The Bitter Battle Manhattan vs. Boulevardier
Few cocktail debates are as quietly divisive as Manhattan versus Boulevardier. Both are spirit-forward. Both lean bitter-sweet. Both have devoted followers who insist their choice is the only correct one. At the heart of it, this is not really a battle of recipes, but a question of preference, mood, and
The Old Fashioned Framework [& 9 Variations on the Classic]
The Old Fashioned is often treated as a fixed recipe, but it is better understood as a framework. At its core, it is simply spirit, sugar, bitters, and intention. Change one element and the entire drink shifts, which is exactly why it remains one of the most enduring cocktails ever
R(h)um Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Rum is one of the most expressive spirits on the shelf, yet it is still wildly misunderstood. Too often it gets boxed into a single style, when in reality it spans fresh and grassy, rich and molasses-driven, elegant and oak-aged, and downright funky. If agave is about place, rum is
Agave Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Agave spirits have a way of turning a good gift into a great conversation. They are rooted in place, shaped by patience, and full of personality long before they ever hit a glass. From bright, mineral-driven blancos to mature añejos, smoky mezcals and a few wildcards that bend the rules,
Gin Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Gin is the ultimate shape-shifter on the spirits shelf. Crisp or wild, classic or quietly experimental, it has a way of meeting people exactly where they are and nudging them somewhere new. This gift guide is built around that idea.
Vodka Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
People love to say vodka is flavorless. We respectfully disagree.
This year’s lineup features eight standout bottles that prove vodka has range. From creamy Polish rye to soft white BC wheat, to peaches rescued from going to waste, to 20,000-year-old iceberg water hauled off the coast of Newfoundland. These
Smoky Spirits Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Smoke is one of the most polarizing flavors in the spirits world. Some people chase it obsessively, others run in the opposite direction. That tension is exactly what makes smoky spirits such compelling gifts.
Spirits From Japan Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Japanese spirits inspire obsession, debate, and devotion. This guide focuses on flavor, craft, and character across multiple Japanese styles, because what matters most is what’s in the glass.
Scotch Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Whether you’re shopping for the collector who must have the newest limited drop, the friend who always brings a bottle to share, or someone just stepping into the world of single malt, we’ve curated the perfect picks. Each bottle in this guide is chosen based on who it suits and
Canadian Whisky Gift Guide (2025 Edition)
Canadian whisky is having a moment and this gift guide proves exactly why. From grain-to-glass single malts on the West Coast to bold ryes from Ontario and flavour-driven blends from coast to coast, we’ve curated bottles for every type of drinker: the Adventurous Explorer, the Bourbon Lover, the Casual Cocktailer
Chateau Laubade VSOP
Château Laubade VSOP is a polished Bas Armagnac built on estate grown grapes, Gascon oak barrels, and sustainable farming. Expect ripe orchard fruit, almond pastry richness, gentle spice, and a long, graceful finish. Crafted from six to twelve year old eaux de vie, it delivers refinement far beyond typical VSOP
Meukow Red VSOP
Meukow VSOP is sleek, expressive, and unmistakably feline in character. Rich fruit, polished oak, and supple spice glide together with the elegance that inspired its iconic panther emblem. A refined Cognac that delivers both charm and depth, perfect for sipping or elevating a classic cocktail.
Saint Vivant VSOP Armagnac
Saint Vivant VSOP offers a graceful balance of rustic depth and refined Gascon character. With generous dried fruit, warm spice, and earthy complexity, it delivers a rustic Bas Armagnac-driven experience.
Gautier VS
Gautier VS is that friend who always looks effortless without trying. Fresh, floral, and subtly charming, it balances familiarity with just enough personality to be intriguing. Not a show-off, but undeniably well made, pleasantly versatile, and a solid reminder that VS can still deliver real character.
Hennessy VSOP
Hennessy VSOP is the smooth talker of the Cognac world. Rich enough to impress connoisseurs, easy enough for anyone to enjoy, and endlessly versatile. It delivers fruit, spice, and polished oak with effortless confidence, proving exactly why VSOP remains one of Hennessy’s most iconic signatures.
Port Askaig 8 Year
Port Askaig 8 Year is the quiet overachiever of Islay. It is smoky enough to satisfy peat lovers, gentle enough for newcomers, and blended with a precision that makes it far more sophisticated than its age suggests. A coastal, smoky, beautifully balanced snapshot of Islay in a glass.
