LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2018

SPIRITS  TASTING THE IRISH

POWERS SIGNATURE IRISH WHISKEY LCBO 455444, $59.95 REDBREAST 21 YEAR OLD The Favourites A pure single-pot-still whiskey, not blended with grain whiskey, Powers Signature is hugely popular in Ireland. Famously rich and smooth despite being overproof at 46% ABV, it offers exceptional value. Redbreast 21 Year Old is also 46% and is also a national treasure. It won Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible Best Irish Whiskey in both 2015 and 2017. IRISHWHISKEY LCBO 446799, $250.00

M E E T OU R TA S T E R SHANE MULVANY Shane Mulvany has been a bartender for the past 14 years, working in his na- tive Ireland, then New York, London and now Toronto. Shane has won numerous awards for his cocktails, garnering such titles as Toronto’s Best Bartender and World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2016.

“Yes,” declared Shane, “46% is the sweet spot for Irish pot-still whiskey, especially when you’re using it in a cocktail. Dilution doesn’t diminish it so quickly. I make a Blackthorn (whiskey and sloe gin) with the Powers.” “There’s also a grapey Cognac note that makes me think it would be great in a Sidecar,” suggested Charlene. “Or an Old Fashioned,” said Shane, “made with orange bitters.” The ageing is finished in oloroso sherry barrels, which may account for a ripe blackberry or blackcurrant note in its aftertaste.     Oh, the fabulous length of the Redbreast 21! And the complexity! The list of illusory aromas was the longest yet, including molasses, demerara sugar, figs, nutmeg, licorice, rum dunder… “When Irish whiskeys get old,” said Shane, “they go down the Christmas cake route. Redbreast 12 YearOld has a candy note; this is what it becomes with nine more years.”A few drops of water opened up the Redbreast in a remarkable way, releasing a whole new range of earthy, dried-fruit impressions. Of all the whiskeys we tasted, this is the one I’d most like to meet for a nightcap, before I turn in.

“ Redbreast is like your favourite uncle—the one who always slips you five pounds. I’m happy to see it every time!” Shane

42  FOOD & DRI NK SPRING 2018