September Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

he very best of the shoulder seasons, September in Alberta is the time to eke out the last of the summer to-do list, get out to the mountains, go for that bike T ride, explore that last neck of the woods or the city before the leaves fall and the snow flies. This month, we are all about spirits that mix oh-so-well. From infused spirits like Earl Grey gin, vodka, peated rum, or locally made whisky. Plus a ready to go take on the classic negroni. However your summer is ending, our hope is that you get a little time to savour a good drink or two.

Campari Negroni Ready to Enjoy Italy

Possibly the world’s favourite classic cocktail, the Negroni is made with equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari, stirred over ice in a rocks glass. It should come as no surprise then that Campari have brought out their own premixed ‘RTE’ (Ready to Enjoy) – and enjoy we did! All you do is pour over ice, and garnish with a slice of orange. It’s smooth and bittersweet, as you’d want a Negroni to taste – our only question is what took them so long? CSPC +855311 375 mL $22-24

Confluence Distilling Detour Gin Alberta

Super smooth and bright, the very appealing nose of this gin is juniper forward followed by fresh notes of citrus and cucumber. A splash of tonic really brings out the citrus, and while we know it’s made for mixing and cocktails, it actually doesn’t need much other than a green olive - a martini is a cocktail isn’t it? Craft products attract a lower tax rate, and the good news is that with Detour Gin, you’re getting a top shelf gin at a bottom shelf price! Available from the distillery $29

Buckle Premium Vodka, Alberta

This Alberta-made, premium vodka hit the streets well in time for summer, and Stampede in particular, where it was the order of the day for Caesars and a multitude other cocktails! Buckle celebrates the outdoor Country lifestyle - after your day fishing, BBQing, or herding cattle - yet there’s a smoothness and polish from the column-distilled prairie wheat belying the rugged exterior, and as another ‘craft’ product, it’s a terrific value! 750 mL CSPC +859274 around $24

Eau Claire Distillery Earl Grey Gin Alberta

We first tasted this gin at the pre-launch of Calgary’s new Dorian Hotel, for whom it was created – and it was instant love! The aroma and flavour you associate with Earl Grey comes from the oil of the rind of bergamot, a type of orange (even though it’s really more lime coloured!). The distillers at Eau Claire have used it judiciously; it’s there but not overpowering. This gin exudes elegance and a little old-fashioned charm – wear your opera gloves when drinking! CSPC +873534 $53

Ron Relicario Peated Finish Rum Dominican Republic

Something very uncommon under the summer sun. A Dominican rum, aged for up to 10 years and then finished in peated Speyside whisky barrels. Very unusual and most importantly – it works very well. The nose allows caramel and toffee rum notes to dominate, but with a mild salinity, vinyl, and iodine character that aren’t out of place. On the palate, it’s very smooth (unlike a lot of Islay whiskies) with sweetness and consistent flavours, but a rich, smoky finish. Yo ho! CSPC +854142 $80-85

Bridgeland Distillery Glenbow Single Malt Whisky, Alberta

An Alberta whisky throughout, with barley from Hamill Farm’s (Penhold, AB) field NE4-37-27-W4M, malted at their Red Shed Malting, and with Bow Glacier Water. It opens with notes of Apple Betty pudding, and a little fruit cake - viscous and full in the mouth, very fruity, very smooth, and utterly sippable. A drop of water brings out the dried fruit flavours, thick cut orange marmalade? It’s one of those bottles you won’t want to share… just enjoy and be happy you live in Alberta! Available from the distillery, 500 mL $69