This lavish, brooding whisky is the outcome of recently retired Master Distiller Jim McEwan’s playful experiments with wine-barrel aging. A rich and expressive nose of currants, dates and sultanas wrapped in vanilla and spice, like whisky-soaked Christmas cake. Tastes like total indulgence: wine and chocolate with a fruity core reminiscent of cognac and honeyed toast sprinkled with nuts. The finish is marathon-long. At 50% ABV, it’s a powerful dram best appreciated with a spot of water.
Yes, there is a story behind Chic Choc. And yes, it involves forbidden romance, heroic feats, fearsome beasts, rum and, well, spices. The Nordic spices that make their way into this Quebec distillate include peppery green alder, pine forest spikenard, whiterod berries, lovage root, sweet gale seeds and wild angelica (the latter of which i may have dated at some point, possibly in a dream). The upshot is a “serious” spiced run. Rather than being overly sweet and in-your-face, this number shows complexity and restraint. The spices are subtle and mingle nicely with the treacle and vanilla of the rum. In fact, on the nose, it comes off as a spicy rum rather than a spiced rum. In the mouth, there is definitely a sweet edge, but at 42.1% ABV, it’s not syrupy gloop. Nutmeg, clove, a hint of chili pepper, vanilla bean, tobacco leaf and a hard-to-define herbal note. Dare we call it “serious spice?”
This is made in the appassimento style with the grapes dried for 26 days and the wine aged in French oak for 24 months. It shows powerful, concentrated aromas of dark fruits, smoke, sweet tobacco, bramble and forest floor. It is big on the palate, at 15% alcohol, with smoky dark fruits, plums and spice in a persistent attack that shows length through the finish. This is just beginning to show its stuff, so cellar 10 to 15 years.
A fabulous wine with a nose of currants, black cherry, plums, leather, cinnamon and cigar leaf. It’s sleek and polished on the palate with lovely cassis, currants and plums, supple tannins and bright acidity. You can age this blend of Sangiovese, Cab Sauv and Merlot for a few years.
A flattering Icewine with a mouth-coating texture and flavours of bergamot jam, peach, honey, pineapple, sweet apple, spice and minerals. There is acidity, which frames everything nicely, and brilliant length. Who needs dessert with this beauty — just chill and serve!
Fragrant floral and grassy herbal scent with gooseberry and a whiff of asparagus lead the way for attractive green fruit, supported by lively acidity and mineral in the mouth. Offers easy charm and very good value.
Ruby with purplish rim. Typical Cabernet Franc nose of red berries, a vegetal edge plus a touch of violet. Compact and firm; dense fruity core and a very finely grained tannic backbone lead to a lifted, aromatic finish. Drink or hold 4 to 5 years.