LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2024

ON BOARD

Reifel Rye LCBO 27605, $49.95 Buttery toffee on the nose plus a ginger and white-pepper palate make this rye both smooth and spicy.

PREMIUM PICK Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Canadian Whisky LCBO 19563, $63.95 Mocha and peppery spice fade to a warm, cedary glow on the finish of this deeply flavoured rye.

Canadian Club 100% Rye LCBO 390583, $33.45 Loads of creamy vanilla balance herbs and dried fruits in this whisky, with just a hint of smoke and toasty nuts.

Rye Whisky Board Play up rye’s spicy, peppery character with peppercorn salami. Balance that with a wedge of mild, nutty-tasting Swiss cheese like Emmenthal, which picks up on the toasted-flax note in great rye whisky. A moist, seedy slice of cocktail pumpernickel bread amplifies rye’s grain notes, and a slather of fig or quince preserves brings bright, tangy character. A soft-baked pretzel with spicy mustard is another tasty food pairing for this combo! SIDE SNACKS Toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, or sesame-seed wafers, are a great way to accent the toasty, toffeed notes of barrel-aged rye. Although it might sound strange, after a sip of whisky, try a shard of dark chocolate (with 80 per cent or more cacao) with the cheese and bread: the deep mocha notes make the pairing pop.

HOMEMADE HACK

BUTTER CANDLE Centre a food-safe wick (from craft stores) in a 12-oz paper cup. In a small pot over low, melt 1 cup (250 mL) butter. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried or fine-chopped fresh herbs. Pour melted butter into cup and refrigerate until solid. Peel or cut away paper. Light wick and dip food into melted butter.

VALUE PICK Alberta Premium Whisky LCBO 3871, 375 mL, $17.50 Banana, caramel and a kick of red-hot cinnamon give this vivacious rye plenty of pairing potential.

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