LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2017

GIFTS  WINNING SPIRITS

APERITIFS AND DIGESTIFS Here’s a broad category, stretching from the start of an evening to the end. These three products prove you don’t have to be the oldest or most prestigious or most expensive in your class to impress international judges… As long as you’re really good at what you do.

EL DORADO 12 YEAR OLD RUM LCBO 60608, $39.95 The company that makes El Dorado has been doing just that since 1670, down in Demerara, Guyana. The 12-year- old is excellent in a punch but also holds its own in a snifter, painting the air with aromas of caramel, orange peel, banana and Caribbean spices.

APEROL LCBO 176834, $26.95

COGNAC GAUTIER VS LCBO 384867, $44.95

INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

WORLD COGNAC AWARDS

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION DOUBLE GOLD

Aperol is everywhere these days, usually in a Spritz, mixed with Prosecco and a dash of club soda. Deliciously bittersweet with a flavour of tangerine, orange and herbs, it’s also the best- selling spirit in Italy, an essential part of summer.

BEST VS COGNAC

RUM TROPHY

While VS is the entry level for Cognac lovers, typically blended from very young brandies, Gautier’s version is surprisingly elegant and focused. Rich and fruity with a vanilla streak, it’s an excel- lent choice for cocktails or a refreshing brandy and soda.

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114  FOOD & DRI NK EARLY SUMMER 2017