Culinaire #11.5 (October 2022)

BEST IN CLASS WINNERS

BEST

CLASS WINNER

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

BlendS

tradition

La Storia Zinfandel

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

lively

cherry,

elegant

intense aromas

and plums,

barrel

slight

body with

Bridges Family Winemaker

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

BoRdeaux Style BlendS

This Bordeaux-style blend has herbal aromas of blueberry, cassis and cardamom - unusual for Argentina but intriguing and inviting. Leafy berry flavours introduce notes of thyme and fennel. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec, and 20% Cabernet Franc.

WINNERS

2022 Alberta Beverage Awards

LUI Reserve Malbec

CSPC +837539

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

MalBec

This high elevation, 100% Malbec from Uco Valley is aged in French oak barrels, and displays the richness and complexity of the variety. LUI Reserve Malbec is balanced, with well-rounded tannins and smooth finish.

Expresión Malbec

CSPC +837090

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

MalBec

An extremely good example of the emblematic red variety from Argentina. Black raspberry and violet aromas are perfectly combined with elegant tannins, ideal to pair with red meats and hard cheeses.

Aranwa Cabernet Sauvignon

CSPC +770117

BEST IN CLASS WINNER

caBeRnet SauVIgnon

Mature red fruit aromas of cherries and plums combine with pepper, smoke, vanilla, and coffee notes. An elegant wine with soft tannins and a long finnish. Awarded 90 pt

James Suckling 2020!

8 Salutes and Shout Outs

News from Alberta’s culinary scene

82 Etcetera…

What’s new?

THE COVER

With the tenth anniversary of the Alberta Beverage Awards under our belts, we wanted to thank Keane and Kendra for their strong, dynamic, and striking image that says it all!

10 Who Let the Fungi Out?

Can there be a more versatile vegetable then the mushroom?

With so many varieties to choose from now, we’re showcasing them as the main ingredient, but you can add them to almost any dish!

by Natalie Findlay

12 The Desserts of Diwali

Diwali is one of the world’s most beloved and widely celebrated autumn festivals, and it’s an especially thrilling time of year for foodies!

by Jade Prévost-Manuel

14 Saving Summer: Oven

“Sun-Dried” Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes amplify the flavour of anything they touch; the slow drying process concentrates their tomato flavour and locks in all that summer sweetness.

by Renée Kohlman

16 The Results of the Tenth Anniversary 2022 Alberta Beverage Awards

The 2022 Alberta Beverage Awards showcase some of the finest wines, beers, spirits – and everything else in between available to Albertans. Judged over three days in July, the results are here in their entirety!

by Tom Firth

Alberta Beverage Awards

Hard Teas

Alberta Beverage Awards

Ales and Cream Ales

Beverage

and

Beverage

Beverage

and No Alcohol Spirits and

Still celebrating…

But now it’s the Alberta Beverage Awards – it’s our tenth edition this year!

It’s hard to believe we could have run ten of these mammoth competitions. It’s a gigantic undertaking, planning starts at least eight months in advance (we already have judging dates booked for 2023, ’24 and ‘25!), to make sure everything is in place in good time.

There are so many aspects to be considered and actioned: with thousands of products on site we need two ballrooms to lay everything out and have plenty of room for our judges to taste all the beverages in flights, without ever seeing which products they’re judging.

And then the judges – we need 20-25 experienced and professional, Alberta beverage experts for three days as soon as Stampede is over, but that’s holiday time for many, leaving those restaurant and liquor store owners and sommeliers, and

media that are here short-staffed, so we start the invites early.

And the back room – it takes a lot of hands and clear minds to pour what could be 5,000+ tasting samples over the three days of judging, with the right drinks for the flights, in the right order at the right time, and at the right temperature! We have at least ten stewards at any one time, working non-stop behind the scenes.

All this can only happen after entry forms have been received, products classified and broken into flights before the products arrive and are logged, and carefully stored at the correct temperatures.

After the beverages have been through various rounds to determine the finalists, the scores have to be finally tallied to find our Best in Class and highest scoring Judges Selections over around 75 categories!

So, there are a lot of people to thank for their hard work to make this happen (see page 16) – and to be able to bring you the results in this bumper issue!

Cheers

Linda Garson Editor-in-Chief

CORRECTION:

The measurements in our Peach Galette recipe last month should have read: Roll out dough to 30 cm diameter. Place fruit mixture on the dough leaving a 6 cm rim. Apologies for any inconvenience and failed galettes!

Alberta

Linda

Tom

Straub

Jason Dziver

Findlay

Renée Kohlman

Prévost-Manuel

To read about our talented team of contributors, please visit us online at culinairemagazine.ca.

Food & Drink

Recipes

Our contributors

Jason Dziver

Jason Dziver has been a professional photographer for the last 25 years, and has happily worked on the Alberta Beverage Awards since the beginning. If you ask what he shoots, he’ll probably say “anything short of a wedding”, but most frequently that means architecture, food and beverage, and portraiture. You’ll find examples at jasondziver.com. Jason is also a little bit obsessed with all aspects of cycling...

Jade Prévost-Manuel

Jade is a nomadic journalist whose work has appeared in Canadian Geographic Travel, enRoute, Outpost Magazine and CBC News. She is a recipient of the CBC’s Joan Donaldson News Scholarship and former associate producer for the broadcaster’s current affairs programme, Marketplace. Jade loves nothing better than sampling dishes and treats from around the world, whether conventional or unfamiliar. Follow her @journalist_jade.

Tom Firth

Tom is a drinks writer, consultant, and beverage judge who has been travelling the world and pulling corks for over twenty-five years. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine and is the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards. He has no qualms about tasting first thing in the morning, and his desk is covered in paper and bottles - somewhere under all that, a corkscrew might be found.

All Trademarks presented in this magazine are owned by the registered owner. All advertisements appearing in this magazine are the sole responsibility of the person, business or corporation advertising their product or service. For more information on Culinaire Magazine’s Privacy Policy and Intention of Use, please see our website at www.culinairemagazine.ca. All content, photographs and articles appearing in this magazine are represented by the contributor as original content and the contributor will hold Culinaire Magazine harmless against any and all damages that may arise from their contribution. All public correspondence, which may include, but is not limited to letters, e-mail, images and contact information, received by Culinaire Magazine becomes the property of Culinaire Magazine and is subject to publication. Culinaire Magazine may not be held responsible for the safety or return of any unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other materials. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part without written consent from Culinaire Magazine is strictly prohibited.

SALUTES & SHOUT OUTS

Fuge Fine Meat lives on as Fuge Sausage! Albertans love their sausages, and lucky Edmontonians have been enjoying Fuge Fine Meats’ scratch-made sausages at farmers’ markets and Otto Food and Drink. Owner, Steve Furgiuele, has now left the industry but the good news is LOVEPIZZA’s Braede Harris and Gavin Fedorak have taken over the helm, continuing as Fuge Sausage. Pick up in Edmonton at LOVEPIZZA, 6736 99 Street NW, delivery orders at fugesausage.ca.

Congratulations Ben Put! Again! The brightest star in Alberta’s coffee scene, Calgary’s Monogram Coffee co-owner, Ben Put, has triumphed again, not only winning first place in the Specialty Coffee Association’s 2022 National Barista Championship but also taking top spot in the 2022 Canadian Brewer’s Cup Championship!.

Sibling sandwich bar for The Next Act, Meat, and Pip Popular Edmonton pub, smokery, and restaurant, The Next Act, Meat, and Pip have now added PALS Sandwich Bar to the lineup, serving delicious and generously filled sandwiches, soups, salads, cocktails, beer, and wine. 10335 83 Avenue. 11-late, seven days.

Pocket Café opens next to sister café Dairy Lane Calgary’s Blue Star Diner and Dairy Lane Cafe share ownership, and now they have a sibling coffee shop, Pocket Café, at 317 19 Street NW, next door to Dairy Lane. With Fratello Coffee and Alforno pastries, this is one popular little spot! Seven days, 8 am-4 pm.

Calling Pokemon fans! Check out swirlyeg.com, Edmonton’s Swirl Cafe & Games’ online shop, then head to 6825 177 Street NW for more in the store, as well as a pay-what-you-can board game library. But don’t forget the food and drinks – enjoy light dishes with milkshakes, espresso-based drinks, and customized ice cream. From 10 am, seven days.

Frenchie expands into Bread & Circus Calgary’s Una Pizza and Wine has always been popular; we loved their Roman-style trattoria, Bread and Circus, and the tiny Frenchie Wine

Bar at the back too. Now Frenchie has expanded to fill the 38-seat dining room, with snacks and charcuterie as well as cheese fondue, alongside your choice from the substantial selection of biodynamic and natural wines, beer, and cocktails. No resos, but a virtual waitlist at frenchieyyc.com. 616 17 Avenue SW, Thursday-Monday, 6 pm-1 am.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) launches in Edmonton In 1985, two former federal prosecutors launched CPK, combining a passion for food with fresh ingredients. Now they have 200 restaurants over eight countries –and a first for Canada in Edmonton, at 5260 Windermere Boulevard! The stone-hearth oven cooks their BBQ Chicken Pizza in 8 minutes, and glutenfree and halal are options too. It’s not just pizza with salads, bowls, pastas, crispy mac n cheese, and more… Seven days 11 am-late.

The Pizza Project is now at Little Tavern Calgary’s Pizza Project is alive and well and under new management at Little Tavern, 5555 Strathcona Hill SW. They’re doing it their way and combining the best of Canadian, New York, and European styles; we counted 22 pizzas, some with unique topping combos (try the Chicken Confit Blue, it’s fabulous!). Choose Individual (10”), Legit Large (14”) or Jumbo (18“) and turn your 10” into a calzone for $1. Check out ‘The Sub Project’ too with in-house baked bread from their pizza dough! Closed Mondays.

All-day dim sum in Edmonton Often Dim sum is only available in the mornings or on Sundays, but now you can eat pan-fried, deep-fried, or baked, dim sum as well as noodle bowls, hot pot, five kinds of Egg Foo Young, shrimp chive cakes, and much more, all day long at Lucky Kitchen, 10346 University Avenue. Seven days from 11 am to 10 pm.

The Mash open sixth Calgary location With two locations in Edmonton and five in Calgary, Cochrane’s Half Hitch Brewing has now opened The Mash craft beer and pizza at 1535 5 Street SW. Celebrated for using the spent grain from the brewing process for their pizza dough, everything else here is upcycled including the pictures on the walls and grandma’s plates!

New Caribbean restaurant is open in Edmonton Cousins Pat (baker) and Nadine (cook) have been sharing their passion for cooking since 2006, and now they’re bringing a little sunshine into Edmonton with their new Cafe Caribbean. Expect made in-house, authentic dishes like fried or spicy curry chicken, steamed fish, and curried chickpeas with potatoes. From 11 am, closed Sundays. 10140 117 Street NW.

Edmonton’s Baekjeong opens in Calgary 11660 Sarcee Trail NW is home to this Korean BBQ restaurant where you can grill Premium Alberta Sterling Silver beef short ribs, brisket, pork belly, and ribeye, at your table accompanied by bottomless Korean salads and vegetables, appies and cheese buldak for the table to share. From 4:30 pm, closed Tuesdays.

Judges

Concha Y Toro’s distinguished winemaker, Marcelo Papa, has crafted this noble and classic wine from grapes grown in Chile’s Maipo Valley, renowned for its exceptional terroir and perfect conditions for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bonterra Organic Vineyards’ flagship Bonterra brand is the world’s first organically farmed wine to be certified Climate Neutral. This Grenache-based rosé is beautifully dry with flavours of pomegranate, red berries, and peach, and a crisp, lingering finish.

“I explore Chile's varied lands and valleys from north to south, nding the seven best terroirs, where each variety reveals its unique expression.”

ORIGINS NOBLE

Who Let The Fungi Out?

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE FINDLAY

Gone are the days where the button mushroom showed up raw on every vegetable platter.

With so many mushrooms to choose from now: morels, shiitake, oyster, chaga, lions mane, chestnut, enoki, portobello, crimini and many more, mushrooms are now the “fun guys” at the dinner table.

Each has their own unique flavour and texture profile. You are bound to discover new favourites to liven up your meals.

Mushrooms are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a lowcalorie source of fibre, protein and antioxidants as well as selenium, copper, thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus. These recipes showcase mushroom as the main ingredient, but you can add them to virtually any dish you already make.

Now go have some fun with these “fun guys” and cook up something mushroomy.

4. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook until translucent approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary and nutmeg and cook another 3 or 4 minutes. Remove and reserve.

Note: mushrooms can soak up a lot of oil when they first hit the pan so you may need to add more duck fat or oil.

5. Add mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes or until starting to brown.

6. Add the bacon and onion mixture to pan and stir to combine. Add the wine and let reduce to half.

7. Add beans back to pot. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Check pot in 40 minutes. Taste to see how the flavours are melding and adjust seasoning as desired.

