Spring spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

pril showers typically bring May flowers, but we really don’t know what to expect these days as spring is upon us and we slowly head towards warmer days and many unknowns in the coming months. While in theory, a good bottle of Scotch makes a fine Father’s Day gift; we think everyone could use a good wee dram at the moment.

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Bruichladdich Octomore 10.1 Islay, Scotland Described on the label as “Super-heavily peated” but please don’t stop reading if you’re not a fan of peat or smoke, as this is one outstanding whisky. Yes, it’s smoky but you like BBQ, don’t you? It’s silky smooth and almost creamy, with flavours of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of salinity. Stunning, and just one drop of water makes it even more so. CSPC + 824957 $145–$150

Ledaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Mull, Scotland Sometimes, you just need a smoky whisky, Ledaig 10 fills the glass with oily, iodine characters and vinyl over clean citrus and tobacco notes. Very well balanced on the palate, with smoke and fusil oil leading oak and spices. Most remarkable is the lengthy finish that evolves and lingers forever— best enjoyed with a few drops of water. CSPC +752144 $65–$75

A.D. Rattray Cask Orkney 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Orkney, Scotland Maybe known as “The Blue Whisky” to you, Cask Orkney is aged 18 years in second-fill bourbon casks. There is a very gentle peatiness for those that like a little smoke but not too much, more noticeable on the palate. Very smooth with wellintegrated apple and peach notes, a little spice and sea salt, and a long, lingering finish. CSPC +821931 $115–$125

A.D. Rattray Cask Speyside 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Speyside Scotland We’ve had A.D. Rattray’s Cask Islay and Cask Orkney for quite some time in Alberta, and now the first edition of Cask Speyside is here, and it’s an excellent expression of the region. Soft and easy drinking, this 10 year old is pale and light, with vanilla custard flavours along with a little citrus on the finish. Ideal for whisky beginners and enthusiasts alike. CSPC +817470 $75–$85

Lismore 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Speyside, Scotland A dark amber colour, this is a weighty whisky—full, lush and rich, with honeysweet aromas—yet it’s still fresh and reminds me of windswept northern Scotland. There’s a lovely progression of flavours that start off more herbal and then roll into those warming sticky toffee pudding favours of dried fig and molasses… of course with a caramel sauce! CSPC +789146 $82–$92

Tomintoul 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Speyside, Scotland A long-time favourite, Tomintoul is known as “the gentle dram” and matured in bourbon casks. Fresh cereal aromas with mild citrus, cocoa, and leather. Nutty and toasty on the palate with a remarkable smoothness. It was easy to go back to it for just another “taste” to make sure it really was that good (and maybe a third taste too). Fantastic neat or with a mild splash of water. CSPC +808170 $95–$105

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“Greatest Hits” and “Vine & Dine” from Hotel Arts Group

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