This is a triple barrel-aged rum that’s finished in white oak barrels. It is a super-premium rum, amber in colour, that deserves to be enjoyed simply on its own in a snifter. Such a robust and spicy nose of caramel, toffee, wet tobacco, vanilla, cloves and citrus peel. It is remarkably smooth on the palate with a rich profile of spiced caramel/toffee, dried fruits, marmalade and perfect balance through the long and complex finish.
The Maverick Distillery in Oakville flavours this gluten-free, non-GMO corn-based “all-natural” vodka with espresso for a smooth and luxurious spirit enjoyed on its own or as an add-on for hot coffee drinks. It has a smoky, rich nose of roasted coffee beans, vanilla and spice. There is ample sweetness on the palate to balance out the heat (35% abv) and add lift to the espresso flavours.
From the Maverick Distillery in Oakville, Ont., comes this absolutely delicious liqueur made from fresh dairy cream and all natural flavours. Serve over ice and look for a nose of malted dairy cream, smoky maple and roasted nuts. It’s rich and velvety with flavours of rich cream, cocoa, vanilla, maple and toasted almonds.
Infused with flavours of the increasingly fashionable Haskap berry, this original spirit reveals scents of juniper and red berry fruit with flavour more reminiscent of blackcurrant in the mouth. There is a touch of berry sweetness and texture akin to gritty pomace, with warming, agreeably fiery spirit on the finish.
The name makes it sound like an amateur product on training wheels. Fortunately, it is way better than that, beginning with delicately perfumed juniper, floral and subtle background botanicals. Equally lively on the palate, showing juniper in the foreground in a smooth, slightly viscous texture and a soft touch of spirit on the finish. This is a skilfully made refined spirit.
Gone is the cloying sweetness of Canadian whiskies in the past. This is another outstanding Canadian rye whisky showing deep burnt amber colour with aromatic fruity and spicy richness and lightly sweet fruitcake spiciness against a smooth, almost creamy texture. It finishes with fine dry oak and smooth warming spirit.
If $100 is too rich for your blood, the VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) is a nice alternative. It has an intense nose of vanilla, apricot, orange rind, toffee and tobacco with a smooth delivery on the palate that has no burning going down the hatch.