8. Check pot at 1 hour 20 minutes.

9. Remove lid and let simmer another hour.

Mushroom Cassoulet

Serves 4 - 6

2¼ cups dried cannelini beans

2 Tbs (30 mL) duck fat or olive oil

6 slices bacon, thinly sliced

1 large onion, small dice

1 small carrot, small dice

2 stalks celery, small dice

6 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped

3 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried sage

1½ tsp dried rosemary

6 grates nutmeg

2 cups chopped mushrooms (preferably a mix of different kinds)

¾ cup (180 mL) white wine

1 tsp sea salt

3 cups (750 mL) stock (beef, chicken, vegetable or mushroom water)

1. In a large bowl add dried beans and enough water to cover by at least 5 cm. Soak, uncovered overnight. Drain beans and rinse. In a large pot, over high heat, add beans and fill 2/3 full with water.

2. Bring to a full boil and let boil for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve beans.

3. In a medium pot, over medium heat, add the duck fat and the bacon. Cook until bacon has slightly browned. Remove bacon and reserve.

1 clove garlic

2 cups fresh lions mane mushrooms

3 cups (750 mL) stock (beef, chicken, vegetable or mushroom water)

1 Tbs (15 mL) olive oil

1 Tbs butter

1 small onion, small dice

½ tsp sea salt

2 cloves garlic, fine chop

5 sprigs fresh thyme

1/3 cup (680 mL) white wine

1¼ cups risotto rice

Mushroom Cassoulet

1. Over low heat, add the butter, wine, thyme, and garlic to a small pot and let melt together.

2. Add the mushrooms and let poach 30 minutes, making sure to stir the mushrooms to keep them covered with liquid.

3. While mushrooms are poaching start the risotto. Put stock in small pot to simmer.

4. In a medium pot, over medium heat, add olive oil and butter and let melt. Add onion and sauté 4 minutes. Add salt, garlic and thyme and sauté another 2 minutes.

5. Add the wine and let reduce 3 minutes. Add the risotto rice and stir to coat and let cook a couple of minutes.

6. Add the stock 1 cup (250 mL) at a time, stirring occasionally. As the stock is absorbed add the next cup of stock until all stock is used. Approximately 20 minutes. Check the texture of the risotto. If it is too firm, then add more stock until the texture is to your liking.

7. Gently stir in the lions mane mushrooms and serve.

Mushrooms on Toast

Makes 3-4 slices

2 tsp goat butter

1 cup crimini (brown button), sliced

¾ cup shiitake, sliced

¾ cup oyster, sliced

¼ cup chestnut, sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tsp fresh thyme

2 tsp fresh marjoram

2 Tbs (30 mL) white wine

To taste sea salt

6 - 8 Tbs spreadable goat cheese

3 - 4 slices sourdough bread

1. In a sauté pan over medium heat melt butter and add mushrooms. Cook about 5 - 7 minutes.

2. Add garlic, thyme and marjoram and cook another 2 minutes.

3. Add wine and reduce.

4. Toast bread and spread bread with goat cheese, top with mushrooms.

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

Makes 2

2 Portobello mushrooms

2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil

4 Tbs (60 mL) pesto

1/3 cup mozzarella, grated

2 slices pancetta, chopped

3 walnuts, roughly chopped

2 tsp fresh mint, thinly sliced

Drizzle of honey

1. Coat portobellos with olive oil and roast on a sheet pan at 350º F for 20 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the oven and turn the oven to broil.

2. Top mushroom (gill side) with pesto, mozzarella, pancetta and walnuts. Put back in the oven and broil until toasted and melty.

3. Top with mint and a drizzle of honey.

This year’s winners: Alberta Beverage Awards

Bordeaux, France Fresh, grapefruit & red fruits.

French Riviera Elegant, lively and well balanced. Veneto, Italy Complex bouquet, tangy straw berry, snappy freshness.

Tuscany, Italy Smooth, pure & earthy with black cherry.

Tuscany, Italy Tobacco, oak and vanilla. Smoky with a smooth finish.

Tuscany, Italy Well rounded, velvety tannis and persistent finish.

Piedmont, Italy Savory & spicy, full body, complex finish.

French infused Vodka Mango and passion fruit. Perfect for cocktails!

Natalie is a freelance writer, photographer, and pastry chef.

A graduate of Cordon Bleu’s pastry program, she manages her own business too to create custom-made cakes.

Italian Gin Infusion of 9 botanicals. Zesty orange, parma violet & faint ginger.

Mushrooms on Toast

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

The Desserts of Diwali

BY JADE PRÉVOST-MANUEL

part of our culture, simply because it represents love.”

While Diwali is a religious festival primarily celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, it is also a cultural one that is observed across India and throughout the world. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and it is a time for welcoming wealth and prosperity into one’s life.

This year in India, it begins on October 22 and ends on October 26. Here in Alberta, Diwali starts as soon as the jalebis and gulab jamun hit the fry oil or ghee (clarified butter).

From their downtown Edmonton location, Khazana Restaurant has been serving North Indian cuisine to Edmontonians since 1998. Modelled after the Bukhara restaurant of dining fame in Delhi, Khazana specializes in dishes prepared in their tandoors, or clay pots, cooked before a live audience.

Move over, Canadian thanksgiving, and make room for Diwali — one of the world’s most beloved and widely celebrated autumn festivals. Fittingly known as ‘the festival of lights’, Diwali is a time when families light scores of diyas (clay oil lamps) outside their homes to light the way for the gods, and to bathe their neighbourhoods in an auspicious glow that represents prosperity and goodness.

For foodies, it’s an especially thrilling time of year. Ornately decorated gift boxes of mithai, or sweets, are exchanged, and the jalebis, laddoos, gulab jamun, and mysore pak within

them quickly devoured. During Diwali, the season’s desserts reign supreme, says Michelle Peters-Jones, author of the Indian-Canadian-British food fusion blog, The Tiffin Box. Not only are these desserts delicious, but they bring people together.

“The food is really the crucial ingredient in what makes Diwali such a pan-Indian festival,” says the food writer, who grew up savouring her grandmother’s homemade sweets in the coastal Indian city of Mangalore.

“When you go to someone’s party, or when you go to visit people [during Diwali], you take sweets or food. And in general, in Indian culture, food is a huge

A Diwali menu promises a plethora of flavours, textures, and aromas. What most of its desserts have in common, says Khazana’s owner, Mehaik Bhasin, are significant prep time and short shelflives. For Karthikeyan Stalin, the owner and chef behind Calgary-based Indian eatery, Masala Bhavan, respect for the process is imperative: “When it comes to these deserts, you have to have patience to make them.”

To celebrants, these qualities are simply evidence of the spirit of hospitality embedded within the season. Diwali is a time when painstaking preparation and work goes into making desserts destined to be given away.

“They’re not your typical desserts of Canadian origin, where you can, you know, bake them and just keep them,” says Bhasin. “These things get stale, so you kind of want to eat them all, and they’re best to eat on the day that you make them.”

Ready to dive into the desserts of Diwali? Get started with these five sweet treats this October.

Gulab Jamun

Carrot Halwa

Kick off your Diwali dessert tour with gajar ka halwa, or carrot halwa. Traditionally prepared in a heavybottomed pot, carrot halwa is the product of simmering grated carrots, full-fat milk, sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder, topped with chopped nuts. This thick, carrot-y pudding is one of Peters-Jones’ favourite Diwali desserts to prepare.

“It’s got the vegetable flavour of carrot, but it also has that fragrance of spices like cardamom, rosewater, saffron and everything else in it as well,” she says. “It’s sweet, almost glazed, and absolutely gorgeous.”

Peters-Jones likes to incorporate raisins and saffron threads into her carrot halwa, and pairs the dessert with a home-made, slightly whipped, and flavoured cream. From scratch, she says, it takes a long time to make. But carrot halwa is one of the longest-lasting Diwali desserts with a shelf-life of about one week in the fridge. Commercially made halwa, she adds, tends to last longer.

Mysore Pak

A cube-shaped confection said to hail from the southern Indian city of Mysore, mysore pak is a delicious, cookie-like sweet often enjoyed, seldom left uneaten, at Diwali parties. This dessert, traditionally concocted from a boiled, then cooled, mixture of sugar, gram flour, water, cardamom, and ghee, is addictively crunchy and buttery to the taste.

“You can bite into it, it’s crunchy and it [has] a kind of unique flavour,” says Stalin.

It’s a taste the restauranteur simply can’t get enough of. Neither can his customers when, come Diwali, Masala Bhavan sells

mithai boxes packed with the crunchy dessert, as well as gulab jamun and jalebis. To Stalin, the Diwali’s confections make the season particularly special — so while mysore pak may be delicious on its own, it’s absolute magic when paired with other festival favourites.

“Without the desserts, Diwali isn’t [as much] fun,” says Stalin. “The desserts are a must.”

Gulab Jamun

Among the most tantalizing of Diwali confections are gulab jamun, deep-fried milk balls that, to the untrained eye, resemble perfectly unblemished Timbits. Kneaded, then formed, from a dough that combines full-cream milk powder, sugar, flour, spices, and yogurt, the dessert is made complete by a crumbled nut topping and the sticky syrup in which it’s soaked. The syrup, made from saffron, cardamom, and rose water, gives gulab jamun their sweet and distinctly floral flavour that fans describe as nothing short of addictive.

Traditionally, gulab jamun are served warm. But at Khazana, Bhasin’s chefs serve the confection in a martini glass topped with ice cream, making it the restauranteur’s favourite dish and the one she’s quickest to recommend to customers.

“I love the mixture of the hot gulab jamun and cold ice cream, the way we serve it,” says Bhasin. “It’s something that nobody really has.”

Jalebi

It’s the dessert that inspired CanadianIndian singer Tesher and pop R&B artist Jason Derulo’s hit remixed tune, Jalebi Baby, in 2021. Jalebis are whipped up

from a batter of wheat flour, sugar, syrup, almonds, pistachios, and ghee. They become crispy spirals when that batter, shaped into sizzling swirls by a baking cone or squeeze bottle, meet the piping hot oil or ghee of a frying pan.

Like gulab jamun, jalebis are made complete by a warm sugar syrup and sometimes topped with crushed pistachios or almonds. Jalebis have a short shelf-life, says Bhasin, so it’s best to eat them fresh.

“If you put your jalebi in the fridge, it’s just not going to be the same,” says Bhasin. “You want to [eat them] within that window of freshness, within two days.”

Rice Kheer

Kheer, or wet pudding, is an Indian staple eaten year-round, meaning that it always tends to find its way into a Diwali party. Rice kheer, or rice pudding, traditionally concocted from short-grain rice, sugar, milk, cardamom, nuts, and rose water, is especially popular during the festival. That has partly to do with rice being a particularly auspicious, or favourable, ingredient, says Bhasin.

Some prefer their rice kheer chilled, others like it hot out of the pot. However you like it, know that to enjoy this dessert during Diwali is to find a new favourite staple sweet to sustain you throughout the year.

Jade Prévost-Manuel is a nomadic journalist with a sweet tooth whose work has appeared in Canadian Geographic Travel, enRoute, Outpost Magazine and CBC News. Connect with her on Twitter @journalist_jade.

Carrot Halwa

Rice Kheer

Gulab Jamun

Saving Summer: Oven “Sun-Dried” Tomatoes

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENÉE KOHLMAN

With the smell of fall in the air, many of us have been busy pickling and preserving the bounty that summer bestowed upon us.

I admit that my big canner did not get put to use, but I did manage to freeze jars of verdant pesto and ruby red raspberry jam. Every time I open the freezer door and see my small jars lined up in neat rows, I know that there will be a time that I reach for them when snow is on the ground, and I’ll be happy that I put the work into saving some summer for the future. And that’s really what preserving is all aboutreminding yourself that summer will come again and here’s a little taste of it.

Tomatoes are one of the best things of summer, and if you’re lucky enough to have a surplus, you don’t have to only make salsa or sauce as a way to preserve them. I’m a major fan of sun-dried tomatoes, and while it sounds like more fun to dry them under the Tuscan sun, if this opportunity doesn’t exist for you, you can use your oven to do all of the work.

Sun-dried tomatoes are quite wonderful to have in your kitchen. They have a way of amplifying the flavour of anything they touch; in my mind, they are like nature’s candy. The slow drying process concentrates all their lovely tomato flavour and locks in all of that summer sweetness. Each bite is intense and addictive. The potential downfall of drying tomatoes at home means that there is the likelihood of them being consumed directly from the baking sheet and none left for the refrigerator.

The process couldn’t be simpler: cut tomatoes in half, toss with olive oil and salt, then place on a baking sheet cut side up. Heat and time will do the rest. Keep in mind that the smaller the tomato, the shorter amount of time required to achieve preferred dryness. Cherry/grape tomatoes need about 5 hours for par-dried tomatoes that are still juicy in the centre. Longer time means that they’ll be more dried out.

If using Roma tomatoes, the time will increase, obviously. This low and slow method of drying tomatoes has to mimic the sun, and rotating the pans every hour will ensure even dryness. Keep an eye on the tomatoes near the end of drying time so that they don’t burn.

When the tomatoes are dried, you can serve them on a charcuterie platter, toss into pasta and salads, or if they’re still a little juicy, they’re quite wonderful alongside eggs. If any remain, the pardried tomatoes can be frozen for future use, and the super-dried tomatoes are super delicious when placed in a jar and covered completely with good olive oil. At this point they can be refrigerated for up to 3 months, or if you leave about 1 cm of space from the top, they can be frozen for up to six months. Chances are that the tomatoes will be long gone before then.

