Celebrate with spirits
It’s been a rough year, folks. There’s never been a better time to sit, staring contemplatively into a roaring fire or reading a good book, while sipping on something good and strong. Lift the spirits of someone you love (even if that someone is yourself) with one of these fine bottles.
1800 Añejo Tequila This 100-percent Weber blue agave añejo is aged for a minimum of 14 months in American and French oak barrels—but nerdy details aside, any tequila-lover on your list will be more than happy to receive a bottle of this sweet-and-spicy elixir. It’s excellent on its own, but also as an addition to a mug of hot apple cider. LCBO, $50.95. Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey From the world’s oldest whiskey distillery comes this Single Malt. Aged in bourbon casks, triple distilled and tasting of stone fruit, honey and vanilla, this award-winning whiskey is like drinking liquid gold. Enjoy it neat or over ice, and paired with a roaring backyard bonfire (long johns sold separately). LCBO, $49.95. Jose Cuervo RDLF Extra Añejo Tequila We all know that person— the one who used to think tequila was a good idea whether it was a wedding or just a Wednesday night. But over the years they’ve matured, much like this tequila. Made from singleestate blue agave and aged in oak barrels for up to 30 years, it’s the world’s first extra-añejo tequila. Tasting of vanilla, toasted almonds and cinnamon, it’s still best enjoyed lightly chilled, neat and sipped slowly. LCBO, $194.95. Jose Cuervo RDLF Platino Tequila There’s a good chance that at least one person on your list missed out on a tropical getaway or two this year. Give them a bottle of this tequila and bring Mexico straight to them. With notes of honeydew melon, this sweet and spicy sip is the perfect way to ease into winter. Sip it on its own to let the flavours shine. LCBO, $99.95.
Collective Arts’ Rhubarb & Hibiscus Gin Ring in the holiday season with Collective Arts and their awardwinning gin—the Hamiltonbased brewery is about way more than just beer now. Made with rhubarb, hibiscus and a whimsical blend of botanicals, it’s juicy, floral and fruity up front, with a tart and warm ginger finish. And with a bottle featuring stunning artwork by illustrator Nate Williams, this gin looks as good as it tastes. Collectiveartsbrewing.com and LCBO, $48.95. Georgian Bay Gin This award-winning, Ontario crafted, small-batch London Dry style gin is made using wild juniper that’s been hand-picked from the shores of Georgian Bay. It doesn’t get any more artisanal than that. Oh, but wait, there’s more: It took over a year and—get this—48 dang recipes to develop. Bursting with juniper and citrus notes, it’s ideal for mixing and will elevate any cocktail. Time to dust off those martini glasses. LCBO, $34.95. Georgian Bay Smashed Soda Smash Pack The smashing taste you’ve come to know from Georgian Bay Spirit Co.’s ready-todrink cocktails—but with fewer calories. Available for a limited time only, this 12-pack includes Strawberry Smashed Soda, plus two brand-new flavours: lime and mandarin. Each is made with a refreshing blend of Georgian Bay craft spirits, natural flavours, botanicals and only two
(yes, two) grams of sugar and 106 calories per can—which means a guilt-free second slice of pie. $LCBO, $28.95. Georgian Bay Vodka Vodka is often described as an odourless, tasteless spirit—we couldn’t disagree more. Recognized by Forbes and the International Wine and Spirits Competition as one of the top 10 vodkas in the world, this small-batch, award-winning vodka is just as good in a mixed cocktail as it is enjoyed neat or over ice. Move over, whiskey—you aren’t the only spirit worth sipping. LCBO, $34.95. Levenswater Spring 34 Gin Crafted in Niagara, this smallbatch premium gin is distilled from Ontario potatoes and infused with 34 botanicals. Citrusy and floral on the nose, followed by flavours of juniper and coriander with a long, spicy finish, the pretty-in-pink spirit is excellent chilled on its own or in your favourite gin cocktail. And the fine crystal flint bottle it comes in makes a beautiful addition to any bar cart. $50 at select LCBO locations and online @levenswater.com.