Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve: A Rye That Deserves Gold
I was first introduced to Forty Creek when I was at the liquor store looking for a half decent rye and was short on cash. I absolutely refused to buy Canadian Club, so that didn’t leave too much else in my price range:…
Domaine des Malandes Chablis: A Crisp, Wonderful White
Wine from the northernmost region of Burgandy, called Chablis, has effectively altered my opinion of Chardonnays forever, and Domaine des Malandes is leading the charge. What comes to mind when you picture your standard California Chard? If I was to attribute human characteristics to it, I’d probably…
A Legitimate Lager: Creemore Springs
Let’s be frank: lagers have a terrible reputation. Brewery giants like Budweiser, Heineken, and MolsonCoors have driven the name of the worlds best selling type of beer into the dirt. Lagers are most often considered little more than classless session beers, meant to be purchased…
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…