Long live the tomato! Long live summer!

Oven Sun-Dried Tomatoes

900 g large cherry/grape or campari tomatoes

2 Tbs (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil 1½ tsp kosher salt

1. Position the racks in the oven so they’re in the top and bottom thirds. Preheat the oven to 200º F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Remove any stems from the tomatoes and cut each in half lengthwise. Transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl. Toss with the olive oil and salt.

3. Using your hands or a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on the prepared baking sheets, cut side up and space them evenly apart.

4. Place the baking sheets in the oven and cook, swapping the baking sheets from top to bottom every hour or so, for about 5-6 hours, depending on how big the tomatoes are and how dry you want your tomatoes to be. The shorter time will yield a par-dried tomato with a juicier centre. A longer time will create dried tomatoes around the edges with very little moisture remaining in the centre. Let the tomatoes cool on the baking sheets until room temperature. Serve immediately or add to your favourite recipe.

5. To store the less-dried tomatoes, freeze on the baking sheet until solid then transfer to an airtight container. Keep frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw

before using. To store the very much dried tomatoes, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. To rehydrate, add boiling water and drain.

For longer preservation, pack the dried tomatoes in a jar, add enough olive oil to cover completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze for up to 6 months.

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Renée Kohlman is a busy food writer and recipe developer living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Her debut cookbook All the Sweet Things was published last year.

Each bite is intense and addictive.

10 YEARS

BY TOM FIRTH, COMPETITION DIRECTOR, ALBERTA BEVERAGE AWARDS

In some ways, we often think of the Alberta Beverage Awards as a microcosm of the beverage world - as seen by Albertans. We are often spoiled for choice, but since we launched this program 10 years ago, we’ve seen the rapid rise of local breweries and distilleries, and a small flattening out in their numbers more recently. We’ve seen the ascent of low and no-alcohol products (finally) resonating with consumers looking for choice, and we’ve seen wine becoming a smaller overall portion in the pantheon of our beverage alcohol options. Over these ten years, we’ve seen locally made products becoming synonymous with craft products, eventually becoming disparate things. Do we want, smaller-batch, quality-driven, almost-unique products, or do we want to support local producers and businesses as best we can? Likely, the best answer is to buy things you like, from as close to home as you can. In my nearly 30 years in the beverage trade, the last thing I want to tell friends or family is that they should be embarrassed by their beverage selections – but

I’m always happy to help them find something else – if that is what they want – that they might like.

In each category is a “Best in Class”, which is the top performer in its category, followed by “Judges’ Selection” which are the other high performing wines in the category. As every Alberta liquor retailer is different, in many cases we’ve included a range for the retail price. Many Alberta-based products on these pages might only be available at the cellar door, so I’d suggest trying to find them on the shelf, or contacting them directly – spending your dollars locally makes a tremendous impact in our communities.

Each product also has a “CSPC” number, which can be used to help you find it at your local retailer or at liquorconnect.com. Some products also have a symbol to identify products that not only did well this year, but also in previous years, indicating that this product is consistently good.

Thanks to our diligent and hardworking stewards and back room staff - Len Steinberg, Mairi, Danielle,

Darren, Chelsea, Grant, Patrick, Lana, Jade, Clint, Paul, and Colleen, our sponsors - Medium Rare Chef Apparel – helping our back room team look sharp, The Import Vintners & Spirits Association, The Alberta Liquor Store Association, Rök Water – for cleansing those tired palates, and to Spirit Wares helping us with some greener, plasticfree options for our judging , our venue, Calgary’s Carriage House Inn, including Lino Savino and Roxane Carlson, and our photographer Jason Dziver. Our thanks too go to our judges who are featured later in these pages.

To everyone that enters the competition – to submit their products –which they’ve either produced with their own sweat and tears, or the importers and other representatives who tirelessly work to launch or support a product in our highly competitive market – thank you for trusting us with your products. It’s a trust we take very seriously, and our promise is that we will continue to operate the Alberta Beverage Awards to the very highest of standards, for the next ten years – and beyond.

CHARDONNAY

Not much can be said about chardonnay that hasn’t been said before. My favourite analogy of chardonnay is that of a blank canvas since the varietal characteristics can be quite neutral. Chardonnay draws well upon the soil and climate to define its essence – the art itself. It’s then the winemaker’s choice to decide whether they will frame this artwork, usually a decision best made by honouring the masterpiece, supporting where necessary, but not interfering. The best chardonnay wines tasted were in balance, representative of time and place, while complemented for added depth and complexity. Chase Brackenbury.

BEST IN CLASS TIE

MONTE CREEK WINERY 2020 ANCIENT WATERS

CHARDONNAY

Thompson Valley British Columbia $30-35 CSPC 998062

LA CREMA 2020 MONTEREY

CHARDONNAY

Monterey County California $32-36 CSPC 737430

JUDGES SELECTION

Peak Cellars 2018 Chardonnay

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $38-44 CSPC 840096

Monte Creek Winery 2020 Living Land Chardonnay Thompson Valley, British Columbia $22-26 CSPC 785865

UKO 2021 Estate Chardonnay Uco Valley, Argentina $20-24 CSPC 835814

Chartron & Trebuchet 2018 Pouilly Fuisse Burgundy, France $32-35 CSPC 264945

Cambria Estate 2020 Winery Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

Santa Maria Valley, California $30-35 CSPC 314237

Folktale 2020 Alias Chardonnay California $23-26 CSPC 864914

Aranwa 2020 Reserve Chardonnay Mendoza, Argentina $21-25 CSPC 799622

SINGLE MALT WHISKIES

Often thought of as the pinnacle of the whisky distiller’s craft. Single malt whiskies often get all the accolades, the glory, and the steeper prices on the shelves. This year’s single malts entered in the Alberta Beverage Awards covered a wide range of bottles from Scotland to Bridgeland (in Calgary), and from the Netherlands to the land of the rising sun (Japan). What do the winners all have in common? A complex flavour and aroma, rich heat on the palate, and something noteworthy to say about each and every one.

Tom Firth

BEST IN CLASS

THE LAKES WHISKYMAKER’S RESERVE NO.5

Kingdom

JUDGES SELECTION

Dublin City Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Ileach Islay

Single Malt Whisky Scotland

M&H Classic

Single Malt Whisky Israel

$85-90 CSPC

Millstone Oloroso Sherry

Single Malt Whisky

Alfred Giraud

Heritage French Single Malt Whisky

Shinobu Peated Pure Malt Whisky Japan

Millstone Single Malt

PX Peated Whisky Netherlands

CSPC

Bridgeland Distillery Glenbow Whisky Single Malt Whisky

Canada

Cotswolds Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky

Kingdom

SOURS

Funky, cold, fermented. Sour beers range from jowl juicing, eye watering, cartoon bulging eyes, with a funk, to easy sessionable sours that get you hooked and make you dive deeper. Maybe it’s time for a sour scale! This year’s category saw stone fruit, berry, mango, vanilla, kettle sour, mixed fermentation sours, fermentation sours with fruit added and more. Trial and Ale are pushing the boundaries of sours and creating local masterpieces. Rachel Drinkle

JUDGES

BEST IN CLASS

Zero Issue Brewing

Fathom

Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 874998

Trial & Ale That Night

At La Choza

Alberta, Canada $20-24 (750mL)

CSPC 861896

Trial & Ale Separated

To A Degree

Alberta, Canada

$20-24 (750mL)

CSPC 854085

Banded Peak Brewing

Rites of Spring Barrel

Aged Stone Fruit

Honey Sour

Alberta, Canada

$18-20 (500mL)

CSPC 872433

TRIAL & ALE WRITER’S BLANC

Alberta, Canada

$19-22 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 868986

played.

Eleven-year-old flutist Grace is a proud member of the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta. With funding from Edmonton Community Foundation, YONA-Sistema is helping young people living in priority neighbourhoods learn social skills, receive support, succeed academically, and gain confidence through music.

Donations to ECF inspire hope, create opportunity and enhance the Edmonton lifestyle. We work with our donors to give, grow and transform. ecfoundation.org hits all the right notes.

CharitybeginsatHome.

KOLSCH

A long time ago, in Cologne, Germany, when pilsners and lagers really started taking off, the brewers there thought, “Crisp and clear, golden and easy drinking? Got it.” Then they went and used ale yeasts instead of lager, and made something with all the attributes above, with bonus fruit notes from the yeast they chose. I don’t know if they did it on purpose, and frankly I don’t think we need to worry about that, these beers are delicious, and best served ice cold and often. Bill Bonar

JUDGES

The Establishment Brewing Company

My Best Friend’s Girl Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 818449

Siding 14 Brewing Crossbuck Kolsch Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 865828

Xhale Brew Co. See Ya Next Tuesday Aussie C-olsch Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 844860

Township 24 Brewing Her Majesty’s Service Earl Grey Kolsch Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 863716

PEACE RIVER BREWING KEHLER’S KOLSCH

A popular culture movie in the early 2000s cast merlot in a negative light which - still today it slowly recovers from. Ironically in the early 1990s it was the most popular wine in North America due to a current affairs episode touting the health benefits of red wine and that it tempered weight gain when consumed with richly flavoured meals. Merlot, with it’s plum and black fruit flavours, vanilla oak notes, and coupled with medium acidity and velvet-like tannin texture became the wine of choice. Myself? I enjoy merlot with herb-crusted roast leg of lamb. Andrew Paulsen

CORCELETTES

of different

vodka, tequila

spirit base in many different cream liqueurs, the thicker viscosity adds another dimension to a rich sweetly textured mouthfeel.

Ready-To-Drink. Easy to Serve. Any Time. Anywhere.

Fresh cherries mixed with a refreshing splash of lemon and a touch of Canadian Maple. Perfectly balanced to create a flavour you never had before.

coffee and cocktails, but also in baking when making flavoured creams and icings for cakes and cookies. Andrew Paulsen

personally a big fan of adding cream liqueurs

Our cocktails are full of flavour and we are proud to have created unique & delicious to-go cocktails that are indistinguishable from a freshly made one.

EL DORADO ESPRESSO RUM CREAM LIQUEUR

Guyana

MEADS JUDGES SELECTION

“To bee or not to bee,” that truly is the question. As mead is wine made from honey nectar, bees play an integral role. This year there were many different types of mead entered from hopped to raspberry to traditional styles. The Best in Class award was tied this year between Birds & Bees Honey I Have Meads from Edmonton and Tamarack Jack’s Meadery Surveyor Earl Grey Mead from Caroline. Seeing both these meaderies are located in Alberta, I encourage you to give them a call and go visit their tasting rooms. This is a great way to support the “drink local” movement. Laurie MacKay

BEST IN CLASS TIE

BIRDS & BEES

HONEY I HAVE MEADS ORGANIC MEAD Alberta, Canada

853248

Tamarack Jack’s

Mead

Canada

TAMARACK JACK’S SURVEYOR EARL

GREY MEAD Alberta, Canada

CSPC 869279

Broken Tine 2020 Bourbon Barrel Aged Melomel Alberta, Canada $29-32 CSPC 796939

Fuhr Estate Winery Traditional Honey Mead Alberta, Canada

Spirit Hills Flower Winery WhiteTail Alberta, Canada $25 CSPC 858183

Maxwell Honey Mead Australia $27-29 CSPC 825549

Spirit Hills Flower Winery Dande Alberta, Canada $25-27 CSPC 756234

Tamarack Jack’s

Canada

Tamarack Jack’s

Canada

PALE ALES

NE Pale Ales and Pale Ales - the pale ale style is rich in diversity these days as historically it was always the lighter coloured and bitter balanced brew across the world, but as the New England area of the United States completely changed the game with its super hazy, juicy and tropical version of the style, the world could only do what’s right and completely embrace this very palate-friendly style dubbed the New England pale ale. It was our job to find the best of both of those categories and it was not easy, but here they are… Dave Gingrich

JUDGES SELECTION ~ New England Pale Ales

Long Hop Brewing Hazy Pale Ale Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 822962

2020

JUDGES SELECTION ~ Pale Ales

Birra Flea Adelaide APA Italy

$5-6 (330mL) CSPC 860961

BEST IN CLASS New England Pale Ales

THE ESTABLISHMENT BREWING COMPANY

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Alberta, Canada $18-19 CSPC 818134

BEST IN CLASS Pale Ales

Rapid Ascent Incline Series Pale Ale Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 875443

chocolate

Zero Issue Brewing Multiverse Pale Ale Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 797978

Cabin Brewing Retrospectrum Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 823539

Rum Truffles

250 ml (1 cup) whipping cream

100 g (1/2 cup) couverture milk chocolate, finely chopped 200 g (1 cup) couverture dark chocolate, finely chopped 25 g (1 3/4 tbsp) unsalted butter, diced

2-3 tbsp dark rum (to taste) 5 tbsp dutched cocoa powder or natural cocoa powder, for dusting

LONG HOP BREWING TROPICAL PALE ALE

Alberta, Canada

$16-18 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 856543

our couverture chocolate makes everything nice

1. Put the chopped milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Set aside.

2. Heat the cream in a small pan, removing it from the heat just before it comes to boil. The cream should be steaming hot, but not boiling.

