Hard to Pronounce, Easy to Enjoy: Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 Single Malt Scotch
I never in my life thought I’d be describing a whisky with 57.2% alcohol as “easy drinking.” But if ever a scotch deserved to be associated with this cliched phrase, its Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 Single Malt Scotch. I had the pleasure of trying this whisky…
What’s a ‘Wine’? Part II: The ABCs of Wine Terms
One of the most daunting aspects of pursuing wine is the dense and often confusing terminology. What is a “bouquet?” Why do I care about “terroir?” And what the hell does a Sommelier do? In the spirit of my first What’s a Wine, here is…
A Crafty Detour From Familiar India Pale Ales: Muskoka’s Detour IPA
I’ll begin this post by noting it’s my third different Muskoka Brewery review (check out Twice as Mad Tom and Winter Beard ). Apparently there’s something about Muskoka that just yearns to be discussed, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a look at…
A Light, Easy-Drinking Lager: Pistonhead Kustom Lager
I should preface this review by noting I had the good fortune of being mailed coupons for 12 free Brutal Brewing’s Pistonhead Kustom Lagers from their PR team for reviewing purposes. It has just recently hit The Beer Store in Ontario, and they’re trying to…
Woodford Reserve is a Big, Beautiful Bourbon
If you could somehow transport yourself into a Faulkner novel, walk to the nearest liquor store and buy a bottle of bourbon, it would likely taste just like Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Bourbon. It’s the quintessential bourbon: Potent (at 45.2% alcohol), rich (it’s got…
Better Your Beer: 6 Brews to Upgrade Your Style
Some people get stuck in a beer rut: They find a brand that makes an inoffensive style of beer, and they stick to it no matter what. Frankly, it can be a bit daunting to look at a large beer menu, or browse through cases…
Crafting a New Beer Market in Southeast Asia
Consider this post a call to action. Are there brewers out there who don’t mind an adventure, a challenging new market, and endless opportunities? Then stay tuned. There were many beautiful things with which to indulge in Asia: the scenic beauty, the wonderful people, the…
Sipping It Slow and Keeping it Consensual
Alcohol can be a wonderful indulgence. Yet, like any intoxicant, there can be a darker side to imbibing. We all know that overconsumption can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness and other negative physical reactions, but perhaps the even more sinister side of alcohol lies with…
Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc: A World Class White
The snow drifts and ice patches hardly conjure the desire for a crisp glass of white wine, but for those who just can’t wait for summer, the Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is one hell of a bottle. It’s hard to believe it comes from…
Sipping With Smoth: Veuve Clicquot and the Perfect Risotto
The new year has long been an excuse for me to spend too much money on a bottle of champagne, and this year was no exception. The only difference was, I intended to share it with my girlfriend Christine, who had the terrible misfortune of…