Showing posts with label whisky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whisky. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 1, 2025

Celebrating Canadian Spirits: Sortilège & Seventh Heaven

It is only fitting to sip Canadian on , so for reviews I have a trio of Canadian spirits that showcase some of the best of local craftsmanship. Canadian distilleries such as Sortilège and Seventh Heaven produce world-class spirits with passion, precision, and tradition, as well as exceptional drinks worth celebrating.

Seventh Heaven Classic London Dry Gin and Sortilège Original - Canada

Sortilège Original Maple & Whisky Liqueur, along with Seventh Heaven London Dry Gin and their Gin & Tonic Ready-to-Drink Cocktail are standout examples of Canadian excellence as they blend high-quality ingredients with expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re a gin or whisky enthusiast, or looking for a premium ready-to-drink cocktail, now is the perfect time to raise a glass to the exceptional spirits crafted right here at home in Canada.

Launched at around the turn of the century, Sortilège is a Québécois distillery known for producing maple-flavoured whisky liqueurs and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Sortilège is derived from an authentic recipe that was developed by Quebec's first settlers who would flavour their eau-de-vie with the local ingredient - maple syrup. Soon thereafter, the settlers began using maple syrup directly during the distillation process to produce maple whisky. The base used to craft Sortilège hails from New France and offers the perfect balance between the complexity of Canadian whisky and the rich flavours of pure Quebec maple syrup.

Seventh Heaven was launched in 2018 in the quest for gin perfection. The line of gins by Seventh Heaven are crafted in Quebec by combining the highest quality ingredients with the art of local craft distillation to create aromatic products for a taste that is truly heavenly. Today, there are four gins in the line, along with many ready-to-drink canned cocktails, including a few that are low-alcohol (2%) versions. This post showcases the Seventh Heaven London Dry Gin, which is based off of their Premium Seventh Heaven Gin that features 7 herbs and aromatics. This Seventh Heaven London Dry Gin is a tribute to the English origins of the spirit and is crafted to spotlight the aromas and flavours of Nordic juniper berries and elderberries. Seventh Heaven also makes a canned, ready-to-drink Gin & Tonic with a squeeze of lemon cocktail for your convenience.

The Sortilège Original and both products by Seventh Heaven are readily available at the LCBO. Furthermore, the Gin & Tonic Ready-to-Drink canned cocktail is currently on promotion with 35 bonus Aeroplan points until July 19th.

Tasting Notes:

SORTILÈGE ORIGINAL - Canada (#250134) - $35.75
A perfect blend of quality Canadian whisky and Quebec maple syrup, this has rich whisky aromas joined with distinct notes of rich and sweet maple syrup. It's quite thick on the palate, with an almost viscous or syrupy mouthfeel, with sweet maple syrup, brown sugar, caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla flavours accented with rye spices and a touch of oak. Gentle spices with maple syrup on the mid-palate, while finishing clean and dry. Can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but is also at home after dinner as a dessert-style drink. Very nice!

Sortilège Original

SEVENTH HEAVEN CLASSIC LONDON DRY GIN - Québec, Canada (#30719) - $37.95
Fragrant with clean and elegant aromas of juniper berry, floral, and elderberries. It has good weight on the palate with delicious flavours of juniper, floral, and elderberry replays joined by spice, lime peel, and botanical herbs adding complexity. A touch of alcoholic warmth, but not intrusive. Nicely balanced throughout with spice touches on the long finish. You can certainly enjoy sipping this on its own, while it will also be a fine centerpiece in a martini or cocktail.

Seventh Heaven Classic London Dry Gin

SEVENTH HEAVEN LONDON DRY GIN & TONIC - Québec, Canada (#42405) - $3.45  LTO 35 bonus Aeroplan points until July 19
Faint aromas of juniper, elderberry, and floral are joined by lime peel and bitter notes. The palate is fresh, clean, and flavoursome with notes of juniper berries, botanical herbs, and a lime twist. Nicely carbonated with botanical herbs and lime, plus touches of bitter and thyme notes lingering on the pleasing, well-balanced finish. Perfect for a hot, summer day!

Seventh Heaven London Dry Gin & Tonic

Other fine products made in Canada by Sortilège and Seventh Heaven can be found at the LCBO, while the full range of each brand can be ordered through their Agent - Dandurand.


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  • Date publishedMonday, October 22, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Oct. 27, 2018: Italy + Whisky

LCBO Wine Picks: October 27, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The parade of premium wines we head into the busy holiday season continues with the LCBO VINTAGES Release. Featured in this Release are impeccable wines from Italy as the main theme, while the mini-theme features whisky from three continents. All of the lovely wines from this Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this .

We'll begin with the main theme that features twelve illustrious wines from Italy, five of which are included among my top wine picks. The lone white among them is from Umbria, made by iconic producer Marchesi Antinori, and consists of Chardonnay and a small amount of Grechetto. Moving on to the reds, there are some really excellent wines, including a 100% Aglianico from 200-year-old vines in Campania, as well as a Brunello made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso. From Tuscany, the Gran Selezione is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 5% Colorino, while the iconic Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Nativ Bicento 2013 (94 pts)Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (93 pts)

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2014 (92 pts)

Among red wines from the rest of the Release, the Côtes du Rhône Villages is a blend of mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault in support, while the organic wine from South Africa is a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From Armenia(!), there is a nice blend of Syrah, Tannat, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, while the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. From Spain, the Rioja is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo, while the Priorat is a blend of 90% Carignan and 10% Grenache. Lastly, the Napa Cab is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (93 pts)LAN Gran Reserva 2010 (91 pts)

From my white wine picks, the only blend is from Australia, consisting of 50% Marsanne, 42% Roussanne, and 8% Viognier. For those who prefer their wines with a hint of sweetness, you should look for the Riesling from either Cave Spring or Quails' Gate. If you want something off-dry, look for the Gewürztraminer, or something semi-sweet with the Tawse Riesling.

Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2016 (92 pts)Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2016 (90 pts)

Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2016 (89 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Grazie!

Red Wine:

  • CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2015 - AC, France (#538496) (XD) - $15.95
  • ALTA VISTA PREMIUM CABERNET FRANC 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#609081) (XD) - $17.95
  • REYNEKE ORGANIC RED 2017 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#617217) (XD) - $19.95
  • MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2015 - Dry farmed, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#143230) (D) - $19.95
  • THELEMA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS SUTHERLAND PINOT NOIR 2015 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#624924) (XD) - $19.95

  • KARAS RED 2016 - Armavir Region, Armenia (#492751) (XD) - $21.95
  • CARPINETO FARNITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#996553) (XD) - $28.95
  • VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#953828) (XD) - $28.95  FE
  • LAN GRAN RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#928622) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
  • NATIV BICENTO 2013 - DOC Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy (#575035) (XD) - $41.95  94 pts  wine review

  • RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#353201) (XD) - $47.95  92 pts  wine review
  • TORRES COS PERPETUAL 2015 - DOCa Priorat, Spain (#265710) (XD) - $49.95  FE
  • PALAZZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#660746) (XD) - $69.95  93 pts  wine review
  • CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#718452) (XD) - $74.95  93 pts  wine review
  • SASSICAIA 2015 - DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (XD) - $225.95

White Wine:

  • PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#747600) (D) $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) $18.95  90 pts  wine review
  • QUAILS’ GATE DRY RIESLING 2017 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#308312) (D) - $18.95
  • REDSTONE CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#398966) (XD) - $19.95
  • JOSÉ PARIENTE VERDEJO 2016 - DO Rueda, Spain (#345058) (XD) - $19.95
  • VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#974527) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review

  • CRAGGY RANGE TE MUNA ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#466011) (XD) - $26.95
  • HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#185736) (XD) - $27.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#068817) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2016 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (XD) - $29.95  92 pts  wine review
  • COMPLICES DE LOIRE TERRES DE CAILOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#557488) (XD) - $31.95
  • JOHN DUVAL PLEXUS WHITE 2016 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#609099) (XD) - $36.95  FE
  • CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO DELLA SALA 2016 - IGT Umbria, Italy (#512376) (XD) - $68.95
Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2016 (90 pts)Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (89 pts)

Fortified:

  • OFFLEY 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#297788) (S) - $26.95


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  • Date publishedMonday, October 10, 2011

Wines of Tuscany & Piedmont + Whisky: Oct. 15 Wine Picks

The major feature in the LCBO Vintages release on are the wines from the two big powerhouses in Italy - Tuscany and Piedmont. Only one wine from Piedmont/Tuscany made my list. However, I do want to mention a 2nd - the Scopetani Chianti (#164814) - as it appears to be a good crowd-friendly wine to serve when having many guests over for dinner. Another crowd-pleasing wine in this release is the Primitivo (#230573) from Puglia.

Also featured in this release are premium wines from Argentina - all of which feature a premium price and do not provided great value. In Local Talent, the Niagara River appellation is featured with four wines, including one that made my wine picks of the week.

In spirits, there is a nice feature on Whisky and the various different styles. I've chosen one for your enjoyment.

If you want to try something new, then my top pick of the week goes to the Neagra from Romania. Enjoy my picks and share them with your friends.

Red Wine:
  • LIVIA FETEASCA NEAGRA 2009 - I.G. Vrancea Hills, Romania (#244392) (XD) - $16.95
  • KORTA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Lontué Valley, Curicó, Chile (#236034) (XD) - $13.95
  • KOYLE ROYALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#255760) (XD) - $19.95
  • CATHEDRAL CELLAR MERLOT 2008 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#522219) (D) - $14.95
  • PODERI DI LUIGI EINAUDI DOLCETTO DI DOGLIANI 2009 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#232454) (XD) - $18.95
  • SXS STEP TWO SHIRAZ 2008 - South Australia, Australia (#246645) (XD) - $14.95

White Wine:
  • JACKSON TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE SUNROCK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2008 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#249516) (XD) - $17.95
  • LAILEY RIESLING 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#072736) (MD) - $17.95
  • DR. BÜRKLIN-WOLF WACHENHEIMER RIESLING TROCKEN 2009 - Deutscher Qualitâtswein Pfalz, Germany (#253955) (D) - $19.95

Spirits:
  • EAGLE RARE SINGLE BARREL 10 YEARS OLD KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON - Kentucky, USA (#604785) - $47.95


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