3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir well until melted and smooth (use an immersion blender if you have one). Add the butter and rum (to taste) and mix well. This mixture is called a ganache.

4. Pour mixture into a shallow bowl or pan. Cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap or lid, then allow to sit, preferably overnight, until firm enough to roll (or refrigerate ganache until firm, about 4 hours).

5. Line a large tray with parchment paper. Sift half of the cocoa powder onto each of two large plates. You will use one to dust your hands and the other to coat the truffles.

6. Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop up walnut-sized pieces (about 15g or ½ oz) of the chocolate mixture. Press the palms of your hands into one of the cocoa powder plates to lightly coat and roll the truffle pieces quickly into a ball. Work fast or they will melt! Dust your hands in cocoa when needed.

7. Roll the truffle around in the cocoa powder on the other plate to lightly coat and place on the tray. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up. Store truffles in the refrigerator in an air-tight plastic container or bag for 1 week or freeze, triple wrapped, in freezer bags for 1-2 months. Yield 40 truffles.

Shop in person at 3 locations | Easy curbside pickup: Cococo Chocolate Factory in Mayland Heights

FLAVOURED GIN

Judging flavoured gin often resembles a scene from a Star Wars cantina where there is every imaginable electric-neon florescent hue in the galaxy…you can almost hear the band play in the dimly lit Mos Eisley while you taste. There are currently 141 different selections available in the province, ranging in flavours from arctic blue, rhubarb, chocolate orange, grapefruit lemongrass to even truffle for those who like fancy things. The strange new world of flavoured gin is vast and well worth the voyage to the final frontier, and with this many selections it may well give you a five-year mission. Our Best in Class is the violet-hued Wild Life Rundle Bar made in collaboration with the Fairmont Banff Springs. If you didn’t already need a reason to go to the mountains, now you have a delicious one. Brad Royale

JUDGES SELECTION

CLASS

WILD LIFE

RUNDLE BAR GIN

Celebrating 10 Years

Burwood Distillery Mandarin Orange & Cranberry Gin Alberta, Canada $50-55 CSPC 859822

Celebrating

Eau Claire Distillery Earl Grey Gin Alberta, Canada $53-56 CSPC 873534

Two Rivers Cockscomb Hibiscus Gin Alberta, Canada $52-55 CSPC 828671

Last Best June Yuzu Citrus Gin Alberta, Canada $45 CSPC 872102

Years

NEW ENGLAND INDIA PALE ALES

Hazy and juicy are the buzzwords here, for one of the buzziest styles going. A relatively new style, coming from hype breweries out of the New England (hence the N.E. Part of the acronym) area of the United states, starting in the 2010s, Neipas are a drastically less bitter, generally lower alcohol version of west coast IPAs. Deriving tropical, citrus and even coconut flavours from the hops used, how approachable they are will often also leave you at least a little bit hazy, in a beautiful way. Bill Bonar

JUDGES SELECTION

Annex Ale Force Majeure NEIPA Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 809204

The Establishment Brewing Company Sky Rocket VI Alberta, Canada $19-21 (4-pack cans) CSPC 827031

BEST IN CLASS

VILLAGE BREWERY

MISHEARD LYRIC

Alberta, Canada

$18-19 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 866773

Alberta, Canada $59-62 CSPC 836497

Meta Brewery Nucleus NEIPA Alberta, Canada $19-20 (4-pack cans) 870249

Long Hop Brewing NEIPA with Galaxy Hops Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 846971

It’s hard to beat a refreshing, cold tea on a hot day, and as this category gains popularity, we are seeing immense creativity. The best of these offer recognizable fruit flavours, with distinct tea bases, and balanced sugar levels. As the quality increases, this category will be fierce competition for other cooler-style drinks.

Devin Rigaux

BEST IN CLASS TIE

NICE TEA BY DOG ISLAND BREWING

Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 872987

WHITE PEAKS HARD STEEPED TEA - WILD SASKATOON & BLUEBERRY Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-PACK CANS) CSPC 844842

ROOTED

Good Mood Brewery Peach and Ginger Sparkling Hard Tea Alberta,Canada $17-19 (6-pack cans) CSPC 850858

Cold Garden Inglewood Iced Tea Alberta,Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans)

FAMILY

White Peaks Hard Steeped Tea - Original with Meyer Lemon Alberta, Canada $30-34 (12-pack cans) CSPC 858898

White Peaks Hard Steeped Tea - Juicy Peach Apricot Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans) CSPC 844840

SPARKLING WINES

The sparkling wine category grows every year in Alberta with the addition of new producers of Crémant, Pét-Nat, Cava, and Champagne being seemingly endless. British Columbia has joined the world’s love of bubbles and we see more sparkling wines from the province reaching our shelves. Lots of press over the past year regarding Champagne shortages, and while the blue-chip names are a little absent from market at present there is a heap of excellent producers available now. Our top entry this year is Deutz Brut Classic, a stalwart in Champagne delivering a consistently delicious glass of bubbles throughout their range. Brad Royale

Nicolas Feuillatte NV Reserve Exclusive Brut Champagne France $60-65 CSPC 500397

BEST IN CLASS

CHAMPAGNE DEUTZ

BRUT CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE France

CSPC 56358

RED ALES

Chic Barcelona NV Brut Cava Spain $19-22 CSPC 854219

Pere Ventura Primer NV Reserva Brut Cava Spain $19-22 CSPC 854113

Anna De Codorniu NV Reserva Brut Cava Spain $22-24 CSPC 156075

Frind Estate NV Brut Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $32-35 CSPC 840941

Red ales have grown in popularity lately. Formerly part of the realm of Irish or Belgian (Flanders) beers, they have now expanded to become a wide ranging style. Not exactly red like fruit punch, but more of a light amber with reddish highlights, these beers can have a brown sugar or a toffee/ caramel flavour, and can be malt forward or heavily hopped, almost into the range of an IPA. Our pick is Brewsters Hammerhead Red Ale, a medium bodied beer with slight caramel notes amongst its mild bitterness. David Nuttall

Omen Brewing Red Harbour Irish Red Ale Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 844837

Balzac Brewing Range Road Red Alberta, Canada $19-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 833360

RED ALE Alberta, Canada

(6-PACK CANS)

When you think of Americanmade whiskey, the first thing that probably comes to mind is bourbon. While Kentucky-made bourbon is likely the most famous, bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States as long as it’s mash bill — or ingredient recipe — includes 51 percent corn, but there are also other rules related to alcohol strength and aging. Bourbons from across the U.S. are filling store shelves, which is a good thing. They are a pleasure to taste. Darren Oleksyn

ELIJAH CRAIG

BATCH

States

Leopold Bros.

Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey

States

James E Pepper

100 Proof Bourbon United States

Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Whiskey United States

Stellum Bourbon United States

Larceny Small Batch

Straight

States

Hirsch The Horizon Straight Bourbon Whisky

States

AMBER ALES

The amber ale is one of the finest showings of malt-forward beers. From the Alt biers of Düsseldorf Germany to the Kentish ales of England, no matter where they are produced, amber ales are always cereal sweet with a well balanced hop bittering to dry the toasty finish and just a kiss of sweetness to say goodbye. The local amber game has stepped up over the last years which is why this category was so hard to pick winners but… we found them. Dave Gingrich

JUDGES SELECTION

Spectum SkyFire

Amber Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 832830

RED SINGLE VARIETIES

Peace River Brewing Foxtail Amber Alberta, Canada $19-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 817890

CLASS

OLDS COLLEGE BREWERY AGGIE ALE Alberta, Canada

$14-16 (6-PACK CANS) CSPC 842999

Born Brewing Co.

Autumn Amber Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 810525

Red wines produced from single grape varietals allow the consumer to experience the purest expression of grapes. In Alberta we see a growing snapshot of single varietal wines, a small representation of the thousands of dark skinned grape cultivars planted worldwide. Most of our submissions were “New World” by virtue of the fact that varietal labelling is more common in non-European wine growing regions. We were more than pleased with the range and quality of wines submitted, a very competitive set of carmenère, petite sirah, cinsault, pinotage and even zweigelt. Overall, the top pick showed great tanninc structure, with matching intense flavour profile and development. Chase Brackenbury

JUDGES SELECTION

Monte Creek Winery 2020 Living Land Cabernet Franc British Columbia, Canada $26-30 CSPC 869401

Miro Cellars 2019 Petite Sirah Alexander Valley, California $39-43

BEST IN CLASS

HILLSIDE WINERY

2019 HERITAGE CABERNET FRANC

Naramata Bench British Columbia $34-38 CSPC 528935

Secreto 2019 Carmenère Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley, Chile $27-30 CSPC 855147

The Grinder 2019 Pinotage Stellenbosch, South Africa $17-19 CSPC 747257

Marionette 2016

British Columbia, Canada $38-41

Natte Valleij 2019 Cinsault Coastal Region, South Africa $29-33 CSPC 836998

Named for a yeast instead of a specific style or flavour, so many beers and styles are technically lagers. From strong and dark German beers to the light, crisp beers your grandfather liked after mowing the lawn. This a bit of a catch-all category and we tasted beers with fruit and spice, and beers with a wide range of appearances, from clear straw to dark, but in the end, the crisp, easy drinking, grandpa ones were the ones that stood out.

Bill Bonar

BEST IN CLASS

BORN BREWING CO. GET LUCKY LAGER

Alberta, Canada

$16-18 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 854557

JUDGES SELECTION

High River Brewing On the High River to Hell Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 870922

Ways to SAVE

20%

On the first Wednesday of each month and the Tuesday, Thursday that bump against it

20% OFF the regular price of all body care, supplements and wellness products

20%

RECEIVE 20% OFF when you spend over $250 on

& body care at any one time

12

Omen Brewing Raven’s Head Black Lager Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 853084

Grizzly Paw Lawn Chair Lager Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-pack cans) CSPC 853463

EVERY

The third Wednesday of every month

12% OFF the regular price of everything in-store

OFF*

Trolley 5 Turntable Lager Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans) CSPC 820263

No Name Lager Canada

$27 (24-pack cans) CSPC 834163

more ways

Wines of Argentina have officially declared April 17th as International Malbec Day - a day to celebrate Argentina’s flagship black grape. The irony is that Argentina is malbec’s adopted home, originally coming from southwest France. I tasted my first Argentine malbec in 2001 and it blew me away with its plush blueberry and blackberry flavours. Little did I know at the time, that Argentinean malbec would become the next big thing and that eventually, Argentina would produce 75 percent of the world’s Malbec wines. Laurie MacKay

JUDGES SELECTION

LUI

very serious

malt

but some are super fun

what’s more fun than mixing

with your favourite

cherries to peanut butter, whisk(e)y can be flavoured with almost anything

can think of,

the beautiful balance of the William Wolf

PILSNERS

Not that long ago, you couldn’t find a pilsner in any craft brewery in North America. Now they have become the darling of the industry. This style allows the brewmaster to showcase a subtle use of hops in what otherwise might be an ordinary lager. Crisp and clean, this is a beer with a lower alcohol content (5% ABV or less) that is meant to be enjoyed indoors or out. Our favourite was Trolley 5 New School Pilsner, a light, crisp, thirst-quencher. David Nuttall

Banded Peak Brewing Mount Crushmore Pilsner Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 818694

Omen Brewing Take Your Pils Alberta, Canada $15-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 853088

TROLLEY 5 NEW SCHOOL PILSNER

Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 873138

Bottlescrew Bill’s Brewing Italian Pilsner Alberta Canada $15 (growler)

Big Rock Pilsner Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-pack cans) CSPC 832818

Spectrum Krispy Czech Pilsner Alberta Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 852851

Annex Ale Idle Hands Italian Pilsner Alberta Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 846683

Cold Garden God Water Pilsner Alberta Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 876053

Brewsters Czech Pilsner Alberta Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 870302

OT Brewing Bush League Pilsner Alberta Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 820770

added

Cabernet Sauvignon is likely the grape variety that Alberta knows best. It matches our style of dining exceptionally well - whether you are at one of our many great steakhouses or the newest contemporary hot spot down the street. One of its most admirable qualities is that every growing region that can produce cabernet, ends up with a very different example in the bottle. The typical descriptions of cassis, cherry and bell pepper will always be present, but the secondary textures are why it is our collective fave. Cabernet will usually benefit from a good decant to release all the good stuff. Just like growing it, patience is a virtue. Darren Fabian

JUDGES SELECTION

Los Clop 2016 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina $23-27 CSPC 766615

BEST IN CLASS

ARANWA 2019 RESERVE CABERNET

SAUVIGNON

Mendoza, Argentina $21-24 CSPC 770117

Josh Cellars 2019 Reserve Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast, California $30-34 CSPC 853506

Concha y Toro 2019 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley, Chile $26-30 CSPC 337238

Wente 2019 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Livermore Valley, California $20-24 CSPC 301507

Mi Terruno 2018 Expresion Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina $23-27 CSPC 837089

Freemark Abbey 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California $75-80 CSPC 728673

Angus The Bull 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Victoria, Australia $24-27 CPSC 713074

Celebrating 10 Years

UKO Select 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley, Argentina $27-30 CSPC 811327

Celebrating 10Years

STRONG ALES

Meant to be sipped, savoured, and enjoyed slowly, maybe on a bear skin rug in front of a roaring fire, these beers are closer to rich liqueurs than to a crisp pilsner. Are you wearing pants? Does it matter? There’s a fairly wide range of flavours, cooked or dried fruit, sherry, tobacco, molasses, and the colour will usually range from deep mahogany to opaque black. You can expect malt-driven sweetness, high alcohol and a slow, warm, grin to spread across your face. Bill Bonar

CLASS

LE TROU

DIABLE

Québec,

IN

ALES

If people wonder why there are so many blonde ales and why most breweries seem to have one, well, the reason is quite simple. This lager-like, light ale is a speedy brew to produce. So, as a brewery journeys towards the time and space to make a great lager or pilsner, you give the people what they want until then. Sometimes they become a brewery’s signature brew and end up sticking around for the long haul. As this style tends to almost blend together after a few flights we looked to the ones with an artistic and original character, and these were the best…

Dave Gingrich

COLD GARDEN DANDELION’S BLONDE

Alberta, Canada

$17-19 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 784123JUDGES SELECTION

We mill our grains, then mash, ferment, and distill them. We add crystal clear water drawn from mountain valleys. We blend in natural flavours using other farm fresh ingredients.

