LCBO Food & Drink Winter 2018

WHAT’S NEW BY JULIA AITKEN  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCE NOGUCHI

A WORLD OF NEW PRODUCTS AT THE LCBO AND VINTAGES.

LEADING THE PACK Lupi Reali Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Organic LCBO 486647, $10.80 The name of this earthy Italian red recognizes the park system in the Abruzzo region that seeks to reintroduce wolves ( lupi in Italian) to the area. An organic wine suitable for vegans, it’s food-friendly too. Layers of black fruit and spice with notes of coffee and smoke make it a natural with a robust lamb stew.

WORTH THE WAIT Michter’s US* 1 Small Batch Unblended American Whiskey LCBO 472662, $89.95 It’s taken three years but finally the prominent U.S. distillery Michter’s has released its unblended whiskey. Ageing in bourbon-soaked barrels imbues the complex spirit with deep butterscotch and vanilla notes along with hints of caramel and dried fruit. Savour on its own or team with pe- can pie—but don’t tarry! Quantities of this special whiskey are limited.

Nickel Brook Uncommon Element Brett Pale Ale LCBO 482596, 375 mL, $3.35 Based in Burlington, Ont., Nickel Brook has been a leader in the province’s craft brewing movement since 2005. This award-winner—it garnered gold at last year’s Canadian Brewing Awards—combines the funky barnyard tang of Brettanomyces yeast with an American pale ale. It’s a crisp, hop-forward brew with notes of orange peel and pineapple. GOLD MEDAL BREW

FOOD & DRI NK WINTER 2018 13