Glenfarclas 105
Glenfarclas 105 takes its name from the old British proof system, where ABV was multiplied by 1.75 to determine “proof.” At 60 per cent ABV, this classic cask strength release lands at 105 proof. It delivers bold, full bodied character while remaining true to Glenfarclas tradition and sherry influenced elegance.
Hollyrood Embra
Holyrood Embra is the “I swear you actually like peated whisky” whisky. Light peat, big personality, triple cask swagger, and yeast experiments galore. It is smoky enough to impress your whisky nerd friends, but smooth enough that your peat-hating aunt will suddenly have “just one more sip.” Basically, the gateway
Rum Round-Up: Bartenders Share Their Go-To Pours, Sips, and Cocktails
Rum is one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar, carrying a spectrum of flavours that can swing from grassy and bright to funky, rich, and bold. To explore what makes this category so dynamic, we asked bartenders and rum enthusiasts across Canada to share their well rums, favourite
Saint James Royal Ambre
A grassy, spicy, aged agricole that proves rum can be both elegant and a little wild.
Barceló Imperial
Smooth yet structured, Barceló Imperial bridges rum elegance with bourbon boldness.
Mermaid Spiced Rum
Inspired by shipwrecks, infused with island soul, Mermaid is spiced storytelling in a glass.
Black Tot Finest Caribbean
Black Tot proves a Navy blend can be elegant, layered, and downright moreish.
Barcelo Gran Anejo
Straightforward, sweet, and mixable, consider this Dominican rum your fast track to Piña Colada bliss.
Flor de Cana 12 Year
Balanced between dessert and dry — think orange peel, spice, and honeyed charm.
Goslings Black Seal Rum
Sweet, savory, and just a little stormy… the rum that built Bermuda’s legend.
50 Vodka Cocktails That Prove “Neutral” Doesn’t Mean Boring
Vodka might be one of the most misunderstood spirits behind the bar—often labelled as “neutral,” sometimes dismissed as boring, and frequently overshadowed by its louder, oak-aged siblings. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that when made well, vodka can be expressive, textured, and—dare we say it—full of character.
Vodka, But Make It Interesting: 9 Bartenders Spill Their Picks
Vodka might be one of the most misunderstood spirits behind the bar—often labelled as “neutral,” sometimes dismissed as boring, and frequently overshadowed by its louder, oak-aged siblings. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that when made well, vodka can be expressive, textured, and—dare we say it—full of character.
Crystal Head Onyx
Crystal Head Onyx is a bold, blue agave-based vodka that channels the green, peppery essence of tequila with the smoothness of vodka. Aromatic and spicy with a citrus snap, it’s a unique crossover spirit that brings agave character to clean, modern cocktail builds.
Altamura Vodka
Altamura is an Italian vodka made from 100% wheat, offering a soft, slightly sweet flavor with a clean, crisp finish. With gentle cereal notes and a light, creamy texture, it’s an elegant choice for drinkers who prefer their vodka smooth, subtle, and quietly refined.
Tito’s Vodka
Tito’s is an American corn-based vodka known for its sweet aroma, full-bodied texture, and smooth, slightly peppery finish. Made in Austin, Texas, it offers an easy-drinking profile with just enough flavor to stand out in simple serves like vodka sodas, highballs, or a dirty Martini.
Sobieski Vodka
Sobieski is a Polish rye vodka that delivers clean, crisp character with a peppery backbone. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and well-built, offering great structure and clarity at a price that punches above its weight. Perfect for a peppery Martini or cutting through citrus in a vodka Collins.
Nadar Vodka
Nàdar Vodka is a crisp, climate-positive vodka made from peas. It delivers a vegetal, blanco tequila-like profile with green, briny aromatics and a peppery finish. More than just a sustainable spirit, it’s a bold and distinctive option for drinkers looking to break away from the neutral norm.
Luksusowa
Luksusowa is a Polish potato vodka known for its creamy texture and clean, full-bodied taste. Distilled since 1928, it’s a favorite for those who want a richer mouthfeel and a smooth, slightly earthy profile that holds its own in simple cocktails or classic vodka sips.