Zero Issue Brewing Bywater Blonde Ale Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 867006

Olds College Brewery Lowe Down All-Alberta Blonde Alberta, Canada $14-16 (6-pack cans) CSPC 875514

Annex Ale Good Authority Golden Ale Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 826629

CREAM ALES

The cream ale is what brewers refer to as a hybrid and this is why. All though the cream ale is an ale it is lagered an extra amount of time at a cooler temperature, it also can vary in colour based on the brewers preference, some more malt forward and others paler and lighter on the pallet. There were two stand outs with Good Mood’s cream ale taking the top spot, and Siding 14’s Switch Point honey cream ale as Judges Selection.

Dave Gingrich

Siding 14 Brewing Switch Point Honey Cream Ale Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 865805

Banded Peak Brewing Fired Up Hazy Blonde Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 844559

Balzac Brewing Back Yard Harvest British Golden Ale Alberta, Canada $20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 845706

BEST IN CLASS

GOOD MOOD BREWERY CREAM ALE

Alberta, Canada

$17-19 (6-PACK CANS) CSPC 804438

Pour a glass. And taste the dedication that turned a small family farm into a world-class distillery.

Bay 3, 5021 - 44 Ave

Innisfail, Alberta

RUM

Albertans love rum. Our winters often prompt flight to warmer climes that are often draped in lavish layers of this sugarcane delight. With over 700 selections of rum and rum beverages, Alberta has all the choice one could ask for while not boarding a flight to Barbados. Our judging takes us through the liquor store isle tasting white, amber, dark, XO and flavoured. Our champ this year is a new product to the market and a very affordable one at that. The Ron Barcelo Imperial from the Dominican Republic

unctuous, decidedly rich, and most supple. A fine tipple for the lazy heat of summer, or the toe-curling winter. Brad Royale

LOW AND NO ALCOHOL BEER

The trend of low or non-alcoholic beer is continuing to gain popularity. Whatever your reasons for wanting to explore this category, my best advice it to trust the pros. For myself, the mark of quality is if I can tell the style of traditional beer it is trying to emulate - a “stout” should look, smell, and taste like a stout. For others, the adventure of using nontraditional beer ingredients to produce a whole new set of flavours is where it is at. These can range from whatever exciting fruit you can get your hands on, to mushrooms, nuts, and anything in between. Be aware “Low” and “No” are not the same thing. Be sure to clarify if the latter is what you are after. Darren Fabian

BARCELO

Pusser’s

RED BLENDS

Italian reds are the whole package deal. There was great stylistic diversity in this category yet there were consistent undertones of fragrant fruit, floral and herbal highlights, juicy acidity, robust tannins, and piles of value for the price point. These are go-to wines for the dinner table and the best pitch well above their price point. Most of these can benefit by serving out of a decanter - meaning they’re sure to impress your guests without emptying your coffers. Jenny Book

BEST IN CLASS

BANFI 2018 ASKA

BOLGHERI ROSSO Tuscany, Italy

$29-33 CSPC 769830

JUDGES SELECTION

Cecchi 2016 Chianti Riserva Tuscany, Italy

$25-27 CSPC 799169

Rocca delle Macie 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany, Italy

$30-33 CSPC 296129

Great

Emotivo 2019 Gran Rosso Veneto, Italy,

$20-24 CSPC 784012

San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Tuscany, Italy

$21-24 CSPC 245241

GOSE AND FRUIT BEERS

Gose (rhymes with nose-uh) and Fruit Beers. This category covers a rather extensive range of flavours from the sweetness of fruit to the slightly salty and sour notes of the gose. They are particularly difficult to do well and I love to taste them blind to see if I can guess the fruit. This task is usually easier said than done. These beers are incredibly refreshing and go perfectly with all summer foods. Rachel Drinkle

Grizzly Paw Beavertail Raspberry Ale Alberta, Canada $15-16

Bow River Brewing Cherry-Raz Wit Alberta, Canada

Banded Peak Brewing Guavamorphology Gose Alberta, Canada

cans)

BEST

STRONGHOLD BREWING - PINK GUAVA PILS Alberta, Canada

Stronghold Brewing Tangerine King Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans)

870261

Born Brewing Co. Haiku Yuzu Lager Alberta, Canada $17-19

Wild Rose Sunday Fuzz Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans)

853617

READY TO DRINK SELTZER STYLE BEVERAGES AND VODKA SODA

This can be a love-hate style of beverage, but the products on our market can push most solidly into the love category. As the popularity of seltzers continues to grow, producers are getting creative with new flavours, and honing their processes. The result is a variety of options, many with crisp, clean finishes, that are low in sugar but not flavour. Devin Rigaux

Deca Vodka Soda Lime Flavour Canada $9-10 (6-pack cans)

833216

Gradient Gradually Reducing Vodka Soda - Lime Canada $13-15 (4-pack cans)

Burwood Distillery Grape Lemon Vodka Soda Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans)

Wild Rose Wraspberry Ale Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans)

811385

Hard Knox Brewery R&R Raspberry Rhubarb Ale Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans)

BEST IN CLASS

GRADIENT GRADUALLY REDUCING VODKA SODACUCUMBER

CIDERS

The range of cider in Alberta is from here to eternity, with an endless variety of colours, flavours, and sweetness levels. From the stark and stoic to the outlandish and rich, we have it all. As of writing there are currently 1756 different cider selections available in our province, yowza! We have a two-way tie in the Fruit Cider category between the Village Blueberry Yuzu and Journey North Cider Co.’s Cranberry…both très tasty. Our apple champ is Calgary’s local Sunnycider delivering a pure rendition of this beloved beverage. Interesting to note that all our winners are from Alberta. Not only do we love drinking it, we love making it! Brad Royale

APPLE CIDER

JUDGES SELECTION

Burton City Cider Classic Apple Cider British Columbia Canada $8-9 (500 mL) CSPC 838942

FRUIT CIDER

Journey North Cider Co.

2021 Traditional Premium Cider Alberta, Canada $23-26 (750mL)

CSPC 864372

Journey North Cider Co. Wassail Cider Alberta, Canada $17-20 (750 mL)

BEST IN CLASS

BEST IN CLASS TIE

JOURNEY NORTH CIDER CO.

CRANBERRY Alberta, Canada $17-20 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 864003

VILLAGE BREWERY BLUEBERRY

YUZU CIDER

Alberta, Canada $17-20 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 871558

SUNNYCIDER

APPLE CIDER

Alberta, Canada

$17-20 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 871645

Rock Creek Dry Cider Apple Alberta, Canada $15-17 (6-pack cans)

CSPC 693150

2021

2019

JUDGES SELECTION

No Boats on Sunday Pear Cider British Columbia Canada $16-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 862541

Village Brewery Ginger Pear Cider Alberta, Canada $17-20 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 869620

Journey North Cider Co.

Blueberry Rosé Alberta, Canada

$17-20 (4-pack cans)

INTERNATIONAL AND BLENDED WHISKIES

Enthusiasts of particular expressions aside, there is a wide, wonderful world out there in whisky. Here, we share a range of whiskies that aren’t Canadian whiskies, aren’t single malts either, but still wonderful expressions of this incredible spirit. Personally, I love finding a great Irish whiskey, I’m enchanted by some of these great examples we see here from Japan or South Korea, and yes even some from countries that we don’t always think of that make whisky. Take a little tasting adventure with a few of these treats.

Hwayo X.

Rice

Korea

Big Peat

Year Old

Gordon Graham’s Black Bottle

Scotch Whisky

Nomad Outland Whisky Spaain $66-70

The Epicurean

Year Old Whisky

NON-ALCOHOLIC

SPARKLING WINES

BEST IN CLASS

LEITZ NV EINZ ZWEI ZERO ROSÉ

Rheingau, Germany

In the non-alcoholic wine category

are looking for examples that are balanced and showing some depth of complexity. With the removal of alcohol, other constituents of the wine can be lost, rendering the drink as an unrecognizable distant relative to the base wine counterpart. The best of the bunch in this category were well executed, had a clear vinous character, and offer the consumer an authentic wine experience, minus the alcohol.

Leitz

Lautus

WITS, WHEATS, AND HEFEWEIZEN PINOT GRIS/ GRIGIO

Wits, Wheats, Hefe- Bananas, cloves, citrus, Oh MY! I have clear recollections 20 years ago of trying my first wit beer, a Kronenburg Blanc, and have been hooked ever since. The bartender asked if I could taste the banana and my mind was officially blown. This was not the usual Saskatchewan beer that I was used to drinking. Wits, Wheats, and Hefeweizens are all different styles yet share the common characteristic of being loaded with wheat forward deliciousness. Rachel Drinkle

BEST IN CLASS

APEX PREDATOR DISTANT HOWL HEFEWEIZEN

Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 869571

JUDGES SELECTION

Grizzly Paw Grassi Lakes

Hefeweizen Alberta,Canada $15-17 (4-pack cans) CSPC 816039

Buffalo 9 Brewing Dear Aunt Emma Wheat Ale Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 872871

Rapid Ascent Incline Series

Hefeweizen Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 865591

A familiar and classic variety, pinot gris has a lot to offer. This grape can thrive in many countries, creating unique styles. While we often see our best examples from Northern Italy and Alsace, the Okanagan is showing great promise and wines were rated highly this year. These wines find the balance between rich, ripe fruit, and freshness. Devin Rigaux

BEST IN CLASS

WILD GOOSE VINEYARDS 2021 PINOT GRIS

Okanagan Valley British Columbia $25-27 CSPC 536227

Bow River Brewing Athabasca Wit Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans) CSPC 816962

JUDGES SELECTION

Freixenet Italian Pinot Grigio Garda, Italy $20-24 CSPC 793214

Brewsters

Farmer’s Tan Belgian White Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans) CSPC 804341

Kris 2021 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Friuli-Venezia, Italy $21-23 CSPC 716302

Brauerei Fahr Hoppy Hefe Alberta, Canada $16-18 (6-pack cans) CSPC 828628

Zaccagnini 2020 Pinot Grigio Chieti, Italy $22-24 CSPC 781328

Hillside Winery 2020 Heritage Pinot Gris Naramata Bench, British Columbia $28-32 CSPC 536219

SODAS AND MIXERS

As someone who doesn’t drink a lot of soda, when I do enjoy one, I want it to be tasty, at times – unique, but also maybe something this is a little less… fountain pop-esque. That said, there is also a wide world out there when it comes to mixing options, and the same strategy should still apply. Our judges had their work cut out for them during these blind tasting flights, after all – how often do you really think critically about your mixers? Whether as a mix or just on a hot day, these below are a fine option. Tom Firth

FEVER-TREE GINGER BEER

United Kingdom

$8-9 (4-PACK BOTTLES)

CSPC 900351

Celebrating 10 Years

Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit United Kingdom $8-9 (4-pack bottles) CSPC 901139

Barker and Quin Sparking Cape Lemon Premium Sparkling Mixer South Africa $12-14 (4-pack bottles) CSPC 900971

Grizzly Paw Root Beer Alberta, Canada $2-3 CSPC 837940

Annex Ale Craft Cola Alberta, Canada $13-14 (4-pack cans) CSPC 855047

Annex Ale Saskatoon Berry Lemonade Alberta, Canada $13-14 (4-pack cans) CSPC 831819

Celebrating 10Years

TONIC WATER

The classic mixer with that hit of bitterness from malaria-fighting quinine, tonic water is so often found in the home bar but does much thought go into which one to stock up on? Long gone are the days of only 2 or 3 big brands to choose from now we have a multitude with diverse flavour profiles staying true to their quinine roots. Balanced sweetness with purity of flavour and persistent bubbles were what stood out in the best tonics we tasted.

