"Aged 18 months in American oak barrels to deliberately create whiskey-like flavors, this maple-hued añejo has a concentrated, distinctly sweet aroma that hints at vanilla and tropical fruit. On the palate, this Tequila is soft and slightly viscous, with a cookie dough-like sweetness plus traces of allspice, cocoa and clove. The finish is lightened by tropical-fruit tones." - 90/100, Wine Enthusiast

Monkey Shoulder 'The Original' Batch 27 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky presents a modern twist on classic Scotch whisky, delivering a smooth and accessible blend that has garnered popularity among a fresh cohort of whisky enthusiasts. The reference to Batch 27 denotes the meticulous blending of 27 casks to maintain uniformity and excellence in every bottle. With its gentle demeanor and adaptability, it serves as an outstanding option for enjoying neat, over ice, or as a foundational element in an array of whisky-based cocktails.

Basil Hayden's is a renowned American straight bourbon whiskey crafted by the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Named in honor of Basil Hayden, Sr., a pioneering whiskey distiller from Maryland, this brand traces its origins back to the late 18th century. Basil Hayden's bourbon is meticulously crafted from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley, and aged for a minimum of eight years in charred oak barrels. Known for its light and smooth profile, it boasts delightful notes of pepper, honey, and spice. Widely enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in cocktails, Basil Hayden's remains a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

This whiskey exudes sumptuously rich and intense flavors, drawn from its double-charred casks. It offers a seductive blend of butterscotch, treacle, toasted nuts, scorched coconut, raisin, and vanilla essence. With a deep-centered sweetness, it unveils notes of caramelized sugar, dark vanilla, pecan nut slice, crème brûlée, peppery spice, and fleshy fruits immersed in sticky, umber syrups. Its long, satisfying, toasted aftertaste is characterized by prominent flavors of vanilla and raisins, leaving a lasting impression.

Exuding delicacy and complexity, this recently unveiled Scotch whisky entices with aromas of maple sugar and spices. On the palate, it opens with a floral burst that gradually transitions into creamy vanilla, honey, sarsaparilla, and a medley of baking spices. Its light and silky texture gives the impression of effervescence, leading to a lively finish punctuated by a refreshing herbal note reminiscent of hops.

The initial impression is a delightful array of nutty flavors, including toasted walnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts, creating a rich and satisfying experience. Unexpectedly, a delightful spice emerges, characterized by the smoky heat of hatch chiles, which intertwines with rounded notes of cinnamon, creamy créme brûlée, indulgent Bananas Foster, vibrant orange, succulent canned peaches, luscious caramel chew, and decadent toffee. As the flavors develop, the pepper spices make a triumphant return, contributing to a grand finish that lingers on the palate.

Jefferson’s Reserve stands as the pinnacle of the esteemed Jefferson’s bourbon family, representing the epitome of blending craftsmanship. This meticulously crafted small batch blend showcases the profound depth and complexity that can only be achieved through the artistry of blending mature bourbons. With each sip, the palate is enveloped in a symphony of nuanced flavors, revealing layers of richness and sophistication that are the hallmark of a masterful blend. From its bold and substantial palate to its enduringly delightful finish, Jefferson’s Reserve exudes a sense of refinement and distinction that appeals to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It truly embodies the essence of quintessential bourbon whiskey.

In Código 1530 Reposado, the vibrant purity of Blanco tequila intertwines with the sophisticated complexity derived from our unique resting techniques. Aged for six months in French White Oak Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels, our Reposado boasts the lively essence of ripe agave complemented by the subtle warmth of whiskey undertones.

Gran Coramino Cristalino is a reposado tequila that undergoes a unique aging process to achieve its exceptional clarity and smoothness. Initially rested in Eastern European oak barrels, it is then finished in California Cabernet wine casks, imparting a delightful sweet berry finish. Through meticulous filtration, this tequila achieves unparalleled clarity while retaining its complex flavors. The result is a crystal-clear spirit with a smooth texture and a captivating taste profile that combines the richness of oak with the fruity notes of Cabernet wine.

