BEFORE & AFTER DINNER

LUSTAU SOLERA RISERVA AMONTILLADO LOS ARCOS DRY SHERRY, JEREZ, SPAIN ($16.95)

Deep amber in colour. Caramel and toasted nut nose. Medium body, dry, nutty, toasty, rich and full on the palate. Lingering with an orange peel note on the finish. (TA)

PRAIRIE ORGANIC VODKA, UNITED STATES ($45)

Distilled from USDA certified organic corn, this distilled-in-Minnesota vodka offers up just the barest hint of vanilla and cherry. Nicely rounded in the mouth, those subtle notes of cherry and vanilla recur, and there’s a fleeting trace of mocha on the tail end. Don’t get me wrong; it’s vodka not scotch…but it’s not entirely flavour-free. Which certainly isn’t a bad thing. (TS)

ALBERTA PREMIUM CASK STRENGTH LIMITED EDITION CANADIAN RYE WHISKY, CANADA ($55)

This powerful Canadian rye packs a wallop at 65.1 % ABV. A dash of water not only tempers the heat, but also allows the aromas to become a bit less “locked in.” Some red apple and kirsch-like nuances on the nose, with a dash of brown butter and butterscotch. Depending to what degree you decide to dilute it, you’ll get a whack of bold, cayenne spice, orange zest, red berries, and buttered nuts. The finish goes on…and on…. (TS)

OCEAN ORGANIC SUGAR CANE SPIRIT, HAWAII, UNITED STATES ($50)

The company’s website calls Ocean “organic vodka.” The fact that it’s distilled from sugar cane juice probably explains why it is labelled as “cane sugar spirit” - at least in this market. While “cane sugar spirit” typically equals rum, vodka is clearly (ahem) what this spirit aims to be. Aromatically it’s more-or-less neutral, save for maybe a very slight hint of brine and mineral. Very clean and creamy in the mouth, and like most vodkas, largely flavour-free. This will glide its way easily into any cocktail calling for the more common grain (or less common, potato) vodka. Cool bottle. (TS)

ALBERTA PREMIUM 20 YEARS OLD LIMITED EDITION CANADIAN RYE WHISKY, CANADA ($80)

Alberta Distillers’ rye whiskies are actually distilled from 100 % rye, which isn’t always the case with Canadian whiskies labelled as “rye.” This limited edition 20 year old version delivers forward candied orange peel/marmalade notes, with a suggestion of red berry. There’s also some dusty, polished wood nuances and just the very slightest trace of acetate. Spicy/ peppery explosive rye on the well-integrated palate. There are traces of citrus, leather and mild caramel as well that linger pleasantly on the long, memorable finish. Distinctive. (TS)