VINE DINE

Margaux Burgess

Barker and Quin Hibiscus Premium Tonic Water South Africa $11-13 (4-pack bottles) CSPC 900964

Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water United Kingdom $8-9 (4-pack bottles) CSPC 900280

BARKER AND QUIN MARULA PREMIUM

TONIC WATER

South Africa $11-13 (4-PACK BOTTLES)

CSPC 900966

SPARKLING ROSÉ AND RED WINES

Two of my favourite styles of wine came together in the sparkling rosé category for an interesting flight of traditional bottle fermented and tank method bubbles. All of the wines demonstrated expressions of the fresh, simple, soft, and refreshing style this sparkling rosé has to offer. Fresh red berries complemented with flaky pastry notes inspired memories of Grandma’s summer crumble, and the tiny, persistent bubbles danced on the tongue carrying the flavours through a long finish with perfectly balanced acidity. Peter Smolarz

BEST IN CLASS

NICOLAS FEUILLATTE NV RESERVE EXCLUSIVE BRUT ROSÉ Champagne, France

JUDGES

Medici Ermete 2021 Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano Emilia-Romagna, Italy $26-29 CSPC 741412

Villa Teresa Prosecco Rosé Veneto, Italy $19-22 CSPC 847518

Drusian NV Rosé Mari Extra Dry Veneto, Italy $25-27 CSPC 820073

Anna De Codorniu Rosé Cava Spain $22-24 CSPC 760243

JUDGES SELECTION

ROSÉ

One of the top trends in wine has been the skyrocketing success of rosé. The pink wines have become hugely popular for their freshness, pretty fruit flavours and pleasant acidity. A wine that goes well with everything from spicy food to fish, poultry and even some desserts, rosé makes wine pairing easy. Most of the entries were lighter pink, with the top entries balancing richness and acidity, with dry or slightly off-dry finishes. Darren Oleksyn

BEST IN CLASS TIE

SANDHILL 2021 ROSÉ

TERROIR DRIVEN WINE

Okanagan Valley British Columbia $25-27 CSPC 736523

LE BIJOU

DE SOPHIE 2021 VALROSE ROSÉ

Languedoc-Rousillon, France $21-24 CSPC 863718

Le Fat Bastard 2021 Rosé France $15-18 CSPC 726880

Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé

Veneto, Italy $21-24 CSPC 802206

Peak Cellars 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $30-33 CSPC 834295

Fetzer 2020 Bonterra Rosé Mendocino County, California $16-20 CSPC 815933

Rothschild Mouton Cadet 2021 Bordeaux Rosé Bordeaux, France $17-20 CSPC 865708

Perrin Studio 2020 Rosé by Miraval Cotes d’Azure, France $19-22 CSPC 817822

Le Pive 2020 Rosé Camargue, France $18-21 CSPC 863170

Marques de Caceres 2020 Rosé Rioja, Spain $20-23 CSPC 110114

Canadian vodka is on the rise! As more homegrown distilleries emerge, many are trying their hand at the purest of spirits. This category highlighted the diversity of styles that can exist in this neutral spirit category. There are offerings here with lift and viscosity that show great aptitude for straight sipping and martinis, while others are clean and neutral, the perfect match for cocktailing. There’s much to explore in this understated category. Go Canadian distillers! Jenny Book

JUDGES SELECTION

Northern Keep Vodka Alberta, Canada $28-$35 CSPC 829752

Birds & Bees

Boots Alberta Vodka Alberta, Canada

CSPC

BEST IN CLASS TIE

EAU CLAIRE

DISTILLERY FLOURISH VODKA Alberta Canada

BUCKLE PREMIUM VODKA Alberta Canada

BIRDS & BEES BE HAY VE ORGANIC ALFALFA VODKA Alberta Canada

Deca 10x Distilled Vodka Alberta, Canada

(1750

Alberta Pure Vodka Alberta, Canada

Pivot Spirits Full Circle Vodka Alberta, Canada

CSPC

Wild Life Classic Vodka Alberta, Canada $49-50 787593

T-Rex Family Reserve Vodka Alberta, Canada

Silver Devil Vodka Alberta, Canada

SAKE AND OTHER UNIQUE

JUDGES

Although I wasn’t a judge at the Alberta Beverage Awards, I managed to take some time out of my very hectic 12-14 hour days to do a little tasting. Sake? I love it. I usually feel that I perhaps need a little more appreciation for it, and perhaps I’m not the best person out there to profess any sort of expertise, but on the right sort of day? It’s so good, so refreshing, and so very, very tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed both winners below, though personally I rarely reach for the “Nigori” or cloudy bottles. Get yourself out of that beverage rut! Tom Firth

OTHER SPIRITS

Calling these “other spirits” is a bit of a disservice, but we frequently get many examples every year that don’t really fit in with just about any flight of other products. Ofttimes, we have to stick them into a closest grouping, give the judges a little heads up that there are some different things hiding out (without giving away which bottle, country, or producer it might be). Then off to the computer to see how they stacked up. These disparate bottles below are wildly different, but stunning enough examples that they managed to really shine forth in difficult circumstances.

JUDGES

SANUKI

Hwayo 41 Premium Soju South Korea

Lee Gang Ju Pear Ginger Rice Spirit South Korea

$31-35 (375 mL)

Absinthe La Pipette Verte France

BEST IN CLASS

MASSAYA ARAK

Rig Hand Chilean Aguardiente

Alberta, Canada

(375 mL)

Amaro means bitter in Italian and bitterness is the defining characteristic of this digestive. In the beginning, monks made amari in monasteries, using foraged ingredients (herbs, barks, roots) to be steeped in alcohol and used as medicine. Drink after dinner, some are best chilled, others on ice. Look for balanced sweetness, intensity and flavour complexity. Even in styles not made in Italy, look for those made with local flavours.

One of Spain’s greatest contributions to wine, tempranillo can make stellar, grippy red wines that age for decades. It’s a key component in the wines of Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro — Spanish regions with strong reputations. Tempranillo goes by many monikers, and it’s grown elsewhere in the world, most notably in Portugal where it’s known as tinta roriz or aragonez, but nobody can match what they do with it in Spain. Darren Oleksyn

BEST IN CLASS

CONDADO DE HAZA

2018 20 ALDEAS

Ribera del Duero, Spain $40-44 CSPC 866894

JUDGES SELECTION

Adaro de Pradorey 2018 Ribera del Duero, Spain $42-45 CSPC 861899

Valdemar Crianza 2016 Conde Valdemar Rioja, Spain $20-24 CSPC 848773

Condado de Haza 2019 Crianza Ribera del Duero, Spain $35-40 CSPC 866888

Finca la Mina de Pradorey 2016 Ribera del Duero, Spain $45-49 CSPC 861900

HIBISCUS

SPRUCE GROUSE

AND MEZCAL

I’m not sure if there is a more flashback-inducing spirit than Tequila. Seems almost everyone can dial up that memory of a “not-so-pleasant” experience either due to quantity or quality. 100% Agave on the label will be your first mark of quality whether you are looking for a smooth sipping blanco for mixing, reposado to check all the boxes, or a complex Añejo to sip and meditate over. As you move up in age, be prepared for more complex flavours as well as a heftier price tag. Try a nice smoky Mezcal to convert the Whiskey drinker in your life. Want to take out the guesswork? Trust the recommendation of your favorite bartender or associate at your go-to store (or look below). Darren Fabian

TEQUILA

Paquera Mezcal Espadin, Mexico

$84-90

CSPC 862116

El Tequileno Reposado Gran Reserva Mexico

$80-87

CSPC 811617

Still a rather new component of the beverage market, premade cocktails still have a home in easy, refreshing – and often canned – mixed drinks, but at the same time we are loving the variety – and quality of bottled, ready to drink, classic cocktails ones that might be beyond the casual or occasional enthusiast. Reduce the clutter and still have a quality cocktail? Sign me up! Tom Firth

Por La Gente Tequila Blanco

BEST IN CLASS TIE

WHITE SINGLE VARIETAL

These wines are distinctive, interesting wines based on a single grape variety, in a range of styles. Allowing for distinct varieties to be considered based on their ability to stand alone against other wines. While it can be challenging to compare such different wines, those that stand out speak to the variety used, as well as their region of origin. A great category for trying something new! Devin Rigaux

BEST IN CLASS

BASA LORE 2020

TZAKOLI DE GETARIA

Tzakoli, Spain $21-24 CSPC 852943

Hillside Winery 2021 Gewürztraminer Naramata Bench, British Columbia $24-25 CSPC 505206

Acquesi NV Moscato d’Asti Piedmonte, Italy $19-23 CSPC 801871

JUDGES SELECTION

Boschendal 2020 Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch, South Africa $20-24 CSPC 804595

Gruber 2021 Röschitz Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel, Austria $24-28 CSPC 785338

Collazzi 2019 Otto Muri Tuscany, Italy $25-27 CSPC 745555

SAISON

Zenato 2020 Lugana San Benedetto Veneto, Italy $22-25 CSPC 479584

Marques de Caceres 2020 Verdejo Rueda, Spain $20-23 CSPC 774466

Santa Vittoria 2020 Moscato d’Asti Piedmonte, Italy $18-21 CSPC 862423

CLASS

Formerly brewed only in Belgium and the European countryside, these beers have become craft brewing favourites. Sometimes aged in barrels, their flavour profiles are all over the board, depending on the ingredients and (especially) the yeast used. Saisons tend to be drier and spicier, while farmhouse ales are commonly fermented with wild yeasts and some may have added fruit, leading to a host of flavour characteristics. Our winner was Le Trou Du Diable Dulcis Succubus that is full of complex funkiness and stonefruit flavours. David Nuttall

Two Pillars Brewery Saison Alberta, Canada $20 (6-pack cans)

Cold Garden

One Summer in Saskatoon Saison Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-pack cans) CSPC 784119

Trial & Ale A Saison Apparent Alberta, Canada

$20 (750 mL) CSPC 840057

LE TROU DU DIABLE DULCIS SUCCUBUS

BARREL AGED SAISON Quebec, Canada

$22 (750 mL)

CSPC 857700

WHITE BLENDS

From riesling to viognier, chardonnay to pinot gris, we tasted across the spectrum of grape varieties. White Blends is always a fun line-up to taste through with wines that are varied and complex offering up great value for money and wonderful food compatibility. Our two wines tied for best in class really could not be more different profile-wise but do offer up the best of the classic white Bordeaux blend with structure and intensity in the Pierre Lurton and a fun, fruity and very aromatic gem in the Flat Rock Cellars Twisted White. Again and again, white blends truly offer something for everyone! Margaux Burgess

BEST IN CLASS TIE

FLAT ROCK 2019 TWISTED WHITE

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $21-25 CSPC 846128

PIERRE LURTON 2018 BORDEAUX BLANC

Bordeaux, France $23-27 CSPC 819187

JUDGES SELECTION

Asio Otus NV Bianco

Veneto, Italy

$37-40 (3 L) CSPC 860188

Wild Goose 2021 Autumn Gold Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $25-28 CSPC 414755

Clos du Soleil 2020 Capella Similkameen Valley, British Columbia $28-32 CSPC 823334

Mourgues du Gres 2021 Galets Dores

Costières de Nîmes, France $26-29 CSPC 870089

d’Arenberg 2021 Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne

Mclaren Vale, Australia $21-24 CSPC 708507

Moraine 2021 Cliffhanger White Naramata Bench, British Columbia $22-25 CSPC 494997

Frind 2021 Big White

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $25-28 CSPC 840935

Pine Ridge 2021 Chenin Blanc Viognier Napa Valley, California $25-26 CSPC 746997

Monte Creek 2021 Hands Up White British Columbia $19-22 CSPC 782539

LIQUEURS

BEST IN CLASS TIE

I love seeing how our liqueurs category

turn out. While we are always looking for clean, well-balanced representations of the various flavours, in the end, we are also seeing an expression of how tastes and needs change over time. This year, we saw a number of Alberta-made spirits – primarily coffee based – show well but the top spots were taken by a rather new and interesting Italian offering, and a European coffee expression. Tom Firth

CADELLO 88

The Fort Distillery

Zuidam Cassis

Country Stone Distillery

of the Morning Alberta, Canada

Pivot Spirits Craft Distillery Haskap & Honey Liqueur Alberta, Canada

Canada

Zuidam Framboise

Not all grapes are destined to become wine. Not all fruit is destined for your table. In the world of spirits and cocktails, brandy and cognac can get lost in the mix despite being incredibly diverse and one of the oldest distillations. Brandy can be distilled from just about anything (think pears, apricots… apples) and come from anywhere. But cognac must be from white grapes and come from… you guessed it, Cognac, France. As with other aged spirits, the more time it sits in barrel, the less “boozy”, deeper, and more evolved it becomes.

