Spirits for the Season

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

As 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

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

Uncle Nearest 1856 Super Premium Tennessee Whiskey

Wow, one for the connoisseur now: a super premium Tennessee whisky and another terrific backstory. Inspired by the first known African-American master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green, Uncle Nearest utilizes a filtering process brought to Tennessee by enslaved people, and taught by Nearest Green to Jack Daniels! Enjoy after your meal; this sipping whisky has aromas of crème brûlée and candied nuts, and finishes with milk chocolate coated almonds. CSPC +1175972 $105-109

St. Lucia Distillers Chairman’s Reserve “The Forgotten Casks”, St. Lucia

A personal favourite in rums, in part due to the bright and expressive aromas that lift from the glass. Toffee and caramel with vanilla, lemons, and leather, plus so much more. Fairly smooth, but the purity of the spirit isn’t overwhelmed by barrel notes. It’s a rum that warms your belly by the fire or after some outdoor excursions this winter, while you dream of warmer climes. CSPC +749269 $60-65

Black Tot Rum, Scotland

Named after Black Tot Day in 1970, when the British Navy ended the age–old tradition of daily rum rations; Elixir Distillers discovered the last flagons, and created Black Tot to commemorate them. A blend of three Caribbean rums: 60 percent Guyana provides the sweet and rich, molasses and banana bread tones, 35 percent from Barbados adds fruity and tropical notes, and 5 percent from Jamaica adds spice and complexity. Deeelicious! CSPC +832046 $60-65

Glenmorangie Limited Release “A Tale of Cake” Single Malt Whisky, Scotland

The latest in a series of limited release, innovative whiskies from Glenmorangie, this one is perhaps the wildest one of the bunch. A Tale of Cake is meant to evoke the joys and memories of simply enjoying those moments we have cake in hand. Naturally, the whisky can pair with cake if desired, but it’s quite a pleasure to enjoy neat. Brighter, lemony notes with honey, tropical fruits and mild touches of herb and sponge cake. CSPC +839554 $110-125

Waterford Distillery Ballykilcavan Edition 1.1, Ireland

We’re welcoming the first releases from Waterford Distillery, founded by Mark Reynier – the entrepreneur who resurrected Islay’s Bruichladdich Distillery from its mothballs. The Single Farm Origin Series whiskies are barley forward, fully traceable, terroir-driven, single malts, and they speak of their land. Savour the Ballykilcavan slowly… it’s smooth, with flavours of banana, light brown sugar, cinnamon and dark chocolate, and a long oily finish. CSPC +836112 $99-104