LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021

Gin-novation Get a look (and taste) of what’s new in the world of gin, including a crop of fresh flavours and ultra-local spirits.

Heart of Gold Inspired by northern tundra, Ungava Gin ( LCBO 374231, $37.95) gets its golden colour and herbaceousness from uniquely Canadian botanicals, including wild rosehip and cloudberry. Orange Crush The intensely bittersweet oranges of southern Spain and the vintage recipes of founder Charles Tanqueray inspired lightly sweet Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla ( LCBO 573956, $31.25). Berry Nice Infused with blueberries from its home in B.C., Tempo Arandano Blueberry Gin ( LCBO 18268, $37.95) has notes of creamy vanilla and a twist of citrus. Pink or Swim Kissed with Isle of Wight rock samphire (a plant also known as “mermaid’s kiss”) and strawberry, Mermaid Pink Gin ( LCBO 14755, $84.95) supports marine sustain­ ability with plastic-free packaging. The Unicorn Can’t choose a gin hue? Empress 1908 Gin ( LCBO 557470, $49.95) harnesses the magical properties of butterfly pea flower, turning fuchsia with the addition of tonic or citrus juice.

A spectrum of colours All gin is clear after distillation, but infusing it with various plant, flower and herb botanicals can give it vibrant flavours and hues.

Ontario grain-to-glass gin Foraging, fermenting and flavouring in our own backyards inspires spirits like spruce- and cedar-rich Hidden Temple Gin ( LCBO 633206, $54.95) from Nickel 9 Distillery in Toronto’s Junction ’hood and woodsy Valley of Mother of God Gin ( LCBO 13397, $59.95), which contains 20 hand-foraged botanicals. Beattie’s Farm Crafted Potato Gin ( LCBO 645622, $37.95) gets its rich texture from Alliston, Ont., tubers, while Black’s Gin ( LCBO 17389, $40.95) is distilled from Red Fife wheat, a variety developed in Peterborough, Ont., two centuries ago . And Niagara’s Tawse Gin ( LCBO 14023, $34.95) is distilled from—you guessed it—local grapes.

Shop the Issue at lcbo.com/ fdearlysummer21

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EARLY SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK