LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

WELL STOCKED

Whisky Essentials

Whisky is beloved by so many that it makes an ideal seasonal gift, especially wrapped up with a stylish cocktail glass or a bottle of bitters. From Scotch sippers to favourite Canadian and Irish whiskies or American bourbon, whisky is also a mixology staple for hosting and a crowd-pleasing take along to festive gatherings. › Canada’s best-kept secret until its cask-strength rye was recently named the world’s best whisky, the standard Alberta Premium Whisky (LCBO 984, $28.75) is also a winning bottle. It comes in larger formats (1,140 mL for $43.25, and 1,750 mL for $64.60) for convenient larger-scale entertaining over the season. › Because it’s slightly overproof (at 50.5 per cent alcohol by volume versus the normal 40) and extra-rich with vanilla and spice, you can pour less Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (LCBO 479949, $41.95) over big cubes of ice on long, lingering social evenings without sacrificing big flavours. › McClelland single-malt bottlings—though the distilleries behind them remain anonymous— represent extreme value in Scotch. Pour peaty McClelland’s Islay (LCBO 404160, $49.95) , golden Speyside (LCBO 573337, $49.95) or fruity Highland (LCBO 259333, $49.95) single malt Scotch whisky into fancy decanters for entertaining: we won’t tell!

From the Whisky Shop Collection

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› Irish whiskey fanciers often value the smooth, light-bodied qualities of the country’s whiskey blends. Tullamore DEW (LCBO 71746, $37.95) packs a gentle punch from both sherry cask and bourbon-barrel aging, and is an ideal golden base for Whisky Sours and Whisky Soda Highballs.

› No need to reach for your precious single-malt Scotch for hot toddies or impromptu weeknight get-togethers: grab this complex blend. Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky (LCBO 454132, $30.95) has subtle peat smoke, dried fruit and baking spice notes, plus a satisfyingly long, honeyed finish.

YOU CAN FIND THE WHISKY SHOP AND DISCOVER NEW WHISKIES (NOT AVAILABLE IN STORES)

AT LCBO.COM/ WHISKYSHOP

100 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022