LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

Where to start Whiskies aged in unique barrels—those that previously held delicious contents or are made of special woods toasted or charred to perfection—shine when sipped solo.

Kilting It “Finishing” Scotch in Spanish sherry casks for the final months of mat- uration gives it sumptuous texture and nutty, fruitcake-like flavours—­ especially when those casks pre­ viously held Pedro Ximenez (or “PX”) sherry, made from deliciously sweet grapes. Glenallachie 12 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish ( LCBO 14575, 700 mL, $131.95) has the smooth hallmarks of the style. Kentucky Cousin Though bourbon is perhaps the best known style, American whiskey is getting a modern makeover. Iconic Kentucky bourbon brand Basil Hayden’s combines spicy Kentucky whiskey and Alberta rye whisky with a ripe kiss of California port-style wine in its Dark Rye ( LCBO 543611, $54.95), with flavours as deep as its auburn colour. with lighter, ultra-smooth blends. Double Barrel Irish Whiskey ( LCBO 516096, $44.95) from craft distiller Glendalough, one of the newest Irish brands, gets vanilla and butterscotch notes from bourbon barrels, then layers of dried cherry, ginger and al- mond from oloroso (a type of sherry) cask ageing. The New Ireland Irish whiskey is synonymous

The king of sippers is spelled differently in whisky-producing countries. Scotland and places influenced by its distilling traditions (including Canada and Japan) uses “whisky.” Ireland, which translated the word differently from Gaelic, uses “whiskey,” as does the U.S. You say whiskey, I say whisky

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Ontario craft whisky Easy-sipping Canadian whisky is typically made from dif- ferent grains that are distilled and barrel-aged separately, then flawlessly blended. Concord’s Still Waters Distillery was one of Ontario’s artisan distilling pioneers. Its signa­ ture Stalk & Barrel Red Blend ( LCBO 479931, $34.95) gets a sweet creaminess from barley, warm spice from rye and body from aged corn whisky, while Stalk & Barrel Blue Blend ( LCBO 479923, $29.95) is a more rye-forward balance. Still Waters also makes barley-based Stalk & Barrel Single Malt ( LCBO 382770, $69.95), available exclusively online.

or chunk of ice will melt more slowly and keep your drink cold longer.

Shop the Issue at lcbo.com/ fdautumn20

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AUTUMN 2020 FOOD & DRINK