De Montal is a superior producer of authentic French Armagnac from the Bas region. This vintage-dated spirit is a rarity and only made in exceptional vintages. The nose shows dried fruits, toffee, caramel and subtle violets. It is like velvet on the palate with extraordinary depth and persistence with a range of dried apricot, marmalade and stone fruits followed by earthy spice notes, toffee, caramel and creamy vanilla.
Though labeled as a “vodka” and bottled at 40% ABV, this pale amber spirit comes off more as a traditional herbal/fruit liqueur. The vodka base is infused with herbs, spices and dried fruits and barrel-matured. The result hints at cardamom, ginger, white pepper, plum, vanilla and caramel. Viscous and fairly sweet, yet packing enough heat so as not to come off as cloying, it’s spicy and warm on the palate with just a hint of wild herbs and honey. Try chilled neat, or mix with an equal part of apple juice in a Champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a cinnamon stick for an apple mimosa (created by Toronto-based mixologist Ger Cullen).
This ultra-clean premium vodka recently walked away as the winner of the 2015 Global Vodka Masters Competition in London, England. Made with water exclusively sourced from an esker, a subterranean water reserve formed by the receding of an 8,000-year-old glacier in northern Quebec, it’s distilled 5 times and freeze-filtered. The result is a vodka that’s almost ethereal. Delicate and very subtle on the nose with a hint of grain, it boasts a silky texture and just a bare trace of mineral and vanilla. Very pure stuff for the vodka purist.
Hine (IMHO) is one of the best of the “big” Cognac producers, and this Rare VSOP epitomizes the house style: elegant and classy. Dried apricot, vanilla, baking spice and aged oak on the nose. A very refined palate; mid-weight with spicy/floral nuances, it deftly balances a fruity top note with a peppery/spicy edge.
Recently rated the 2016 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray in his annual Whisky Bible. This will no doubt stir the hornet’s nest a bit. I mean, a $30 Canadian number concocted by a commercial distillery? Best in the world? But holy crap, will this put Canada back on the distilling map! There was basically just blood on the shelves when I went to buy my (couple) bottles. It comes in the same dorky bottle that we as kids used to pinch from our parent’s liquor cabs (no purple bag though, rats!). The nose is distinctly fruity, with hints of candy apple, fruitcake, baking spice (cinnamon, to be exact), vanilla, tangerine and fennel. Crisp, spicy, snappy and pure. A really nice dram. And, at the price, it’s a knockout. World’s best? Well, you decide!
Sadly, Lowland malts are becoming a somewhat scarce commodity. A real shame, since distilleries like Rosebank and Littlemill really offered a distinctly different single malt experience. At least we still have Auchentoshan (which seems to be playing down the Lowland heritage. C’mon, guys, carry the torch!). Lowland malts differentiate themselves with a triple distillation, similar to Irish drams. This number is aged in American first-fill bourbon casks. The nose features lemon wood polish, cut grass, vanilla and mild nutmeg. Slightly viscous, with a crisp, herbal/honey edge that finishes clean and slightly lemony. A nice break for those who are peat-absorbed. It offers a great intro to single malts for the newbie.
Established in 1779, Bowmore was, and is, the first distillery on the Islay. Its expressions are always anchored on balance. Rather than just a block of smoking peat up the nose, this number comes up as fruitier, with candied lemon and a trace of clover honey enveloping the more traditional brine, iodine and sea-wash notes that distinguish Islay malts. A distinct sweetness, with honey, heather and a subtle lash of salt water. Currently enjoying with a slightly peaty pipe tobacco. Great match.