Ardbeg Wee Beastie (5 Year)
A little but mighty, Wee Beastie roars with intense smoky energy, youthful vitality, and earthy grit. Think smoked bacon and tar mingling with grassy bell peppers and juicy mango. On the palate, it fills with hay, cigar-box earth, and pine resin before finishing long and salty—a briny echo steeped in
Elements of Islay Sherry Cask
Dark, smoky, and sinfully rich, this sherry-matured Islay blend doesn’t whisper—it broods. Elements of Islay Sherry Cask delivers waves of red fruit, tar, and saline smoke wrapped in incense and leathery spice. With echoes of Lapsang souchong and old cigar boxes, it’s intense without being aggressive, and balanced by a
Bearface Wilderness Series 03: Wild Air
This isn’t your standard Canadian whisky—it’s a wild creature born from Bearface’s boundary-pushing outdoor aging program. Wild Air harnesses nature’s influence in every drop, with aromas of maple-laced popcorn and incense, a palate full of pine resin, leather, grapefruit, and spiced vanilla, and a finish that’s creamy and softly smoked.
Ardbeg Smokiverse
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, Smokiverse blasts off with a high‑gravity mash that turns up creamy tropical fruit amid Ardbeg’s signature intense peat. Bottled at 48.3%, it’s both explosively smoky and surprisingly sweet—think smoked bubblegum, tropical esters, bonfire embers. Fiercely experimental yet unmistakably Ardbeg, it’s a thrilling
Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured
Lightly peated and fully aged exclusively in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts, this Isle of Harris expression marries delicate smoke with rich, dried-red-fruit sweetness. Versatile and sippable, it’s a solid gateway to peated sherry cask whisky, though its subtler profile might get overshadowed in cocktails. Distinct but refined.
Glen Moray Peated
If Bowmore 12 is your go-to smoky dram, Glen Moray Peated deserves a spot in your glass. Mellow smoke, orchard fruit, and a creamy malt backbone make this Speyside malt an approachable, budget-friendly bottle that punches above its weight—and plays well in cocktails too.
Bartenders Tell All: 10 Peated Scotches That Actually Live Up to their Hype
We asked 12 bartenders from across Canada to weigh in on the smoky whiskies they believe truly live up to the hype. While the range of answers spanned cult classics, hidden gems, and a few flex-worthy finds, certain names came up again and again—proving that sometimes the favourites are favourites
Santo Mezquila
Tequila or mezcal? With Santo Mezquila, you don’t have to choose. This bold blend brings together the clean, herbaceous character of blue Weber agave (the base for tequila) with the smoky, rustic soul of espadín (a classic mezcal agave). It’s the first of its kind—a true hybrid spirit that straddles
Komos Rosa
Komos Rosa Reposado is a wine-cask-aged tequila that brings elegance, florality, and silky texture to the glass. Think of it as the “rosé champagne of tequila”—polished, romantic, and effortlessly luxe.
Tres Agaves Blanco
Tres Agaves Blanco is a certified organic tequila that balances bright citrus, sweet agave, and creamy spice with a clean mineral finish. It’s fresh, it’s zesty, and it’s wildly drinkable.
Milagro Reposado
Milagro Reposado offers a layered mix of ripe red fruit, toasted caramel, and earthy minerality—with floral and herbal notes that keep things interesting. Think of it as the “caramelized fruit tart with a pinch of sea salt” of the tequila shelf—complex, elegant, and full of contrast.
Tromba Blanco
Tromba Blanco is a highland tequila made with 100% Blue Weber agave and bottled unaged to highlight purity and terroir. Think of it as the “farmers market fresh” pick of the tequila shelf—bright, vegetal, and full of agave character.
Casamigos Cristalino
Casamigos Cristalino is a charcoal-filtered reposado tequila that delivers the smoothness of aged agave with a crystal-clear twist. Think of it as the “white shirt and tailored jeans” of tequila—effortless, refined, and surprisingly versatile.
The Japanese Bitters
The Japanese Bitters is a premium bitters line handcrafted in Japan, blending traditional Japanese ingredients with modern mixology precision. These aren’t just flavor enhancers — they’re thoughtful, terroir-driven expressions designed to elevate cocktails with a distinctly Japanese identity. Each flavor adds depth and nuance to classic and contemporary drinks alike.
Choya 23°
Choya 23 is a Canadian market exclusive umeshu that stands out for its unusually high 23% ABV — a rarity in the category. Made with premium Nanko ume fruit and crafted for a richer, more concentrated flavor experience, this liqueur delivers deep plum notes, gentle woodiness, and a silky mouthfeel.
