A Drink For Dad

By / Food / June 14th, 2013 / 2

This coming Sunday will be Father’s Day. Do you have your gift purchased and your special meal planned? Or is your special guy in the mood for a bit of a change?

My guy loves to try new drinks so I’m going to set up a little tasting session. I just received 3 bottles: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Canadian Club Small Batch 12 Year Old Canadian Whisky and Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. He’s always excited when I bring a new drink into the house. It doesn’t matter what it is, he loves exploring tastes. Even if he’s tried lots of Cab sauvs before, each one brings with it a chance to discover a new favourite producer.
So, the first thing to do is to try them before I give them to him. I’d hate to give him something that I didn’t think he’d like. Lest you think I’m going to give him opened and poured bottles, I’m not. They’ve been tasted, notes made and fresh bottles purchased, along with a dinner of grilled carne asada, green salad from our garden and red velvet cupcakes for dessert.

I’ve included the price for each of these products, but be aware that it varies depending on the province in which you live.

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, California ($18.95)

Louis M. Martini, St Helena,CA 2010 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauv 750ml

The first thing you need to know about this wine is to make sure you leave it for a good half hour to open up before drinking it. Pour it into a canteen and leave it alone. Yes, it requires a little planning, but you’ll be so glad you did.

Colour – deep reddish-purple
Bouquet – rich blackberry, cocoa, slight mint and anise
Flavour – dark cherry, cranberry with undertones of oak.

Highland Park_12Highland Park 12 year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($68.10)

Highland Park was established in 1798 on the Orkney Islands in Scotland (of course), and remains the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in the world. At 43% alcohol, this scotch will help clear those sinuses. It certainly did for me.

Colour – rich golden amber
Bouquet – rich peat and caramel with noticeable smoke
Flavour – starts off with smooth crème caramel and then some earthy peat with an essence of heather on the finish.

CC ClassicCanadian Club Small Batch 12 Year Old Canadian Whisky ($24 to $29)

Just slightly less alcohol than the Highland above, it clocks in at 40%. This 12 year old is made from a secret combination of corn, rye, rye malt and barley malt distillates. It’s aged in used American oak bourbon barrels that lend it a lovely mellow flavour. It’s smooth, slightly spicy and complemented by a touch of vanilla. Canadian Club has become popular as a cocktail mixer, too.

Colour – deep golden brown
Bouquet – rich buttery brown sugar with a hint of citrus zest and a pleasant whiff of earthy sage.
Flavour – toasty sweetness with crème brulée with a slight bitternes on the finish that nicely cleans the palate preparing it for the next sip.

I’m quite pleased with these choices. I know hubby will love the Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with the grilled dinner I’ll be making. Scotch and whisky really aren’t drinks either of us indulge in too often. So, I know he’ll really like that little extra.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

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