Crisp Summer Cocktails
The sun has finally reared its effulgent head, and with it comes the long awaited warmth. It’s finally time to soak in some rays and enjoy the naturally slower pace the summer brings. And what better accompanies a good tan and lounging in a lawn…
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…