Shinobu Pure Malt
Shinobu Pure Malt is a Japanese malt whisky blend aged in ex-sherry and bourbon barrels, then finished in Mizunara oak. With notes of vanilla, coconut, spice, and grass, it’s a light-bodied, youthful whisky that balances freshness with a touch of Eastern wood influence.
Sorachi Hinoki Cask
Sorachi Hinoki Cask is a Japanese-made malt blend finished in Hinoki (Japanese cypress) casks, delivering a unique sensory experience that combines malt richness with temple wood, spice, and orchard fruit. A contemplative, wood-forward spirit with a dry, spicy edge.
Kujira 10 Year
Kujira 10 Year is a grain whisky made from 100% Indica rice and aged in Virgin American Oak casks, delivering a bold, umami-rich profile with layers of butterscotch, miso, and tropical spice. Unique and expressive, it’s a conversation-starter with a sweet-savory edge unlike anything else in Japanese whisky.
Okayama Single Malt Triple Cask
A delicate yet complex Japanese single malt aged in three types of oak—sherry, brandy, and mizunara—Okayama Triple Oak brings soft fruit, sandalwood spice, and gentle warmth. Elegant, floral, and slightly nutty, it’s a refined pour with a uniquely layered personality
Masahiro Kaijin
Masahiro Kaijin is a maritime-inspired Japanese whisky from Okinawa’s Masahiro Shuzo. “Kaijin” translates to “seaman,” and the whisky pays homage to those who face the vast ocean—Okinawa’s symbolic force. A blend of grain and aged malt whiskies, Kaijin is light-bodied but rich, with exotic tropical notes and a polished, elegant
Taste Profile Comparison: Nikka Malts
Japanese whisky lovers know that Nikka doesn’t just make whisky—they tell stories in glass. Within their core lineup, three distinct voices come through: the bold seafaring call of Yoichi, the gentle mountain whisper of Miyagikyo, and the balanced harmony of Taketsuru, their blended malt. On their own, each expression reflects
Hibiki Harmony
Hibiki Harmony is smooth, floral, and beautifully blended—a polished introduction to the elegance of Japanese whisky. It’s light enough for newcomers, layered enough for aficionados, and lives up to its name with effortless balance.
Suntory Toki
Suntory Toki is a light, bright Japanese whisky built for mixing but smooth enough to sip. With notes of green apple, honey, and white pepper, it’s a modern, versatile crowd-pleaser that shines in a highball.
Kirishima Melt Barley
For bourbon drinkers, rum lovers, or shochu fans, Kirishima Melt Barley is a gateway sipper with a twist. Bourbon drinkers will appreciate the caramel, vanilla, and oak warmth; rum fans will vibe with its soft sweetness and round texture; and shochu drinkers will recognize the gentle fermentation notes and koji
Nikka from the Barrel
Nikka From the Barrel is a bold, blended Japanese whisky that’s earned cult status among enthusiasts for good reason. First released in 1985, it was crafted to capture the full flavor and complexity typically reserved for blenders—offering a rare glimpse “from the barrel” straight to your glass. With a higher-than-usual
Taste Profile Comparison: Redbreast 12, 18 and PX Cask
In this edition, we’re diving deep into the sherried, spice-laced world of Redbreast. Known for setting the benchmark in single pot still Irish whiskey, Redbreast has long been celebrated for its silky texture, rich dried fruit notes, and balanced oak influence.
We’ll compare the classic 12 Year, a gold-standard for
Tullamore D.E.W.
An OG Irish whiskey, Tullamore D.E.W. blend will have you wanting a triple—triple-distilled, three styles of whiskey, and triple-cask aged creates an effortlessly drinkable dram.
Glendalough Double Barrel
Single Grain whiskey doesn’t get enough love—Glendalough Double Barrel changes that with a smooth, easy-drinking profile and the added depth of bourbon and sherry cask maturation.
Green Spot Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey
Greenspot is a piece of Irish whiskey history—crafted at Midleton, rooted in Dublin’s past, and beloved by those who appreciate a tropical fruit-forward pot still whiskey…
Busker Irish Single Malt Whiskey
If you’re looking to get into single malts, this is your gateway whiskey. Triple distilled and matured in bourbon and sherry casks, Busker Irish Single Malt is smooth, approachable, and packed with character…
Ceders Alternative Gins
Ceder’s offers a refined alternative for gin lovers who want all the flavor without the buzz. Crafted using classic gin botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus, Ceder’s delivers a beautifully balanced, alcohol-free experience.
