LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

WORTH THE TRIP

DIXON’S DISTILLED SPIRITS, GUELPH DIXONSDISTILLEDSPIRITS.COM Colourful bottlings of Dixon’s Wicked Gin in blue (Blueberry), golden (Citrus), red (Raspberry) and more glint from the shelves of this bustling distillery boutique. Lead distiller Brodie Dixon, son of owners Vicky and JD Dixon, says Wicked gins are vibrant in more than just their colours: they’re distilled from local grains, and “We go light on the juniper and heavier on fruit flavour,” he says. Customers drop by to pick up gift cards, bottles and recipe tips, or to gather at wooden tables for happy hour. One even rolls up his pants to show off a Dixon family crest tattoo from another branch of the clan! Clearly, this is a community affair. In 2022, the LCBO recognized Dixon’s with the Elsie Award for Best of Ontario—Spirits, for its creativity, service and social responsibility.

WICKED RASPBERRY SLUSH P. 135

Dixon’s Wicked Raspberry Gin LCBO 24796, $42.95

LOCAL BITES

The aroma of sun-ripe berries wafts from this gin, which tastes of lush red fruit with a hint of blood-orange tartness.

A Bistro Tour on the bus of Chef Scotty (chefscottyates.com)—previously used as a food truck—pairs Wellington County wine, cider and spirits sips with bites like a Smoked Duck Salad dressed with Dixon’s Wicked Raspberry Gin vinaigrette. Or, you can get Vietnamese food staples or takeout from Lovely Pao (lovelypaoinc.ca) across the parking lot!

110 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023