Single Malt Whisky, Scotland

How lucky are we? This whisky has been bottled exclusively for Canada and is only available in Alberta. They know us far too well; we just want to keep sniffing this deliciously rich and unctuous Highland single malt with its completely alluring aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate and cherries, and a hint of sweet orange, and figgy pudding with currants on the palate. I’ll allow you a couple of drops of water in your glass, but you can’t be my friend if you add ice. CSPC +834367 $95-98