"Yes, this is the brand founded by rock star Sammy Hagar, former front man for Van Halen. Stop rolling your eyes: This is a robust, addictive Tequila, especially recommended for those who love peaty Scotches. The spirit has a sweet scent of ripe oranges and vanilla, powerful butterscotch and honey flavors and a raucous smoky finish." - 94/100, Wine Enthusiast

Key features of this expression include a harmonious interplay of cooked agave and fruity notes, accentuated by the richness of vanilla and caramel which amplify the oak's influence. Its enduring flavor profile, robust aroma, and full-bodied texture leave a lasting impression on the palate.

With a bold and smoky aroma, this whisky captivates the senses with sweet spice, dried dark fruit, caramel, tar, brine, and toasted nuts. On the palate, it delivers richness, sweetness, and smoothness, unveiling robust flavors of smoky campfire, cumin, molasses, and peat, accompanied by hints of apple crumble and spice.

Aged for twelve years in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, this whisky presents a deep amber hue with captivating red highlights. Enticing aromas of sweet vanilla, figs, and a subtle hint of ginger mingle with enticing sherry notes. On the palate, it offers a luxurious and velvety-smooth texture, unveiling rich oak, sweet sherry, and succulent raisin flavors. The finish is medium in length, leaving a lingering, spicy sensation that tantalizes the senses.

The eagerly anticipated Limited Edition Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast, formerly known as Sherry Bomb, from Iain MacLeod Distillers has made its debut! This Islay single malt whisky has been treated to an intense infusion of rich, sweet, and spicy Spanish sherry casks, resulting in a powerful and full-bodied dram. Bursting with flavors of sherried fruits, dates, burnt orange peel, and sticky toffee, it delivers a robust punch of Islay peat smoke. A dream come true for lovers of Islay and sherried whiskies alike, this innovative and special release promises a taste sensation like no other.

Finished in Lustau oloroso sherry butts, look for an amber hue and a rich aroma that suggests dried figs and dates. The palate benefits from a splash of water, which coaxes cocoa and prune notes, winding into a warming finish with cinnamon and clove heat.

Coca-Cola, rich spice, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, licorice root, maple syrup, Luxardo cherries, and varnish on the nose. Without water, the palate is chewy and full of puckering tannins; add a few drops to unleash dark chocolate, candied ginger, cooked berries, tea leaf, walnuts in maple syrup, black pepper, and a hint of orange oil. The lengthy finish offers chocolate-covered cherries, black tea leaves, and white pepper. Layered and engaging.

This first cask-strength expression in Highland Park’s core range was matured predominantly in sherry-seasoned American oak. Honey, bonfire smoke, orange peel, and a suggestion of treacle on the nose. Sweet and smoky on the palate, with toffee and orchard fruits turning more citric in time. The finish yields sweet spices, more honey, dark chocolate, black pepper, and bonfire embers.

The nosing passes find lightly toasted malt notes along with wood, sawdust, distant mint, and light caramel—not the most expressive Highland Park bouquet. The palate entry highlights the maltiness; at midpalate the taste becomes sweeter and honey like complementing the grain/malt base. Finishes assertively with the spirit underlining the honeyed sweetness.

It’s a brave person who tries to persuade a malt like Lagavulin to go into a different direction. Indeed, even PX casks, from the sweetest fortified wine of all, can’t fully obscure the distillery’s character, just give it a raisined coating. The creosote turns to tar and licorice, while there’s Syrah-like sootiness, and damson. This release is slightly less sweet than in the past and is the better for it, though I still prefer my Lagavulin relatively ‘naked.’

