Summertime i ers pp S W
BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON
ith our hot summers, but often cooler evenings, it’s good to have on hand a number of versatile bottles or cans to keep you covered for any occasion, and there’s no shortage of new releases and old favourites to keep you happy this summer!
Alvear Fino, Montilla, Spain We just don’t drink enough dry sherry. The aromas wafting from the glass immediately transport me to the Spanish coast, sitting in the shade and watching the sea crash against the rocks. And I have to ransack my kitchen for green olives, serrano ham and Marcona almonds to snack on with this delightfully tangy, salty, and mouth-watering wine. Bring it on!
Alvear Medium Dry, Montilla, Spain Medium dry sherry is a conundrum to many – it’s a warm amber colour, is it sweet or is it dry? It’s definitely related to fino, but it also seems related to Olorosso too? Yes, it’s the best of both - still salty and tangy, with distinct toasty almond notes, but then softening mid-palate to a little dried fig flavour, before a lonnng, dry, lip-smacking finish.
CSPC +112771 $18-$20
Amaro di Angostora, Trinidad It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a company like Angostura, with eons of distilling bitters, would eventually produce an Amaro, and their latest innovation is a triumphant new world classic. When the fire pit’s starting to die down, bring out this bottle and indulge in sensuous cinnamon and chocolate with back notes of liquorice, sipped slowly over ice. CSPC + 802195 $34-$38
CSPC +112789 $19-$21
Pink Gin, Confluence Distillery, Alberta Just the thought of pink gin is so appealing; it evokes a different era, a more elegant time of sophistication and little black dresses. Confluence’s new limited production pink gin will surprise you with its ginger and chilli flake nose that follow to the palate, and the secondary hint of chamomile. Take your pick – with or without tonic, it’s a pleasure either way. $48 at the distillery