Fabian

Back 40 Distillery Farmers Blend Coffee Liqueur

Canada

ZUIDAM CAFÉ

BEST

CLASS

DEAU

ITALIAN AND SPANISH - RED SINGLE VARIETIES

Connoisseurs who seek adventure will enjoy the Red Single Varietal Italian and Spanish categories. This flight featured monovarietal expressions of lesser-known varieties, showcasing a wide range of styles from two of the world’s top three wine-producing countries. Spanish bobal and monastrell, commonly known as mourvèdre, were dark, concentrated wines that reflected the long sunshine hours of Spain’s coast and high plateau. In from the heel of the boot of Italy in Puglia, we saw deep rich smoky wines of negroamaro and nero di toia. But it was the ‘Wine of Kings’ from Piedmont’s far northwest region that stood out in the fierce competition – along with the wines of montepulciano. Peter Smolarz

BEST IN CLASS TIE

BATASIOLO 2017 BAROLO Piedmont, Italy $33-36 CSPC 178541

TORRE ZAMBRA

2016 COLLE MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO

RISERVA

Abruzzo, Italy $47-50 CSPC 833885

JUDGES SELECTION

Santa Vittoria 2019 Langhe Nebbiolo Langhe, Italy $28-32 CSPC 862422

Torre Zambra 2018 Colle Maggio Montepulciano Abruzzo, Italy $29-33 CSPC 820625

Tenuta del Pajaru 2020 Nero di Troia Auru Puglia, Italy $30-35 CSPC 860238

Milhistorias de Altolandon 2020 Bobal Manchuela, Spain $25-30 CSPC 872750

Cantina Zaccagnini 2019 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Abruzzo, Italy $22-25 CSPC 862003

Tenuta del Pajaru 2020 Paritaru Negroamaro Puglia, Italy $30-34 CSPC 860255

Castano Hecula 2019 Monastrell Organic Yecla, Spain $18-21 CSPC 847714

I’m old enough to remember when flavoured vodkas were all about what “could” be possible rather than what “should” be made, and I was rather happy to see marshmallow vodka or cotton candy vodka gradually slip out of the limelight. That said, I love these newer, cleaner flavours and a renewed focus on real flavours. We saw a wide range of these new, balanced bottles, but the Best in Class was a tie between an old favourite – Alize – and a local Bourbon vanilla spirit. Tom Firth

Taynton Bay Raspberry Vodka Canada $42-46 CSPC

Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Holland $43-45

Country Stone Distillery Garlic Vodka Alberta Canada

BEST IN CLASS TIE

KOBRAND ALIZE MANGO

Hansen Distillery Pink Josee Alberta, Canada $35-40

District Distillery Maui Mango Vodka Alberta, Canada $35-39 CSPC

BLACK DIAMOND DISTILLERY BOURBON VANILLA VODKA

Alberta, Canada

BEST IN CLASS

TRENTADUE

A deeply coloured wine that delivers loads of ripe, dark fruit flavours and soft tannins, zinfandel doesn’t get the love it deserves. Known as primitivo in southern Italy and “Crljenak Kastelanski” in Croatia, zinfandel gives winemakers a challenge by ripening unevenly in the bunch. Some grapes will be super ripe, even raisining, while others are pink. Picking a harvest date can be tricky, but the people behind these wines did well. They showed the best of the grape. Darren Oleksyn

Michael David

Seghesio

Tenuta

PORTERS AND STOUTS

Hailing originally from the UK, these dark beers have branched out into several sub-categories. The common bond is the use of chocolate and/or roasted malt to give the beers their jetblack appearance. The flavours are usually any combination of chocolate, coffee or black licorice. They may range in ABV from 4% to 12%, becoming more full bodied as the alcohol content rises. Spectrum Chocolate Coffee Stout was our favouite and delivers what you expect from the name. David Nuttall

BEST IN CLASS

SPECTRUM CHOCOLATE COFFEE STOUT

Alberta, Canada $18-19 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 846851

JUDGES

Cold Garden Vanilla Cappucino Porter

Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 862424

Hard Knox Brewery Early Riser Coffee Stout Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 876246

ADARO and LA MINA from RIBERA DEL DUERO celebrating Judges Selection medals from the 2022 ALBERTA BEVERAGE AWARDS

Zero Issue Brewing “Ivy” Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout w/Vanilla Alberta, Canada $24-25 (4-pack cans) CSPC 864894

Zero Issue Brewing

“Freeze”

Bourbon Barrel

Aged Imperial Stout Alberta, Canada $24-25 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 864897

Bow River Brewing Prairie Night Smoky Porter

Alberta, Canada $17-19 (6-pack cans)

CSPC 824555

RYE AND CANADIAN WHISKIES

Rye whisky and Canadian whisky are pretty-well synonymous with each other in Canada, and often used interchangeably – whether or not the mash bill includes any rye or not. This can make things a little tricky, as we don’t always have access to the finer details – and you can’t always trust the label! This year, we saw wonderful representation of Canadian whiskies, and rye-centric whiskies that should easily have pride of place in any enthusiast’s home bar – and in a wide range of budgets. Tom Firth

JUDGES

Cooperstown Select Straight Rye Whiskey United States $108-115

873584

Wayne Gretzky No.99 Red Cask Whisky Canada $44-48 CSPC 796995

Buzzards Roost

Peated Barrel Rye Whiskey United States $115-120 CSPC 869722

MILLSTONE 100 RYE Netherlands $110-115

CSPC 778839

WAYNE GRETZKY NO.99 DOUBLE OAKED

CANADIAN WHISKY Canada

$40-45

868731

Alberta Distillers

Reifel Rye Alberta, Canada $40-45 CSPC 869179

Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass United States $142-150 CSPC 860248

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise “Untamed” Signature Whisky Alberta, Canada $220

Gray Jay Deluxe Canadian Whisky Canada $28-32 CSPC 837346

BLACK AND BROWN ALES

Through the use of different combinations of malts, brewers are able to construct these beers which range from dark amber to black. Separated from porters and stouts by having more of a malt base and keeping around 5 percent ABV, flavours range from toffee/caramel to dark chocolate and/ or coffee with a milder bitterness for balance. Most of these beers are lighter in body than most other dark beer ale styles. David Nuttall

Olds College Brewery Old Skhool Brown Ale Alberta, Canada $14-16 (6-pack cans)

843000

Village Brewery Blacksmith Black Ale Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-pack cans)

780554

Siding 14 Brewing Brakeman Brown Ale Alberta, Canada $15-17 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 865832

BEST IN CLASS

SPECTRUM DUNKEL

Alberta, Canada $17-19 (4-PACK CANS)

843794

PALE ALES

The India Pale Ale category is one that has grown so much in style over its existence but more noticeably in the last 15 years or so. This line up was quite good as our local market is putting out some humdingers all across the board from paler and more bitter west coast IPA’s to the super creamy and tropical style IPAs. No matter which you prefer there are so many to pick from today that it made picking winners kind of sad, but the best pick was Banded Peak’s Summit Seeker this year. Dave Gingrich

Dog Island Brewing Saints & Sinners Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 799004

Hop Valley Bubble Stash Oregon United States $17-19 (6-pack cans) CSPC 848118

Cold Garden This Must Be The IPA Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 862700

Hard Knox Brewery Dusty Trail Alberta, Canada $16-18 (4-pack cans) CSPC 803933

BEST IN CLASS

BANDED PEAK BREWING SUMMIT SEEKER IPA Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-PACK CANS) CSPC 842027

Oh sauvignon blanc! What an awesome grape – one that had a relatively new archetype of expression and global home - New Zealand. Rife with gooseberry, bell pepper and cut grass, this neo-classic style has yielded ground to other global expressions. Perhaps ones that lack a little of the “intensity” found in New Zealand, but perhaps show off a little more restraint, a little more balance, and a little more quaffability. Discover sauvignon blanc all over again. Tom Firth

Banded Peak Brewing Southern Aspect West Coast Alberta, Canada $18-20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 842026

2017

Banded Peak Brewing Storm Chaser Double IPA Alberta, Canada $18-$20 (4-pack cans) CSPC 872430

Zero Issue Brewing Nemesis Alberta, Canada $17-19

(4-pack cans) CSPC 797979

LUI 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza, Argentina $24-28 CSPC 855279

Hipster Animal 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Central Valley, Chile $15-18 CSPC 855401

Mi Terruno 2019 Expresion Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza, Argentina $21-24 CSPC 847334

LOW AND NO ALCOHOL SPIRITS AND READYTO-DRINK

From non-alcoholic red vermouth on the rocks to a can of 0% gin & tonic, the “zero booze” products have recently popped up everywhere and have established themselves as a growing staple in some of our drinking habits. Think of dry-January...not on anyone’s radar a few years ago, is now a trend here to stay and spreading to February and beyond! Such an interesting group with many emerging categories, the excitement of drinking a cocktail without the hangover is an idea many are finding attractive. The next time you make a Moscow Mule, think of making it with a non-alcoholic spirit or a mix and drink a couple more!. Will Trow

UNDONE NOT VERMOUTH Germany

$33-36 (750 mL)

CSPC 847635

Undone Not Red Vermouth Germany $33-36 (750 mL) CSPC 847636

Wilfred’s BitterSweet NonAlcoholic Aperitif United Kingdom $44-45 (500 mL) CSPC 861069

Gnista Floral Wormwood NonAlcoholic Spirit Sweden $38-40 (500 mL) CSPC 868805

Two Rivers Spruce Grouse Zero Alcohol Distilled Gin Alberta, Canada $27-29 (500 mL)

LOW AND NO ALCOHOL READY-TO-DRINK

Sober Carpenter De-Alcoholized Craft Cider Quebec, Canada $12-13 (4-pack cans) CSPC 867734

AB0VE

Whisky Cola Canada $10-12 (4-pack cans) CSPC 878381

Gradient Gradually Reducing SodaCucumber Mint (3%) Canada $13-15 (4-pack cans) CSPC 868931

AB0VE GIN

TONIC Canada

IN CLASS

BLACK

Canada

(4-PACK CANS)

WINE SPRITZERS

We hadn’t planned on having an entire results category on refreshing winebased drinks, but we had enough to warrant a category, and we were also able to share some well-balanced winners for your tasting enjoyment. While the warm weather may be fleeting, these might be another reason to enjoy a nice brunch – and pull out all the stops. Tom Firth

BEST IN CLASS

CANELLA MIMOSA COCKTAIL Italy $19-22 CSPC 733109

JUDGES SELECTION

Ele Bubbly Wine Spritzer Canada $3-4 (355 mL) CSPC 865379

Canella Bellini Cocktai Italy $19-22 CSPC 704554

NON-ALCOHOLIC WHITE WINES AND SPARKLING WINES

Let’s face it. It’s been a long couple of years, and sometimes you just need a break from whatever you’re doing these days. Even drinking! There are a number of reasons why someone might want to reduce their alcohol consumption, such as being a responsible, designated driver, maybe you found out you’re pregnant (Congrats!), or it doesn’t mix well with your current lifestyle. Regardless of the reasons behind it, we all deserve to have a great drink in our hands. Thankfully, the market has exploded with new, fun and delicious options to satisfy our taste buds, without the potential hangover the next day! Nathalie Gosselin

Il Mio Gusto Peachelino Sparkling Wine Infused Cocktail Italy $16-18 CSPC 857674

Il Mio Gusto Limonsecco Sparkling Wine Infused Cocktail Italy $16-18 CSPC 857675

BEST IN CLASS

SOBR 2020 RIESLING Germany $18-20 CSPC 862147

Benjamin Bridge

NV Piquette Zero

Gaspereau Valley Nova Scotia $5-6 (250 mL) CSPC 857955

Oddbird NV Blanc De Blancs Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine

Languedoc- Rousillon, France $21-24 CSPC 847629

Noughty NV Sparkling Chardonnay La Mancha, Spain $21-24 CSPC 847599

RED BLENDS

The term “red blend” is quite literal, referring to red wines that are created by blending together different grape varieties to create an offering that is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, when a winemaker wants to soften the big, grippy tannins of a cabernet sauvignon, they’ll often blend in merlot, which is softer and more supple. Red blends are incredibly common too, some of the most famous wines in the world are usually blends - such as Bordeaux or Rioja. Erin Loader

Animus 2019 Douro Douro, Portugal $15-18 CSPC 752752

BEST IN CLASS

NINFA 2019 MARCHE ROSSO

Piceno, Italy $45-50 CSPC

Domaine Juliette

Rhône, France $42-47

Trentadue

Alexander Valley,

$25-28

Parras 2020 Castelo do Sulco Reserva Lisbon, Portugal $20-24 CSPC 734151

Mi Terruno 2017 Limited Reserve Malbec/Cab Sauv Blend Mendoza, Argentina $47-50 CSPC 781111

Black Hills 2020 Bona Fide Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $30-34 CSPC 750649

Elderton Estates 2019 E-Series Red Barossa Valley, Australia $20-24 CSPC 704819

Heimann 2019 SXRD Szekszárd, Hungary $25-28 CSPC

Mula Velha 2019 Premium Red Lisbon, Portugal $24-26

BORDEAUX BLENDS

The five main grapes of Bordeaux have travelled the world many times over, and there can be few wine-growing countries where they’re not planted. This year’s awards include a spread of winners as far afield as Argentina and Western Canada, and over five different vintages, and there’s something reassuring in the knowledge that these blends of some or all of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec, and petit verdot, continue to be expressive of their terroir, and as cellarworthy as ever. Linda Garson.

Pierre Lurton 2016 Bordeaux Rouge

Bordeaux, France $23-26 CSPC

Pavillon de Trianon

Bordeaux Supérieur Bordeaux, France $20-24

Clos du Soleil

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia $33-36

Giusti 2019 Massimo

Veneto, Italy $36-40

Chateau Roquegrave

Medoc, France $28-30

PINOT NOIR

If you’re still deciding the wine to go with your Thanksgiving dinner, then here’s the perfect page to take to your local liquor store, whether you’re planning to make a turkey meal, a roast ham, a beef dinner, poached or grilled salmon, or a mushroom pasta! There can be no wine more food-friendly than pinot noir, and there’s some beautifully made and delicious examples here. It’s encouraging too to see newer wineries right up at the top alongside tried and trusted, long-time favourites.

