LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2024

INSIDE SCOOP

GIFTING Giving Thanks

“What should I bring to Thanksgiving dinner?” is one of the most common wine questions. Whether your host likes red, white, sparkling or rosé, we’ve got you covered. And for an easy wrap, check out the LCBO’s fall gift bags and boxes in a pretty purple and gold motif. To throw in something extra, grab a gift card, in the same pattern or choose a ghostly vibe for Halloween (see p. 22).

101: Japanese Whisky BY CHARLENE ROOKE You may have noticed more bottles from Japan on the whisky shelf. Known for beautiful packaging and premium price tags, Japanese whisky is similar to Scotch—it uses Scottish malted barley. Here’s the deal on this delicate, elegant whisky. How did whisky-making end up in Japan? More than a century ago, sake businessman Masataka Taketsuru ventured to Scotland and brought the art of whisky-making—and a Scottish wife—home, first to well-known Japanese beverage company Suntory and then by founding Nikka. What makes Japanese whisky unique? Golden honeyed flavours, orchard fruits like apple and pear plus nuanced floral aromas make these whiskies special. When you see mizunara oak on the label, the spirit has likely been matured in casks made from an East Asian tree that lends perfumed notes of incense and spice. What are some good bottles to start with? Taste the spirit’s history by pouring an ounce of Nikka Whisky Yoichi Single Malt ( LCBO 21082, $94.95 ), from Nikka’s original distillery, over a large chunk of ice for slow sipping. A light Japanese blended whisky, such as Toki ( LCBO 465484, $64.20 ), is versatile and smooth. Can I mix it into cocktails? Try 11/2 oz of lighter Japanese whisky blends in a highball with quality soda water and a lemon twist. Use single-malt Japanese whisky to replace bourbon in an Old Fashioned or brandy in a Sidecar, or make it the star of a whisky sour.

Moillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir LCBO 32566, $28.95 Smelling of raspberries and flowers, this medium bodied red delivers plenty of varietal character and sour cherry acidity. Best with dark meat drowned in mushroom gravy.

Miraval Rosé VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 342584, $25.95 Barely pink, this lovely Provençal rosé is fresh and fragrant with a juicy, tangy finish. It will shine alongside turkey breast slathered in cranberry sauce.

Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant de Bourgogne VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 991562, $24.95 With a frothy mousse and lemony acid ity, this great-value French sparkler is a perfect pre-dinner pour with charcuterie, seafood appetizers and potato chips.

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc VINTAGES ESSENTIALS

677450, $29.95 Consistently one of the best New Zealand

Sauvignon Blancs at the LCBO, this zesty, grassy wine is the right white when the sides are heavy on green vegetables.

20

———————— AUTUMN 2024