March spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON March spirits

hile our march issue is typically focused on everything Italian, we’d be remiss if we ignored one of the most beloved holidays in Canada where we celebrate the Emerald Isle (or at least the excuse to go out and celebrate) with St. Patrick’s Day on the 25th. But worry not; we have some unique and delicious Italian bottles as well, which most likely are brand new to most enthusiasts.

Below are our picks of new-toAlberta Nocino and vermouth from Italy with some Irish whiskey if Guinness isn’t your thing. Erin go Bragh my friends! W

Paddy Irish Whiskey One of my first whiskey experiences as it was tucked in the back of my parent’s liquor cabinet, and I still love it. Plenty of citrus and honey with a decidedly floral character. Light, clean, well balanced on the palate, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—it’s a rock-solid dram. CSPC +784994 $33–35

Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey Another classic whiskey well-known to aficionados, Tullamore is triple distilled and expressive with citrus and toasted characters, a bit of spice and an almostsweet finish. Quite versatile, it’s best neat or with a bare splash of water. CSPC +71746 $35-38

The Quiet Man 8 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Still one of my favourite examples, the Quiet Man is aged in bourbon casks and is loaded with apple and honey notes, dried cereals, and spice. Best with a drop or two of water, it’s a perfect counter argument to the claim that Irish whiskey doesn’t hold a candle to Scotch. CSPC +786604 $52–54

Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare Small Batch Blended Irish Whiskey Very new to our market, matured in bourbon casks and finished in sherry cask, the note recalls dried nuts, cranberries and apples, with a generous, darker honey tone. Good mouthfeel, and running a touch hot at 43 percent, it’s warming, spicy, and delicious. CSPC +802506 About $75–80

Casoni Nocino di Modena, Emilia Romagna, Italy Wow. Made by infusing green walnut husks in alcohol with a touch of sugar, Nocino di Modena is a totally seductive digestif with a lip-smacking, almost balsamic intensity, and one you won’t want to share. Sip it slowly and contemplate the world, or pour it over ice cream! CSPC +829197 500 mL, $38–$40

Pio Cesare Vermouth Di Torino From a secret family recipe locked away for more than 60 years, this outstanding very limited vermouth is available to us again! 27 aromatic herbs are macerated with Pio Cesare’s moscato d’Asti and chardonnay to produce a bright and lemon-fresh, mouth filling, memorable sipper. CSPC +807119 around $78

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