Muskoka Brewery Mad Tom IPA and Cream Ale - Beer Review

After enjoying wine almost exclusively for the past couple of months, it was a nice change of pace to have some beer. Last night I opened the Mad Tom IPA, while tonight I am enjoying Cream Ale. Based in the heart of Muskoka, this brewery handcrafts premium beers that are unique and refreshing. Muskoka Brewery was founded in June 1996 by Gary McMullen and Kirk Evans with...

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Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Vertical Wine Tasting

Back in October, I was invited to a very nice vertical tasting of Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva wines dating back to 1982. These red wines are produced by Bodegas Franco-Españolas, a winery that was founded in 1890 in Logrono, Spain, in the aftermath of the French wine industry's most devastating incidents - the phylloxera plague. Bordeaux winemakers affected by the plague...

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Lakeview Cellars Syrah 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

I first tasted this wine last September when I visited Diamond Estates Winery during the Niagara Wine Festival. Lakeview Cellars was founded in 1991 by Eddy Gurinskas and is now the oldest brand at Diamond Estates. The 2012 vintage was exceptional for red wine grapes in Niagara, pushing quality levels up throughout the region. The grapes for Lakeview Cellars wines are sourced...

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TAG No.5 VODKA

TAG No.5 VODKA is produced by Maverick Distillery, locally in Oakville, Ontario. They are also the maker of CHANTILLY French Cream liqueur that I tasted recently. Maverick Distillery was launched in 2009 as an innovative Canadian distillery with a mission to deliver remarkable spirits at a reasonable price, with an eye towards environmental consciousness. As part of their...

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Southbrook Poetica Red 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

The final instalment of wines from Southbrook Vineyards is the Southbrook Poetica Red from their top-of-the-line "Poetica" collection. I wrote a brief introduction about this collection of wines during my review of their 2012 Poetica Chardonnay. Featured on the label once again is an excerpt from a lovely poem by Chief Dan George. "Words to a Grandchild" speaks to the role...

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Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

The next instalment of wines from Southbrook Vineyards features a white wine from their top-of-the-line "Poetica" collection. Poetica wines are made only in excellent vintages. The poetry on the labels is drawn from the work of a wide cross-section of talented Canadian poets and reflects, in some way, a love theme. The wine honours the poem on the label, and the poem honours...

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Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine 2013 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's treat for the holidays is a delicious Icewine from Lakeview Cellars, a brand of Diamond Estates. Coming from a vintage that can be best described as average and slightly wet, approximately 6,600 tonnes of Icewine and Late Harvest grapes were netted for the 2013 season. It was a large crop that equalled the record tonnage of 2007. For the holidays, not only would...

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Southbrook Vidal Icewine 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's end-of-dinner treat is an organic Icewine that will be released in January. If you're heading to the Icewine Festival next month, make sure to stop by Southbrook Vineyards and taste this delicious nectar. Although there is no special Holiday Gift Package for Icewine, the beverage in and of itself would make a very special gift indeed. Having said that, you can easily...

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Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2013 (Niagara) - Wine Review

The next post in my series of Southbrook wines is a very unique Chardonnay whose primary fermentation and malolactic conversion were indigenous - also known as "Wild Fermentation". To put it another way, the yeast used to ferment this wine was naturally occurring in the vineyard and at the winery - instead of adding inoculated yeast. Only 6 barrels (180 cases) of this wine...

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Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival 2015 - Review

On Sunday, September 20th, I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival (formerly the Delicious Food Show) that was held at Evergreen Brick Works. This 3-day festival began on Friday and showcased familiar (and some unfamiliar) local food vendors, many of which have restaurants in the city. The show also featured many local Ontairo wineries, as well...

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Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Merlot 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine is the second in a series of wines from Southbrook Vineyards. The grapes for this wine come from the Saunders Vineyard in Niagara. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and ageing occurred in neutral oak barrels. This wine is certified organic and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Currently available as part of the Triomphe Gift Package that...

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December 12 VINTAGES Release: Wines for Holiday Feasts + Sparkling Wine

The final release of new wines for the year will be the December 12 VINTAGES Release and be on shelves this coming Saturday. The major theme of this release focuses on fine wines for holiday feasts. Since this is the final release of 2015, this release also features quite a few Champagne and Sparkling Wines for ringing in the New Year. There are 27 wines featured in the...

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Southbrook Connect Organic White 2014 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine is a blend of 4 varietals and is certified organic. It is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Produced by Southbrook Vineyards, this organic white wine is currently available in a gift package directly from the winery that includes the 2014 Connect Red and a jar each of the Southbrook Preserves Raspberry Jam with Framboise and the Southbrook Chardonnay...

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Pillitteri Cabernet Franc 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is from Pillitteri Estates Winery and is only available at the winery (or online) through their website. This red wine hails from the great 2012 Niagara vintage and it shows in the quality. This is a wine that you want to buy a few bottles of and watch it develop and mature over the years. It has very good ageing potential. Tasting Note: PILLITTERI CABERNET...

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Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2009 (Rhône) - Wine Review

This gorgeous, savoury red wine was enjoyed Saturday night with homemade Chicken curry. It was purchased nearly 3 years ago from the March 3, 2012 VINTAGES Release. If you still have this Syrah in your possession, you can enjoy it over the 2-3 years. Tasting Note: DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#701359) (XD) - $20.95 Spice and twig...

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