Spirits for the Season BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON
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s our winter is well underway, our thoughts migrate away from white spirits like gin and vodka (for now) and move to richer, heartier spirits suitable for hunkering down near the fire, or spirits that evoke a warmer climate, or perhaps the beach vacations we aren’t having this December. So whether you are coming in from the cold or bracing yourself to get out there and shovel some snow – we’ve got you covered.
El Telquileño Cristalino Reposado Tequila, Mexico Cristalino tequila is the new big thing in tequila. An aged Añejo or reposado tequila is carefully filtered to remove the colour and stronger wood notes, yet still preserve the nuance and smoothness one wants in their top shelf bottles. Sleek mineral tones with limes, chalk, leather and a little smoke with great mouthfeel and silkiness. The smoothest white tequila you are likely to ever try. CSPC +836470 About $100-105 Sunday’s Whisky, Japan There are so many great stories surrounding spirits these days, do visit sundaysspirits.com and read the backstory of this whisky made in Japan by five Albertans living in Hong Kong – some of whom are old buddies of ours! It’s a smooooth, easy-drinking whisky; we really enjoy it neat but it makes a great Old Fashioned. You’ll smell cocoa nibs long before you taste them, then a little white pepper and chilli spice. Sip and breathe deeply… CSPC +833870 $82-87 Torres 10 Year Old Gran Reserva Imperial Brandy, Spain Brandy enthusiasts know all about the value Spanish brandies offer. From Torres, comes this robust and smooth offering with a deep, dark colour and a woodsy, slightly smoky palate. Barrel notes evoke sweet sherry and creamy vanilla, making for a tipple just as suited for enjoying neat or in cocktails and hot drinks. CSPC +711733 $25-28 30 Culinaire | December 2020
El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum, Guyana A consistent performer at our Alberta Beverage Awards, the El Dorado 12 strikes that elusive balance of quality, value, and flavours. Toffee and citrus dominate the nose, while on the palate, the spirit presence is very well balanced against citrus fruits, a variety of spices, and the warmth of oak. Well-suited to any number of cold winter days. CSPC +912402 $35-40 Don Papa Small Batch Rum, The Philippines Rum from the Philippines? Yes, and what a rum! Don Papa is made on the southern island of Negros, from sugar cane grown on the island, and made into “Black Gold”, the richest and sweetest molasses – hence the notes of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream. You’ll also be licking your lips at the vanilla, sultanas, and cinnamon flavours too. This is a warm and inviting, memorable rum, and we just can’t stop thinking about rum babas now! CSPC + 823006 $51-54 Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Rum, Jamaica Appleton has long been a well-loved and consistent brand for rum lovers, but it was very nice to see this bottle made to commemorate the distillery’s 250th anniversary. Smells wonderful with honey, toffee, and spice characters, but really shines on the palate with rich flavours, impeccable balance, and silken textures with a deep, molasses finish. Maybe too good for a mixer, but will not disappoint. CSPC +829043 $40-45
