LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

MORE SIPPABLE SPIRITS Whether you’re avoiding sweetened sodas and mix- ers or just want to appreciate the qualities of a fine spirit on its own, pour these proud solo ambassadors from various spirit categories. Spicy sip Tequila, mezcal and other Mexican spirits are made from varieties of the spiny, succulent agave plant that gives them fresh citrus and green-vegetable notes. Cenote Blanco Tequila ( LCBO 14408, $71.95) has lively black pepper to complement its smooth character, from brief barrel-resting after double- distillation. It’s blended with ultra-pure volcanic water before bottling. Barely bitter Condition your palate to appreciate the current craze for bitter spirits like Italian amari. Start with an after-dinner sip of Ontario’s own Alpenbitter No. 7 ( LCBO 213900, $24.10), from the makers of Forty Creek whisky. It’s herbaceous and fruity, with juicy orange peel and honeyed sweetness to balance its spicy and bitter notes. Hot potato Potatoes were once one of the most plentiful and popular sources for vodka distillation, though today many brands use grains or other base ingredients. Vodka distilled from potatoes has a creamy, full-bodied texture, particularly when very cold. Luksusowa Vodka ( LCBO 253302, $29.15) from Poland also has refreshing minerality and a wisp of lemon grass. Caribbean queen Award-winning rums from this small-batch Barbados distillery (run by master distiller Richard Seale and his Toronto-born wife, rum ambassador Gayle) have earned a cult following. Foursquare Single Blended 12 Year Old Rum ( LCBO 15675, $84.95) gets clove and round vanilla flavour from American oak ageing while retaining hints of sweet, smoky molasses.

With its fridge- and freezer-friendly square- sided shape, a bottle of Luksusowa can easily be stored chilled and ready to serve anytime.

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FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2020