PATRÓN EL CIELO undergoes a meticulous distillation process, distilled four times to unveil the naturally sweet and subtle agave flavors. The result is an unparalleled taste experience, boasting a light, fresh, and ultra-smooth finish that captivates the palate. For a refreshing twist, indulge in an EL CIELO Over Ice with a Slice cocktail, serving the tequila over ice with a slice of orange to enhance its vibrant flavor profile. Radiantly clear in color, this tequila offers aromas of cooked agave, sweetness, and fruitiness, while the palate delights in the flavors of cooked agave, sweetness, fruity notes, and hints of citrus, culminating in a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Spicy on the nose, with deep, full tropical fruit notes, praline, and marzipan. The palate is silky, with fudge and raisins, then cherry liqueur. The finish yields dark chocolate and citrus fruit, plus peppery oak.

The Chronicles collection debuted two years ago with the release of the 40 year old. This, the third annual release, incorporates a smidgen of younger rye and a dash of brandy. The nose and palate are deep and complex. Fruity and floral on the nose, with hints of raisin tarts, apple skins, and apricots. A sweet fruitiness, with mild peppers, baking spices, and a crisp, vaguely tannic backbone. Extended fruity, glowing finish.

Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 year old is a celebration of Bowmore’s Master Whisky Blender and Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer coming together, uniting two distinct worlds in a powerful, yet inspiring way. For these two masters the key is constancy. This is what ultimately unites them and drives them as the time-honoured guardians of maintaining a perpetual quest for the most immersive and joyful moments.

Peat bonfire wafts above sea salt, brine, dried seaweed, salty dock, seashells, and all things maritime. But the smoke and peat are subtle—the seashore notes grab you most. They remain so on the palate, integrating beautifully with chocolate cake sweetness. You’re on the isle of Islay with this one, all right. Light and subtle once more on the finish, with fruit notes emerging and the peat fading long down the road.

Showing its Etna pedigree and loaded with finesse, this gorgeous red has inviting aromas of camphor, crushed red berries, blue flowers and Mediterranean brush. Full-bodied but boasting an almost weightless elegance, the enveloping, delicious palate delivers raspberry compote, ripe strawberry and baking spice alongside a flinty mineral note that lends depth. Enveloping, polished tannins provide lithe support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. It's already showing beautifully so there's no need to wait. Drink through 2029. Kerin O’Keefe

One of the original producers that grows Trebbiano Abruzzese, one of the few quality grapes of the Trebbiano group. There is not much of this exported and even fewer bottles of the Montepulciano. Francesco Valentini and his son are the only humans allowed in the cellar as Francesco never wants to introduce foreign microbes or yeasts to interfere with the ageing of the wine. These are some of the most ageable white wines in the world and in fact, could be considered “unicorns” as they are hard to find here in Canada.  Truly collectible.

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 stands out as an exceptional fine wine, boasting an intense golden yellow hue. Its complex and captivating aroma offers elegant floral tones of white flowers, intertwined with notes of ripe white pulp fruit, officinal herbs, and subtle hints of vanilla, coffee, and minerals. On the palate, it dazzles with a harmonious blend of pulp, freshness, and flavor, delivering an enveloping experience with remarkable length. This rare wine leaves a lasting impression, destined for a prolonged life of enjoyment and appreciation.

This wine offers a smooth and approachable drinking experience, featuring rounded tannins, subtle fruitiness, and a touch of woody character. Crafted from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes, it pairs beautifully with pork dishes and mushroom-based culinary creations.

Maison Louis Jadot is one of the most trusted and revered wine houses in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Frédéric Barnier, Jadot’s esteemed winemaker, and his team balance tradition and technology, focusing on the purest expression of each wine’s terroir.  Founded in 1859, the house now owns 528 acres of vineyards, including 280 acres of the Cote d’Or’s most prestigious Premier and Grand Cru plots. The origin of Chambertin comes from one of the owners whose name was Bertin and who had the idea to plant vineyards close to the climat used by monks. Chambertin comes from Champ de Bertin. The Chambertin vineyard is situated on a chalky soil in the depth and clayey at the surface, which makes the wine both powerful and round. It boasts impressive body and depth, showcasing the true character of this esteemed Grand Cru vineyard. The flavors are intense and vibrant, with a remarkable hint of minerality.