Isle of Harris Gin
Isle of Harris Gin is a spirit deeply rooted in the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Distilled in the heart of Harris, this gin is defined by its key botanical—locally foraged sugar kelp—which imparts a gentle maritime salinity, setting it apart from traditional dry gins.
Copperpenny Gin 006
Copperpenny Distilling Co.’s Gin No. 006 Oyster Shell Gin is a pioneering spirit that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Crafted in collaboration with the renowned Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market, this gin incorporates oyster shells harvested from Vancouver Island’s pristine shores.
Lind & Lime Gin
Lind & Lime Gin is a masterclass in balance, bringing together zesty lime, bold juniper, and a touch of pink peppercorn for a refreshingly crisp and subtly spiced profile.
Arbutus Distillery Forest Dweller Gin
Arbutus Distillery’s Forest Dwellers Gin is a tribute to the untamed landscapes of Vancouver Island. Crafted with hand-foraged botanicals from the surrounding forests, this gin captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest with deep, resinous pine notes, fresh greenery, and a hint of coastal salinity.
Brockmans Intensely Smooth Gin
Brockmans Intensely Smooth Gin redefines the classic gin profile with a rich infusion of dark berries and citrus, creating a spirit that’s as bold as it is smooth. Distilled with traditional botanicals like juniper, coriander, and angelica, it stands apart with the deep, fruity flavors of blueberries and blackberries, layered
Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s Gin isn’t your average gin—it’s a whimsical blend of tradition and eccentricity. Distilled in small batches in Scotland, this beloved spirit is infused with the curious combination of rose and cucumber, adding a refreshing, floral elegance to its classic juniper-forward base.
Empress Oaken Gin
Empress Oaken Gin takes the vibrant spirit of Empress 1908 and gives it a luxurious, time-honored twist. Rested in oak barrels, this gin develops deep layers of caramelized citrus, warm baking spices, and a silky vanilla finish, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or elevating classic cocktails.
Glendalough Wild Rose Gin
Glendalough Wild Rose Gin is a love letter to Ireland’s untamed beauty, distilled with wild roses carefully foraged from the Wicklow Mountains.
Two Brewers Release 44
Nestled in the rugged beauty of Whitehorse, Yukon, Two Brewers Distillery is carving out a unique place in the Canadian whisky landscape. Born from the creativity and expertise of Yukon Brewing, Two Brewers crafts small-batch single malt whiskies that reflect the untamed spirit of the North.
Sanctuary Whisky [2024 Release]
On Vancouver Island, where craft beer runs deep, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. pays homage to its roots with Sanctuary Whisky. Aged in barrels that once cradled bourbon, beer, and wine, this distinctive single malt captures the island’s spirit—bold, innovative, and undeniably unique.
Signal Hill Founder’s Select OP
Signal Hill Founder’s Select Overproof is rich and candied blended Canadian whisky, crafted from a distinctive blend of corn and malted barley. Bottled at 59.4% ABV, this overproof whisky highlights the natural sweetness of its grains, delivering a robust yet balanced profile. The corn lends a smooth, creamy sweetness, while
Sons of Vancouver Realms of Rye Release #1
Sons of Vancouver Distillery is redefining Canadian rye whisky with their Realms of Rye Edition 1, the first in a series of limited-release 100% rye whiskies. Designed to explore the vast flavour spectrum rye grain can offer, this collection showcases the artistry of fermentation, maturation, and blending—absent of added flavourings,
Shelter Point Blacktail Rye
Shelter Point Distillery, renowned for its exceptional single malts, steps into new territory with Blacktail Rye—a masterful blend of rye and malted barley grains. This unique combination brings together the spicy, robust character of rye with the smooth, biscuity sweetness of malted barley, creating a whisky that’s complex yet approachable.
Stillhead Bartender’s Rye
Stillhead Distillery’s Bartender’s Rye is a true celebration that is grain-forward letting bold, spicy, herbaceous character take centre stage. Designed with mixologists in mind, Bartender’s Rye is a versatile performer that shines in both classic and creative cocktails. But here’s the catch—you won’t find it on store shelves. This exclusive
Macaloney An Aba
Macaloney Island Distillery’s An Aba is a testament to the craft and creativity of Canadian whisky-making, rooted in the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island. This unique single malt takes its name from the Scots Gaelic term for “The Abbey,” paying homage to the distillery’s Scottish heritage while embracing its Pacific
Forty Creek Foxheart
Forty Creek Foxheart cleverly showcases the creativity allowed under the Canadian whisky 9.09% rule, which permits up to 9.09% of the blend to include non-whisky ingredients. Taking full advantage of this flexibility, Foxheart incorporates 12-year-old Caribbean rum, adding a luscious tropical dimension to its flavour profile.
