LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2023

CANADIAN WHISKY GIFT GUIDE

Rye Revival Although some distillers have a long history of leaning heavily on rye grain, most Canadian spirits have traditionally been blends of corn, wheat and rye spirits. Over the past few years, partly thanks to cocktail bartenders who love the way bold and spicy rye stands out in a mixed drink—such as the one featured below—we’ve seen a lot of new releases of rye-forward or 100-per-cent rye expressions. And we’re here for it.

Pot-distilled Reifel Rye ( LCBO 27605, $49.95 ) picked up a lot of medals at the Canadian Whisky Awards earlier this year, and it’s easy to see why, given the inspired combo of fruitcake and caramel notes, all wrapping up with a spicy finish. A true original, Alberta Premium ( LCBO 984, $29.75 ) has been making this bold and spicy 100-per‑cent rye whisky for years, long before the recent revival of this delicious style of whisky. Made in Niagara, Dillon’s Rye ( LCBO 14915, $49.95 ) is a single-grain craft whisky that’s been aged for four years, first in new Ontario oak, then in new American oak and, finally, in first-fill bourbon casks. You can’t go wrong with Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye ( LCBO 434092, $39.45 ), an award-winning and perfectly smooth rye whisky with a fruity aroma, a hint of vanilla and plenty of caramel flavour. One of the first 100-per-cent rye whiskies to be made in Ontario, bold and spicy Lot No. 40 Single Copper Pot Still ( LCBO 382861, $43.95 ) won over a lot of fans to this style of whisky, especially in the bartending community.

FOR THE COCKTAIL AFICIONADO

FOR THE WHISKY CONNOISSEUR

CRUSTA RYE‑MES P. 247 Nearly 175 years old, the classic Crusta is enjoying a revival thanks to bartenders like Toronto’s Juliana Wolkowski who are reinventing it with different spirits, notably rye whisky.

LOCAL ACCOMPANIMENTS Shortbread

Shared Scottish heritage makes this duo a natural match. The shortbread’s delicate sweetness and crumbly texture marries nicely with a smooth whisky. Run by a mother-daughter team, Grafton’s The Shortbread Company sells their cookies in cute jars that make for no-fuss gifting; or Toronto’s Mary Macleod’s is a long-running favourite that’s been making buttery shortbreads for over 40 years in both classic and creative flavours. theshortbreadcompany.ca; marymacleod.com –JH

206 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2023