Aberlour A’Bunadh is a Superb, Strong Scotch
I’ve got a new gimmick — collecting cask-strength (barrel proof, if you will) whiskies from around the world. I want to keep at least an outstanding Rye, Bourbon, Scotch and Japanese (which I tapped Nikka Whisky from the Barrel for) on hands at all times…
Taittinger is a Tasty, Entry-Level Champagne
When I picked Taittinger (pronounced “Tay-ton-zshay”) to be my New Year’s Eve champagne, it was for simple reasons — it cost under $70, was on sale, and wasn’t Veuve Clicquot, a bubbly I have mixed feelings about. While a non-vintage champagne (not a bad thing…
Stellar Void Stout: A Great Way to Say Hello to Halo Brewery
I just moved to a new neighbourhood in the Junction Triangle area of Toronto. There’s lots of perks — more room in the house, great view of a highly aesthetic water tower, and one of my favourite breweries in the city (Halo) is two minutes…
Hibiki Harmony and a Story of Heroic Hospitality
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — the best part of writing about alcohol is how eager people seem to be to share it with you. This is especially true when they’re sharing a whisky as good as Suntory’s Hibiki Harmony. This summer (after months…
Head to Head: Great Lakes Brewery Pumpkin Ale vs. St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale
Writing about pumpkin ale is always a little intimidating. They’re not held in high esteem by the snobbish, and often considered a seasonal gimmick, with little actual merit. But I’ve gone out on a limb before and I’m going to do so again — I like…
Erath Pinot Noir is a Perfect, Light, Fall Red Wine
The cold weather cometh — and while that can be a bit of a rocky transition for everyone, I don’t think anyone is hit harder than white wine drinkers. Ok that might be an exaggeration, but seriously one day you’re reaching for that bracingly cold…
Bearface Is a Weird and Welcome Canadian Whisky
Think of a Canadian whisky. I wouldn’t be surprised if Canadian Club, or Crown Royal popped into your head. The taste of those whiskies — or rather the lack thereof — is the hallmark of a dram from the true-north-strong-and-free. That is to say, boring…
Blood Brothers, Beer Delivery and A Beautiful ‘Pilsner’: Trans Human State
The point of this post isn’t just to review the lovely Trans Human State Pilsner(ish) from Blood Brothers — it’s a nod to them and all local breweries for stepping up quickly and efficiently to continue providing access to their myriad ambrosias during this global…
13th Street Premier Cuvée Is a Brilliant Vintage Bubbly
Alright, so, I realize that reviewing a sparkling wine during the apex of pandemic pandemonium might be on the odd side of decisions to make, but having recently tried the phenomenally good 13th Street Premier Cuvée, (2013), I simply had to share. And since we can’t…
Wellington Brewery’s Imperial Russian Stout is a Superb Winter Sipper
I’ve been drinking Wellington beers since almost the very first weekend I cared about craft beer. I remember my newfound love of hops lead me to their classic Special Pale Ale (SPA) that became a staple pint for me whenever I visited Guelph, where Wellington…