Torres 10 Imperial Reserva
Torres 10 Imperial Reserva is a flagship Spanish brandy crafted by Miguel Torres, an iconic family producer in the Penedès region. Made from carefully selected local grapes like Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, this Gran Reserva has earned its reputation for its rich complexity and smooth texture. Aged in American oak
Paul John XO India Brandy
Paul John XO Brandy is a luxurious spirit from India, reflecting the brand’s expertise in crafting fine beverages. Distilled from the famed Ugni Blanc and matured in select French oak casks for a minimum of 10 years, this XO showcases depth and complexity. Its velvety profile, enhanced by tropical fruit
Meukow VSOP
Meukow VSOP is a standout Cognac, celebrated for its smoothness and complexity. Featuring the iconic panther motif, it represents both power and elegance. Carefully crafted from select eaux-de-vie and aged in French oak casks, it’s floral-forward with fruit and wood undertones.
Laird’s Straight Applejack
Laird’s Straight Applejack is a uniquely American spirit with deep historical roots, often referred to as “America’s Apple Brandy.” Made from apples grown in the US, this straight Applejack is aged for at least 4 years in charred oak barrels. The result is a robust, full-bodied spirit with rich apple
Hennessy VS
Hennessy VS (Very Special) is a quintessential expression of the world’s most popular cognac brand, celebrated for its bold character and smooth versatility. Crafted in Cognac, France, it blends eaux de vie aged a minimum of two years, offering toasty, fruity aromas and a rich palate of vanilla and dried
Grand Marnier
With its velvety texture and bold citrus notes, Grand Marnier elevates cocktails, desserts, and sipping moments alike.
Highland Park Magnus
Highland Park Magnus is an entry-level Scotch designed to offer a smooth, lightly smoky, and approachable introduction to peated whisky, appealing to both new drinkers and fans of the distillery’s Orkney style.
Jura 12 Year
Jura 12-Year-Old is a well-rounded single malt Scotch aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. It’s known for striking a balance between sweetness, gentle smoke, and subtle complexity. This whisky showcases the distillery’s signature smooth, approachable style—perfect for both seasoned fans and those just dipping their toes
Elements of Islay Cask Edit
With a moderate 46% ABV, Cask Edit embodies the essence of Islay in a way that’s versatile and easy to enjoy for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Torabhaig Allt Gleann
Torabhaig Allt Gleann stands out among peated whiskies by delivering a nuanced smoke that balances intensity with elegance. Sourced from grain peated to 75 ppm, it achieves a unique character after maturation, mellowing to a maritime, earthy profile with phenol levels settling at 17 ppm. Unlike Islay’s typically medicinal peat,
The Deacon
The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky is a cocktail-forward blend that embraces a bold, funky character, making it ideal for both sipping and mixing. This whisky is crafted to highlight the duality of smoky Islay peat and the gentle, bonfire-like smoke of Speyside. Its nose offers notes of burnt orange and
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane is a bold and innovative expression that combines peated and unpeated single malts, finished in rum casks. This unique fusion offers an intriguing balance of campfire smoke and toffee sweetness. Fire & Cane challenges expectations with its smooth yet smoky profile, perfect for adventurous whisky enthusiasts.
John Barr
John Barr Blended Scotch is a smooth, no-nonsense whisky that’s perfect for mixing. Crafted from a blend of malt and grain whiskies, it’s got just the right balance of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of soft smoke. Whether you’re shaking up an Old Fashioned, stirring a Rob Roy, or just
The Hearach Single Malt [Rel 1 HE 00003 23]
Hearach Single Malt (pronounced hare-OCK) offers a compelling glimpse into the distinctive character of the Isle of Harris. This whisky is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, presenting a complex flavor profile that marries maritime influence with rich, peaty notes.
Glenglassaugh 12 Year
Carefully crafted and cask-perfected at The GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside, Meikle Toir – The Chinquapin One is named after the unique species of virgin oak used for maturation. While only 5 years old, it’s bursting with notes of vanilla, burnt toffee, nuttiness, florals and sweet smoke.
