Clos du Soleil Rose
$24.99
This wonderful rosé is from the Similkameen Valley, very close to the Okanagan, British Columbia. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it is relatively full-bodied with a wonderful strawberry colour and "ripe fruit aromas of strawberry, raspberry and hints of cranberry and citrus. The palate explodes with these same ripe berry flavours, complemented with oak nuances of vanilla and caramel," according to the winery team! "Summer in a bottle," they say, and you know, we agree! Wonderful with roast chicken, roast turkey or smoked salmon. Very food-friendly!
Tawse Riesling
$28.99
One of Niagara's most celebrated wineries, and one of Canada's most critically acclaimed wines! "Off-dry but loaded with citrus refreshment and Riesling’s ‘come-alive’ feeling," according to critic Billy Munnelly from Billy's Best Bottles. "Equally good for sipping or gulping." We agree! Pair with Thai takeout or pork loin. You'll want to buy a couple of bottles at this price.
Michter's American Whiskey
$83.99
"Unlike bourbon or rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, our US 1 Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes bourbon-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavour profile," according to the team at Michter's. It has notes of "deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish."
While the Michter’s name has a long and storied history, the Michter’s Distillery of Louisville, KY has only been in operation since 2015. Any whiskey bottled that is older than that was sourced from other distilleries, typically within Kentucky. Luckily, the quality of anything bottled with the Michter’s label on it is typically high, regardless of their original provenance.
Other than their single barrel products, Michter’s typically bottles their whiskey from selected small batches of 20 barrels or less.
Michter's Sour Mash Whiskey
$84.99
Bottled at 43% the Sour Mash is produced in small batches of less than 20 casks, it is part of the distillery's core range.
While the Michter’s name has a long and storied history, the Michter’s Distillery of Louisville, KY has only been in operation since 2015. Any whiskey bottled that is older than that was sourced from other distilleries, typically within Kentucky. Luckily, the quality of anything bottled with the Michter’s label on it is typically high, regardless of their original provenance.
Other than their single barrel products, Michter’s typically bottles their whiskey from selected small batches of 20 barrels or less.
From the Distillery: "During the 1970s and 1980s, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey was the distillery’s single most popular product. While the “Sour Mash” moniker originated from the whiskey production process of the same name – whereby some previously fermented mash is used as the starter for the new mash to be fermented, much like making sourdough bread – Michter’s Original Sour Mash earned distinction for its unique taste. With its unique grain selection, it cannot be categorized as a rye or a bourbon. After disappearing from the market in 1989, Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey made a triumphant return in 2012 with its introduction into the US*1 line. Staying true to the profile and palette of its predecessor, Michter’s US*1 Sour Mash has quickly become a favorite of whiskey enthusiasts.
Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas Sarrasine
$54.99
This powerful wine is the result of a selection of exceptional terroirs from Gigondas vineyards situated on the arid slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mistral wind blows regularly on those hillsides providing a cool balance to the heat of summer.
The poor, rocky soils force the vines to struggle down deep for moisture, keeping yields low but delivering high-quality fruit. This terroir produces a robust wine that can be kept for up to 10 years in the cellar. It's a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, with a core of dark ripe cherries, garrigues and spice. It would go nicely with ham or prime rib.
Quintarelli Alzero 2014
$649.99
A legendary wine from a legendary producer! "The late, great Maestro del Veneto, Giuseppe Quintarelli, succeeded in establishing his mythical and legendary estate during an amazing sixty-year career. All of the tradition, love, heart, and soul of crafting one of the world's finest wines continue at the Quintarelli home and winery in the hills north of Verona," according to Kermit Lynch. Alzero is made by letting Cabernet Franc grapes air-dry before pressing. One of the last wines to be made by Quintarelli, who died in 2012. Serious collectors of top Italian wine will not want to miss out on this rich, intense beauty.
Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
$41.99
This Blended Irish Whiskey is named for Ireland's oldest distillery, possibly the oldest whisky distillery in the world. Kilbeggan is a blend of Irish malt and grain whiskies. The distillery along with its sister distillery Cooley is a part of Beam Suntory.
Hitachino Nest Dai-Dai IPA
$6.09
This IPA is brewed with Japanese wild breed mandarin “Fukure Mikan” oranges. The refreshing flavour of this mandarin complements well with the citrusy hop character. There is a perfect balance act between the hop bitterness and Umami taste.
Oban Little Bay
$102.99
Oban's first no age statement release impressed us a lot more than we feared it would. Maturing stocks of Oban have been finished in small casks to speed up the maturation process, likely in a similar manner to Laprhroaig's Quarter cask.
Producer’s Tasting Note: “A dense and coating mouth feel- sometimes sugary and slightly minty- with a warming, comforting sweet chewiness of a richly fruited malt loaf. Occasional hints of orange zest and clove, before growing drier, again slightly minty, with hints of green apple.”
Andrew's Tasting Note
Nose: very fruity, Jujubes, and Wine Gums, a touch of salt and faint clean smoke; some caramel and spice with soft toasty oak.
Palate: more smooth caramel, lots of toasty, grainy oak, with salt and more clean smoke; the Wine Gums and Jujubes are there with big spices and chewy malt.
Finish: long with salt, smoke and malt.
Comment: much more satisfying and interesting than expected.