April Spirits –Farewell to the white stuff…

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

Given the completely, totally, unpredictable nature of April in Alberta, we aren’t completely sure what sorts of things to recommend. Albertans are very seasonally driven in their beverage choices, but will we be enjoying a 3rd winter or Fool’s Spring? Will the shovels be away for good, or heavy in our hands? We know what we are wishing for, so for April, we have a wide ranch of great bottles for the die-hard patio enthusiast, or for those willing to chill out fireside or at the trailside. Or maybe we are stuck indoors for a few more weeks…

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Sardinian Citrus Gin, Ireland

It still sort of warms my heart to see Irish gins, for no other reason that it – in hindsight seems like a perfect place to find them – but that it took so long to really experience them. Made with Sardinian citrus, but also grapefruit, lime, and yes gunpowder tea, along with classic botanicals, the overall experience is bright and citrusy with a rather intense, but not too intense palate. Very quaffable, but this might be the perfect sort of gin this summer for the G&T fan.

CSPC 863529 $63-66

Dillon’s Small Batch Rye Grain Vodka, Canada

Might just be the rye grains speaking, but this is a beautiful sipping vodka from Ontario. Rich, with a mild oiliness on the palate, and also plenty of peppery spicy notes, but also a bit of dried herb and something hot too – very smooth, but no shrinking wallflower in any way. The flavours here would stand out proudly in a mule, or even vodka martini. It’s a sincere wish that we see more single or select grain vodkas here as the quality is often staggering.

CSPC 873928 $35-37

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year Old, Scotland

Glengoyne are proud to be the ‘slowest whisky distiller in Scotland’, and they’ve been unhurried for 190 years. When you taste their latest 15-year release, you’ll be very glad they didn’t rush. It’s recognisably Glengoyne’s fruity style; soft, smooth, and creamy, with notes of cinnamon, walnuts and brown sugar, and no smokiness as a result of air-drying the barley. Treat yourself to just a few drops of good water and you’ll be very happy with the result – it really brings out the sweetness!

CSPC 880580 $120-125

King’s Inch Glasgow Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland

It was said that the imperial measurement of an inch was once decreed as three fat barleycorns laid end to end – and called a King’s Inch. It was also the name of an island in Glasgow’s River Clyde, and now it’s a new, small batch single malt whisky of around 5,000 bottles that belies its youth with just right balance between first fill bourbon and sherry casks. With sweet notes of spice and vanilla, creamy milk chocolate and cookies, King’s Inch would make a terrific whisky sour.

CSPC 876298 $68-72

Masahiro Okinawa Gin #1, Japan

Halfway between Taiwan and mainland Japan, the tropical island of Okinawa’s traditional spirit would be the rice-based Awamori, so gin is a bit of a departure for them. This is their first, and it’s a stunner. You might be hard-pressed to recognise some of the botanicals, such as guava leaves, Balinese long pepper, and goya – the local bitter melon - but you’ll recognise a deliciously smooth, elegant, flavourful, and floral gin when you taste it. Just sip and enjoy.

CSPC 808730 $67-70

Original Magnum Cream Liqueur, Scotland

When you think of whisky cream liqueurs, which country comes to mind? Probably not Scotland? Well Magnum have changed all that and brought out Scotland’s first single malt whisky cream liqueur. You’ll want it for the stainless steel, quick chill (no ice!), milk churn flask to take filled with water on your next summer hike, but this blend of Speyside single malt Scotch whisky and Highland cream is so tasty (and almost chocolatey) on its own that it’s not even going anywhere near my coffee!

CSPC 858583 $38-42

Nemiroff Vodka, Ukraine

It’s always great to support a good cause with our purchasing dollars, and in addition to being distilled in the Ukraine, a portion of sales also goes to supporting the country. Classic vodka notes with a light, mineral and cereal profile, and on the palate, a good blend of smooth spirit notes, but also some kick at the finish. Exactly the sort of vodka that works great as a freezer staple or in a simple vodka soda or other easy cocktail.

CSPC 863038 $30-32

Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch, The Original, Scotland

Are ye ready for the Lowlands? We hear a lot about the Highlands, Islay, and Speyside, but the Lowlands often don’t get the attention they deserve, so let’s remedy that right now with a single malt whisky from the first active distillery in Glasgow in 121 years. Made in copper pot stills called Tara and Mhairi, you’re going to love this dried fruit and shortbread-tasting dram, and revel in the ground almonds, marmalade, and spice on the finish.

CSPC 840194 $80-84

Stauning Smoke, Denmark

Here’s one for the whisky curious - a craft, single malt from Denmark – the ‘new Nordic’. Made from local grain, floor-malted in house and lightly smoked over local peat and heather, this is a super smooth dram with both aromas and flavours of honey, vanilla - and is that macadamia or cashews? This is what happens when nine whisky-loving friends (a doctor, a teacher, a butcher, a chef, a pilot, and four engineers) combine their skills, and I can’t stop sipping it.

CSPC 867873 $138-142