Glenfarclas 17 Year
Glenfarclas 17 Year is a classic, richly sherried Scotch that has earned its place among tried-and-true single malts. Known for its full-bodied, caramel-forward profile, it offers layers of toffee, dried fruit, and a subtle smokiness that whisky lovers savour. Aged in sherry casks, this whisky stands out for its traditional
Glenfiddich 14 Year
Glenfiddich 14 is a smooth, easy-drinking whisky with a nice mix of vanilla sweetness and a touch of spice that’s perfect for Scotch newbies.
The Balvenie 12 Year
The Balvenie 12 Year Old is a quintessential Speyside single malt, known for its rich, honeyed character and artisanal craftsmanship. Aged in a combination of traditional oak and ex-bourbon casks, this whisky is renowned for its smooth, well-rounded profile, with notes of vanilla, honey, and a subtle hint of spice.
Diplomatico Reserva
An older bottling from Diplomatico, a somewhat similar expression would be the Mantuano. Faint on the nose, where this rum shines is on the palate.
Drunken Hive Rum
This “rum” is actually made on Vancouver Island completely from honey! Needless to say, there’s an abundance of nectarous honeyed notes as well as overripe tropical fruits, crème brûlée, marzipan, nutmeg, and ginger notes.
Flor de Caña 4 Year Extra Seco
If you like mojitos, daiquiris, or are a vodka drinker looking to transition to rum, this is the rum for you.
Appleton 8 Year Reserve
From ‘cane to cocktail’ Appleton Estates has an innate ability to control their production processes from beginning to end which is perhaps why the brand has carved out a distinctive house style that has withstood the test of time. Appleton 8 Year Reserve, one of their flagship expressions offers excellent
Meikle Tòir – The Chinquapin One
Carefully crafted and cask-perfected at The GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside, Meikle Toir – The Chinquapin One is named after the unique species of virgin oak used for maturation. While only 5 years old, it’s bursting with notes of vanilla, burnt toffee, nuttiness, florals and sweet smoke.
Benromach Contrasts: Double Matured [Chateau Cissac Bordeaux Wood Finish]
TL;DR: If you like a contrast of red fruits and moderate smokiness, Benromach Contrasts: Double Matured is for you. Benromach Contrasts: Double Matured expression, is aged first in ex-bourbon followed by 5+ years in premium Bordeaux casks for a total of 12 years of maturation, capturing the influence of premium
Ardbeg Spectacular
TL;DR: This expression has a combination of mint chocolate, salted caramel, and a tarry leather notes unlike other Ardbeg – it’s a circus in your mouth. Ardbeg’s Fèis Ìle 2024 release, Ardbeg Spectacular, is the first time in the distillery’s history that their heavily peated whisky has been matured in
Traveller Whiskey
TL;DR: We would happily drink this if it was served to us, but it doesn’t compare to sister brand Buffalo Trace in terms of value for price point. That being said, if you’re a Jack Daniel’s fan, this might be something for you; it may not be as ‘smooth as
Angel’s Envy Rye
TL;DR: This falls in the ‘breakfast whisky’ category; think of it as the liquid version of Aunt Jemima slathered French Toast. A rye like no other. If you’re not typically a fan of rye whisky this may just convert your views. However, beware, if you’re a fan of high-rye whiskies
Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye
TL;DR: Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye is a must-have on your back bar or home bar. For those who don’t like rye, this might just convert you. Quality over everything. Michter’s Distillery is focused on creating the best quality spirits, cost be damned which could precisely be why the Michter’s US*1
Reifel Rye
TL;DR This spicy, fruit-forward rye is great value for price point. Reifel Rye honours George H. Reifel, the legendary master distiller who was instrumental in establishing Alberta Distillers’ house style more than 75 years ago. Review: Flavor Camp TeamPhoto: Andy Chan | @andychanmedia Flavor Camp Taste Profile Overall Rating Total Score:
Lot No. 40 Dark Oak
TL;DR If you’re a fan of black coffee or dark chocolate, this is the whisky you need to try. Lot 40 Dark Oak is a premium Canadian whisky known for its robust and complex flavour profile. Aged in new oak barrels, it boasts rich notes of smoky oak, spices, and a
Bearface Wilderness Series 02: Mitlenatch Island Release
Venturing deep into the Canadian Pacific Northwest wilderness, this whisky explores Mitlenatch Island…