September Spirits

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

Hold on tight to those last nice days of summer! September is always a favourite month of ours, it’s harvest time, but also the days tend to be nice and warm, with evenings starting to get chilly as the days continue to get shorter and shorter. This month, we wanted to cover our bases with mostly international spirits primarily focused on whiskies. But not to worry, there is a local rye in the mix, along with a pair of excellent white spirits if you are inclined to martinis or the last (few) G&Ts outside.

Shinobu Bourbon-Based Blended Whisky, Japan

A highly unusual offering in that Shinobu is a blending of American bourbon and Japanese whisky, aged in Mizunara oak, and made in small batches – naturally. Plenty of those higher-toned alcohol notes, and exceptionally clean with toffee, honey, and cereal aromas, but in the mouth, hints of sweetness and subtle oak balance a fair bit of heat, and lengthy, graceful finish. At 40 percent ABV, it’s highly enjoyable neat, or over rocks – a julep or boulevardier (hint hint) with this would be pretty

CSPC 117582 $65-70

Belvedere Organic Vodka, Poland

Belvedere has always been proudly Polish in origin, and let’s be honest, it’s got a kick-ass label of the Belweder Palace flanked by bare trees. It’s a new label too, drawing attention to the use of organic, Polishgrown rye. Clean, and mildly spicy on the nose, in the mouth, it’s finely crafted vodka, with excellent mouthfeel and a lengthy, peppery/spicy finish with a bare hint of almonds. Easy to enjoy chilled (but not cold), or in any number of cocktails where smoothness would be paramount. CSPC 437772 $50-60

Black Tot Historic Solera Caribbean Rum

Black Tot has been bringing consistent hits for rum enthusiasts, and the newest release, the Historic Solera is a treat. Made from sourced rums hailing from Guyana, Barbados, and Jamaica, and – very cool –aged in a Solera (a fractional blending system mixing older and newer spirits) of Spanish sherry casks. The result? An earthy rum bringing dried fruits, coffee and cocoa, and a deep, figgy character ending on complex spice. Bottled at cask strength, it’s a fine sipper, best enjoyed as such, though in a well-made cocktail – I wouldn’t blame you.

CSPC 124788 $115-120

Whisky Gap 1924 Revolution Rye, Lethbridge

Something new for Alberta whisky enthusiasts! Five generations after Prohibition ended (in 1924), the Vandervalk family’s hard work cultivating the land near Fort Macleod has resulted in a new distillery – Whisky Gap! And here’s their 1924 Revolution Rye. Local grains, local mountain water, and a pinch of Prairie-settler’s determination, have resulted in a lip-smacking rye with a mild spice from the grains, a little butterscotch, macadamia nut, tree fruit… It’s delicious, and watch for their 20-Year-Old whisky in one-two years, and a 30-year in two years!

Around $40

The Gardener Gin, France

A celebrity gin with credibility! They don’t always go hand in hand, but this is Brad Pitt’s gin (in homage to his beloved French Riviera where the grapefruit, and sweet and bitter oranges grow) in collaboration with Tom Nichol (retired Master Distiller for Tanqueray) and the Rhône Valley Perrin Family. We’re fans; there’s a herbal, citrus, and juniper nose with delicate minty and licorice notes too, and it’s the beautiful, creamy mouthfeel that begs you to enjoy it as a simple martini – and a dirty one if you like! CSPC 105357 $48-55

Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream Scotland

Ha! My goodness, Glenmorangie have really hit it on the head with the fifth release in their ‘Tale Of…’ series: (very) serious yet playful, limited edition single malt whiskies showcasing Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden’s, whimsical imagination. A Tale of Ice Cream is everything you hoped it would be with a name like this. Finished in high-vanillin casks, it has a really full and creamy mouthfeel with layers of flavour: sponge toffee, peach crumble, macarons, and popcorn at the end. Just add four drops of water and taste what happens… CSPC 112343 $110–$115