Summer Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

With the hazy, not-so-lazy days of summer upon us, our evening downtime is sure to involve a few cocktails. Rich smoky spirits like rum and Islay Scotch for the cooler hours, and perhaps bright gins when the sun is still shining.

Ometeo Mexican Gin No. 1 Mexico

When you think of a white spirit from Jalisco, probably gin isn’t first to come to mind, but Ometeo might just broaden your horizons. Handmade, with 10 organic botanicals, it’s juniper and citrus forward from the Jalisco lime and Colima green lemons (picked early before they change to yellow) with coriander, mint, and lavender behind. It makes a beautiful martini with just a green olive, and equally good as a simple G&T!

CSPC 887498 $61-65

Bombay Citrus Pressé, England

Move over limoncello! This vibrant new release from Bombay Sapphire is a zesty (truly, with the juice too of hand-picked and hand-peeled lemons!) expression that’s going to brighten our summer and our cocktails. We love that there’s no added sugar, and how versatile it is for everything from a terrific adult lemonade, to pressé and tonic, to an elegant Tom Collins and more.

CSPC 884122 $34-40

Malfy Gin Rosa, Italy

A perfect-for-summer gin, we’re in Italy with Malfy’s Gin Rosa – top to bottom - water from Piedmont and pink grapefruits from Sicily! It’s fresh and citrusy with some rhubarb notes (and colour) and red licorice too. Honestly, I’d just top it with prosecco over ice (you could add equal parts sparkling water too if you like) and call it your favourite summer spritz!

CSPC 802167 $50-60

Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, Canada

Closer to home, Victoria Distillers (best known for their colour-changing Indigo Gin) have a new gin just for us and BC. The jewel-like, raspberry, garnet colour comes from rose petals and black carrot (!) which, when you add lavender, elderflower, cinnamon, and coriander, creates a floral and spicy spirit with a smooth and rounded, viscous mouthfeel –perfect for summer sipping and cocktails!

CSPC 884744 $53-57

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, Scotland

A limited-edition release for last month’s Ardbeg Day, Heavy Vapours is the result of their first ever experiment removing the purifier (the thingummyjig that removes the heavy peat compounds to balance peat and fruit) to result in an amazingly complex and flavourful whisky with aromas and flavours of smoky almonds and lime peel, coconut, cocao nibs, and mint – add more than a few drops of water to enjoy it fully, it’s cask strength!

CSPC 1204470 Around $175

Navy Island XO Reserve Rum Jamaica

Perhaps the best thing about this rum is that it’s brimming with authentic, tropical aromas, but still has all those rich, caramel, vanilla, and buttery characters we expect. Smoky, and a little chewy on the palate, with some heady molasses and crème brulée sweetness, yet some serious earthiness that will put the punch in those umbrella style cocktails.

CSPC 842799 $63-66

1731 Fine & Rare Single Origin

7-Year-Old Rum, Belize

For rum lovers, there is probably no better time to be in Alberta – if you love trying rums from the various islands and nations in the Caribbean and nearby. Hailing from the tiny nation of Belize, this bottling also bears a respectable age statement. The nose is quite spicy, and prominent butter… (sigh) rum (those lifesavers right?!) and leather, ginger spice, clove, and pineapple citrus tones, all come together so damn well.

CSPC 842858 $83-87