Garson

BEST IN CLASS TIE

PEAK CELLARS

2019 PINOT NOIR

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $40-45 CSPC 838304

LA CREMA MONTEREY

2019 PINOT NOIR

Monterey, California $32-36 CSPC 737431

WINES

Fruit wine is often an under-appreciated category, which is a shame as people do not realize what they are missing until they are poured a glass! This year we tasted a variety of different fruits and the Best in Class award went to a yuzu wine from Japan. Yuzu is a like a lively combination of lemon, grapefruit and orange - wonderful in a spritzer with either a splash of sparkling wine or soda water. Laurie MacKay

Oregon Territory 2018 Pinot Noir Oregon, United States $29-32 CSPC 873420

Monte Creek Winery

Columbia,

CSPC

Hahn Founders 2020 Pinot Noir Central Coast, California $25-28 CSPC 743982

Murphy-Goode 2019 Pinot Noir California, United States $26-30 CSPC 739671

LUI 2020 Pinot Noir Mendoza, Argentina $26-30 CSPC 852291

Tread Softly 2021 Pinot Noir South Australia $18-21 CSPC 837589

BEST IN CLASS

SHIN PREMIUM YUZU WINE

Katsuragi, Japan $33-35 CSPC 801668

Monte Creek Winery Blueberry

Columbia, Canada

Way back, when I was a younger lad, the options for a libation that wasn’t wine, beer, or spirits was pretty limited. There were things like B & J wine coolers, a smattering of things like Boone’s or a wide range of terrible, trendy drinks (anyone else remember Rockaberry?) and until the hard lemonades took over, it was a wild and woolly west. These days, the bandwagon is pretty full with so many breweries, distilleries, and almost everyone else giving them a try – and the options have never beer better. Tom Firth

READY TO DRINK BEVERAGES CARBONATED BEST IN CLASS TIE

LITTLE BUDDHA GRILLED PINEAPPLE AND ROSEMARY Canada

$10-12 (4-PACK CANS)

CSPC 839134

BLACK DIAMOND DISTILLERY

RASPBERRY LEMONADE

Alberta, Canada

$15-17 (4-PACK CANS)

JUDGES SELECTION

Hell’s Basement Brewery Hard Root Beer

Alberta, Canada

$15-17 (6-pack cans)

CSPC 866273

LowLand

Liquid Art Cherry Maple Lemon Canada

$19-21 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 875244

Burwood Distillery Pineapple Lemon Gin Soda

Alberta, Canada

$16-18 (6-pack cans)

CSPC 849055

NON CARBONATED

CSPC 836499

Birds & Bees Lil’ Squirt Bite Me Green Apple Shots Alberta, Canada

$5 (200 mL)

CSPC 857466

Good Day Pineapple Soju South Korea

$11-13 (360 mL)

CSPC 843549

Taynton Bay Blueberry Rooibos Canada

$32-34

CSPC 819268

Midnight Moon Lightning Lemonade United States

$10-14 (4-pack cans)

CSPC 858635

Root Seller Row Hard Root Beer United States

$16-17 (6-pack cans)

CSPC 873819

BEST IN CLASS

Taynton Bay Ginger Matcha Canada $32-36

CSPC 817565

BIRDS & BEES LIL’ SQUIRT COCO DREAM COCONUT SHOTS Alberta, Canada

$5 (200 mL)

CSPC 857470

SYRAH SHIRAZ

When your tasting notes start with: smoke, bacon, herbs, blueberry pie, white and black pepper, and violet notes, it is easy to assume you are tasting syrah. Also known as shiraz, mainly in Australia, it is one of the darkest red wines in the glass. A great bonus about drinking this delicious grape, is that it has one of the highest levels of health-benefiting antioxidants, because of the notable amount of tannins in this wine! Syrah is one of the grapes where the styles can vary considerably depending on; where it is grown, the climate, soil and specificity about how each region expresses it. But one thing we can all agree on, is that it is often the best wine for all types of roasted, grilled or smoked meat dishes! Nathalie Gosselin

BEST IN CLASS

GEMTREE 2019 UNCUT SHIRAZ

McLaren Vale, Australia $35-40 CSPC 858065

UNAGED WHISKIES AND MOONSHINES

JUDGES SELECTION

Thomas Goss 2020 Shiraz

McLaren Vale, Australia

$23-26 CSPC 847749

Escorihuela 1884 2019 Estate Grown Syrah

Mendoza, Argentina

$19-22 CSPC 744532

Clos du Soleil 2020 Syrah

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia

$30-35 CSPC 993295

Corcelettes 2020 Syrah

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia $33-37 CSPC 833251

As craft distilling blew wide open in Alberta several years ago, many distillers were experimenting with ideas for raw or unaged distillate while future whiskies sleep in barrels. Some of these products are exceptional - offering silky, spirit textures with little to no oak. More recently, we’ve been seeing a lot more flavoured examples, which are an interesting testament to the distiller’s craft. Tom Firth

OAK AGED GINS AND GENEVER

Can’t decide if you’re in the mood for whisky or gin? Then this is your category (and mine!). Oak aged gins and genever share a similar flavour profile, and the lines are becoming increasingly blurred – they’re both encroaching on whisky territory, and we’d be expecting notes of vanilla and maybe a little butterscotch from the barrel co-mingling with the juniper and citrus of the gin before a long, lingering finish. Do try these spirits shaken as a Sour! Linda Garson

JUDGES SELECTION

White Lightning Distillery Barrel Aged Real Country Gin Alberta, Canada $50-54

Zuidam 1 Year Old Rogge Genever Netherlands $68-72 CSPC 805410

RIESLING

I’ve never shied away from my love of riesling, and I am completely certain that most professional sommeliers and beverage enthusiasts love the noblest of white grapes, but we all know that riesling still has a problem convincing people that they aren’t (all) sweet. The last few years, we’ve treated the riesling flight as a calibration of sorts and given all the entries to the entire roster of judges first thing, since what a perfect treat it is to have these beautiful wines to start a day of tasting...

Tom Firth MORAINE 2020 RIESLING

BEST IN CLASS

Naramata Bench, British Columbia $23-26 CSPC 782571

BEST IN CLASS

WILD LIFE BARREL AGED GIN Alberta, Canada $55-59 CSPC 806375

Park Distillery Barrel Aged Gin Alberta, Canada $62-65 CSPC 793234

Zuidam 3 Year Oude Genever Netherlands $75-80 CSPC 795966

Monte Creek Winery 2021 Living Land Riesling British Columbia

$22-25 CSPC 782542

Wild Goose Vineyards 2021 Riesling Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $22-25 CSPC 414730

Peak Cellars 2020 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $32-35 CSPC 834290

Upper Bench 2021 Riesling

Naramata Bench, British Columbia $29-32 CSPC 598805

Start with an excellent base spirit, incorporate a unique selection of botanicals. The result?

Characterful gins, with well-integrated alcohol, complexity and a beautiful finish. Classic London Dry style (a process rather than a place of origin) accentuate juniper freshness whereas modern infused gins feature a raft of botanicals—rose, citrus, even pea flowers. Crisp London Dry for a stellar G&T? Or a mellow floral style for cocktails? The choice is yours. Mary Bailey

BEST IN CLASS

COTSWOLDS GIN

United Kingdom

Caorunn Gin Scotland

JUDGES

Cantarelle Gin de Provence France

Black Fox Canadian Gin (#3) Saskatchewan, Canada

Ninth Wave Gin, Ireland

Luxardo London Dry Gin Italy

The Fort Distillery Odd Fellow Gin Alberta, Canada

Six Dogs Blue Gin South Africa

CSPC

Peace River Distilling Gin Alberta, Canada

St George Spirits Botanivore Gin

States

Wild Life Alberta Botanical Gin Alberta, Canada

Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin

States

2022 JUDGES

FINDING THE WINNERS:

A number of liquor stores are featuring 2022 Alberta Beverage Awards winners this fall including:

Co-op Wine Spirits Beer are featuring award winners in the Cooler category; Spirits winners, such as Tequila, Gin, Vodka, and Rum, and white and red wines.

Vine Styles wine club members will find Best in Class or Judges Selection winners in their November packs of four or more bottles, at more than 20% off shelf price.

Bricks Wine Company are featuring a selection of awardwinning gins, Cocktails, Prosecco, Pinot Noir, Asian libations, and select beers.

Willow Park Wines & Spirits are featuring a number of award-winning beers and ciders, as well as wines and spirits. Aligra Wines and Spirits are featuring award-winning Tequila, Mezcal, Bourbon, Rye and Canadian Whisky, white and red wines.

4th Street Liquor are featuring two four-bottle packs: Best in Class winners, and to celebrate the holidays, Sparkling Wines

Our results also appear in full online at culinairemagazine.ca/aba-results.

Andrew Paulsen Co-op Wine Spirits Beer

Darren Oleksyn Calgary Herald

Laurie Mackay CBC Radio Soulvines.com

Bill Bonar Rain Dog

Dave Gingrich

Willow Park Wines & Spirits

Tom Firth Culinaire Magazine Alberta Beverage Awards

Margaux Burgess Alberta Liquor Store Assoc., Lingua Vina

Brad Royale Brad Royale Consulting

David Nuttall Epicurean Calgary Brew Ed Craft Cellars

Will Trow Ranchmen’s Club

Mary Bailey The Tomato

Bruce Soley River Café

Devin Rigaux Teatro

Nathalie Gosselin Vine Styles

Chase Brackenbury Sundial Wine & Beyond

Erin Loader Bricks Wine Co.

Peter Smolarz Willow Park Wines & Spirits

Darren Fabian Various Jenny Book Fine Vintage Rachel Drinkle YYCaesarfest

Each year, we are pleased to share our talented, experienced judges who assess all these wonderful products, they are some of the best and brightest beverage professionals from across Alberta.

Humble Potato Chips

We Canadians love our crunchy, salty snacks and Humble Potato Chips are trying to make them even better for you and for the planet. Made from as many GMO free or organic ingredients as possible, and found in plastic free, compostable packaging(!) too. We tried five flavours and our favourites were the Smokey BBQ (naturally), Creamy Dill, and the Original. 150 g around $5 at Amaranth, Blush Lane, Community Natural Foods, and other specialty grocery stores.

Zwilling Z-Cut

Zwilling are the masters of multifunction appliances, and their Z-Cut is no exception. It has everything going for it: four interchangeable blades (fine grater, medium grater, coarse grater, and slicer); their Z-cut design which means you can grate forward and backwards; a food holder attachment which is a finger guard too (yes! no more grater scrapes!); the anti-slip, rubberised base also acts as a food storage box; and it’s dishwasher safe too. At Real Canadian Superstore, and online at zwilling.com, Amazon etc $50-$70.

Monster Sauce

After four years, Calgary food and beverage marketer, Kelly Mandeville, has perfected her recipes and launched all-natural Monster Crunch Chili Crisp –a flavour-packed, versatile condiment of fried garlic, ginger, and onions, blended with ground peanuts, crushed chilis, and seaweed, to bring a smile to your face and a zing to your soups, pastas, eggs, pizzas, rice dishes, and more. 250 mL $15, also Extra Hot for a little more fire, and Hot Honey too. monstersauce.ca for delivery and Canada-wide shipping, and at specialty stores.

We’re delighted to announce new dates, new pairing dinners, and new menus!

Check culinairemagazine.ca/events regularly, and email to be included in our bi-monthly updates to hear about events before the rest of the city. These evenings can – and do - sell out rather quickly!

Vine & Dine at Fonda Fora Wednesday October 12, Friday 21, and Saturday October 29 We’re coming back to Fonda Fora for three Vine & Dine evenings of superb, authentic Mexican 6-course pairing dinners. All three dinners here last year sold out fast!

“From the Farm” Vine, Dine & Demo at Sunterra Market! Thursday October 27

A one-off special evening at Sunterra Keynote’s private demo kitchen where we’ll enjoy a six-course pairing meal with products from Sunterra’s own farms, and chef demonstrating a part of each dish!

One-Off Fine & Dine evening at Delta South Wednesday October 19 We’re excited for this one-off deliciously indulgent 5-course premium pairing meal prepared using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in the Atrium’s Nakiska Ballroom.

Vine & Dine at Flower & Wolf Saturday November 12 and Friday November 25 All our evenings at Flower & Wolf have been excellent - last year at this time we had to turn people away as we sold out so quickly, so don’t miss these two 6-course pairing dinners!

One-Off Premium Pairing Dinner

at T.Pot Wednesday November 16

We’re coming back for another special night of modern, yet authentic Cantonese dishes - a six-course pairing banquet!

One Night Only - Winemaker Dinner at Shoe & Canoe!

Saturday November 19

Join us for this special dinner where Marionette Winery in Salmon Arm, BC, will take us through their premium range.

Vine & Dine at Safari Grill

Wednesday November 30 We’ve been running pairing dinners at Safari Grill for over ten years - we keep coming back because they’re consistently and reliably delicious!

Email linda@culinairemagazine.ca to reserve. We try to cater for all allergies.

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