Summer Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

t is a little tricky predicting exactly what we’ll be doing this summer, where it will be, and who or how many we’ll be doing it with. So we’ve decided to play it a bit on the safe side and focus on finely crafted spirits that may show their

Ibest in the great outdoors. From spirits that taste great in ice-laden cocktails to cool you off on a hot day, to rich sipping bourbons (and a tequila) to sip by a firepit when the evening isn’t quite done. Enjoy!

Banff Ice Summit Vodka, Alberta

This is one smooth vodka! Banff Ice Summit uses only 100 percent winter wheat - a hardy grain that remains dormant and doesn’t die off in winter, bursting into life in spring - and is distilled five times and charcoal filtered to produce a distinctive, clean spirit with a full mouth-feel and long finish. There’s a sweet nose of vanilla, with a little tropical fruit on the palate, and I’m looking for a classic martini to sip and savour here. Bonus - it’s crazy good value too! CSPC +815685 $24-28

Casey Jones Distillery Total Eclipse Moonshine, Kentucky, USA

Wow, now here’s something different, and quite eye-popping. From Kentucky, this moonshine was created to commemorate the 2017 solar eclipse, and is a velvety blend, as they say, of ‘corn and cane’. It reminds me of being in Mexico and the sweet, yet earthy, smell of fresh ground corn tortillas. At 50 percent ABV, I’d suggest adding ice, and then any mixer you like or in a cocktail – but it’s like a good whisky, totally enjoyable without the mixer. CSPC +846828 $33-36

Alberta Pure Vodka, Alberta

When a local spirit is named the best Canadian vodka at the 2021 World Vodka Awards, we just have to revisit it. Made from Prairie-grown grain and Rocky Mountain glacier water, Alberta Pure is clean tasting, yet creamy with almost baked bread notes on the palate. Of course it makes a great Martini and a terrific Screwdriver, but really – at this price and quality, this is probably your spirit of choice for your Caesars this summer! CSPC +1073 Around $25 on the shelf.

Hansen Tropic Sunset Pineapple Coconut Liqueur, Alberta

Chasing the high that is the incredible summers we get in Alberta comes this recent release from Edmonton’s Hansen Distillery. Weighing in with 27 percent alcohol and very little sweetness, the flavours are exactly as promised with bright, summery flavours, good balance, and all the rest. This will make a solid base for any number of cocktails, or even just a splash of soda. Hello summer! CSPC 849124 $48-50

Cada Dia Tequila Reposada Jalisco, Mexico

Cada Dia celebrates life ‘every day’, with a limited 3,000-bottle production of rich, smooth, and deep tequila. 8-year old agave cooks slowly for 40 hours, and is fermented with natural yeast before being doubledistilled with volcanic water, and aged in second-use bourbon barrels, resulting in a sweet and smoky vanilla nose, with caramel and a hint of mandarin peel on the palate. Absolutely delicious for sipping or in cocktails. CSPC +845705 $77-80

Deuce Neon Vodka, Alberta

Released in perfect time for summer, Neon is a flavoured vodka from Deuce Vodka. Made from Prairie winter wheat, it’s glutenfree and super smooth, with a soft mouthfeel. With all-natural flavourings, you’ll instantly be reminded of cotton candy on the nose, but you’ll recognize watermelon on the palate – so on-trend this summer! At 22 percent ABV, we enjoy it neat on ice, but it makes a great highball with soda, and a very tasty Cosmo! CSPC +841162 $23-27