Sipping With Smoth: Conversations Over Comped Cognac
Years ago, when I was merely an untutored student in the subtleties of drinking, I went to pick up my buddy from work at a local restaurant in my hometown. Despite being only a dishwasher, my friend always raved about the food, the management and the owner…
When to Water Your Whisky: Lagavulin 16 Scotch
I am a simple man when it comes to my beverages. I take my coffee black, my cocktails cold and, above all, my spirits neat. I was taught from a young age by my Scotch-sipping mother that this fluid was to be enjoyed straight up,…
Gift Cab Sauvs. to Impress In Any Price Range
It’s a tradition spanning decades, the gesture created to leave a good impression, a token of appreciation for hosting a gathering, an act of camaraderie, respect even reverence; it’s the ‘gift wine.’ Of all the frequently asked questions I receive, the most recurring is, “I’m finally meeting…
The Crafty Quebecois: My Favourite Quebec Craft Beer
This country is a fantastic place to live if you’re passionate about craft beer. All across the nation, breweries are springing up catering to those who are sick of cookie cutter macro-domestic lagers. Of all the provinces putting out some damn fine brews, Quebec has…
Sipping With Smoth: ‘Smith Haut Lafitte’ With Papa Smith
My family visited Paris in May 2009. Undoubtedly we were the quintessential tourists, visiting every church, monument and gallery we reasonably could in a week. For our last evening in France, we decided to take advantage of our setting and sample some snazzy French cuisine. Sitting atop…
Muga Reserva Rioja or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love a Spanish Wine
I have never been fond of Spanish wines. Frankly, to me, your average middling Spaniard tastes like someone added a quarter cup of pine resin to a liberally sweetened glass of Concord grape juice. But, like anything, there are notable exceptions to this rule, and…
St. Paddy’s Day: Irish Session Beers
What is evoked when you think of Irish beer? Why, Guinness stout of course! The world’s most popular stout, Guinness is an Irish institution. I personally adore it. However, while this mythological beverage may have the most notoriety, it is far from the only Irish…
Sipping With Smoth: Sauced Sunday and a Stolen Bike
In the vein of my article ‘The Champagne of Champagnes’ I’ve decided to start a series called Sipping With Smoth, based on the best drinking experiences I’ve ever had. Sometimes a perfect amalgamation of setting and sipping can truly lead to an experience worth celebrating. One such…
Bad Wines: The Cacophonous Imbalance of Yellow Tail Shiraz
I like bad action movies. Cliched dialogue, gratuitous violence, and less than moving acting all define one of my favourite genres. However, never would I try to claim these movies have cinematic merit. Subjectively, I enjoy them immensely. But on an objective level, I know they…
Scotch Tasting in Chicago: The Kilt Warmer
Chicago turned out to be a damn good place to get a drink. Bars abound, and the price of alcohol there makes a Canadian want to weep walking into an LCBO. Needless to say, I indulged readily and frequently. Near the hotel I stayed at,…