LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2023

CANADIAN WHISKY GIFT GUIDE

Better Together

Taking inspiration from drink traditions from around the world has always been a part of the Canadian whisky story, to the point that blenders have an age-old practice of finishing a whisky with very small quantities of wine, liqueurs and sometimes even other spirits. Lately, producers have been making the most of this custom and playing with novel flavours to create wild and tasty new whiskies.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

FOR THE WHISKY NOVICE

The vanilla- and caramel-forward Spirit in Niagara Mixed Mash Whisky ( LCBO 29832, $44.95 ) takes inspiration from American distilling practices in which all the grains are typically mashed together before distillation. Max out the Canadiana with this Niagara Falls Canadian Maple Whisky ( LCBO 645705, $34.95 ), a dark and full-bodied spirit from Niagara that’s full of sweet toffee and, of course, signature sugar shack flavours.

INDIAN-INSPIRED WHISKY Indian whisky is a trend that makes sense, given that blended whisky pairs brilliantly with Indian foods such as tandoori chicken and biryani, making these spirits a new force in Canadian whisky.

Sweet and tangy Dugal’s Five Rivers Canadian Whisky ( LCBO 27750, $34.95 ) is seasoned with traditional Punjabi spices, which make it ideal for sipping on its own or enjoying in a refreshing Highball with a little soda and a twist of lemon.

Aged in barrels formerly used for Paan liqueur, a floral and spicy elixir inspired by the Indian subcontinent, Jaan Premium Canadian Whisky ( LCBO 18645, $47.95 ) has a lightly perfumy aroma and a distinct taste of honey and citrus on the palate.

Perfect fodder for an Old Fashioned, Chak De Canadian Whisky (LCBO 22246, $34.95) has a nice balance of pepper and citrus. The zippy little spirit was named for the Punjabi expression that means “Go for it!”

LOCAL ACCOMPANIMENTS Salted Caramels

Whisky lovers with a sweet tooth are sure to enjoy sipping their dram alongside salted cara mels. These treats are particularly lovely for highlighting and enhancing the taste profile of sweeter whiskies. Family-owned Pickle and Myrrh makes their sea salt caramels by hand in Merrickville. Beyond the classic sea salt, they also offer caramels in flavours like coffee and vanilla bean that complement all kinds of whiskies. pickleandmyrrh.com –JH

204 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2023