This scorching hot 32-year-old Speyside single malt was carefully aged at the Tomatin distillery starting from 1988, and recently bottled for the revitalized Connoisseurs Choice series by Gordon & MacPhail on March 15, 2021. Drawn from refill American hogshead number 6656 at its natural cask strength of 54.6% ABV, this rare release comprises just 145 bottles, each elegantly presented in a lovely oak presentation case.

Introducing Oban Special Release 2023, a captivating single malt scotch whisky that pays homage to the art of distillation. Aged for 11 years and bottled at natural cask strength, this whisky showcases the mastery of its craft. Finished in Caribbean pot still rum casks, it embodies innovation in finishing techniques, imparting a unique character exclusive to this special release. Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or new to the world of single malt scotch, Oban Special Release 2023 is a must-try. With its exceptional flavor profile, natural cask strength, and distinctive finishing process, it stands out among whiskies and promises to be a prized addition to any collection. Distilled, matured, and bottled in Scotland.

The Oculus, a Bordeaux blend cultivated organically in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, seamlessly combines opulence and elegance, showcasing serious New World fruit with refined sophistication. Aromatically, it unveils layers of complexity and florality, with notes of strawberries and balsamic intertwined with dried violets, savory anise, and gravelly dust. On the palate, its construction is exquisite, with tannins and freshness in harmonious interplay. Fresh mint and pine bough complement flavors of strawberries, clove, and smoke, while well-integrated wild mountain berries, pencil lead, and hints of evergreen add depth. This wine exemplifies a perfect balance of freshness, ripeness, and structure

This 'classic' Margaret River wine exemplifies ease of drinking and purity, boasting a delightful crunchiness and fruit-forward character. It offers a lip-smacking dryness, balanced by crisp acidity, culminating in a clean and refreshing finish that leaves the palate invigorated.

The ninth installment in the Penderyn Icons of Wales series, aptly named 'The Headliner' in honor of David Lloyd George (1863-1945), the sole Welsh Prime Minister and architect of the Immature Spirits Act 1915, mandating a minimum three-year maturation period for whisky. On the nose, expect subtle hints of red berries, strawberries and cream, complemented by a touch of cranberries, light oak, and vanilla. The palate offers a rich and sweet experience, with flavors of dried fruits, salted caramel, floral honey, and a spicy note of black pepper, leading to a tannin-driven dry finish.

Coastal Region wine, from 1980s vineyards in Stellenbosch and Pearl. A deeply coloured, powerful wine, plenty of substantial presence, slightly meaty nose, a touch of green-tinged dry and ashy character, with lots of sweet fruit, touched with a leafy, savoury character in the finish. The blend is 30/70 Alicante and Tempranillo.

Similar to the Verdelho grape, the Khakibos, known botanically as Tagetes Minuta, is a recent addition to the foothills of Stellenbosch. While neither are indigenous to the region, both have been successfully cultivated over the past twenty-five years, thriving in the distinctive climate of the Cape. Interestingly, Khakibos is also utilized as a natural repellent against insects and mosquitoes. This marks the fourth vintage of this exceptional wine, which has evolved to embody the vision of Stephanie and Etienne—a blend of Iberian white varieties, featuring drought-resistant Portuguese grapes.

This California Cabernet Sauvignon breaks away from the typical profile, offering a lush and velvety experience. Rich flavors of black cherries and sugar plums dominate the palate, accented by a subtle hint of vanilla, creating a luxurious and indulgent tasting sensation.

The initial two Special Edition bottles from Bombay Sapphire showcased the artistry of Hebru Brantley (2020) and Steven Harrington (2021). In 2022, the gin brand collaborated with the Basquiat Estate, along with the artist's sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, to conceptualize the latest release. This edition represents a significant milestone as it marks the first licensing of "Untitled (LA Painting)" and only the second public display of this piece, previously featured at Basquiat's second show.

The Grand Cru is a powerful wine with a structure similar to Côte de Nuits wines. The vineyard orientation allows to elaborate a wine with silky tannins and harmonious acidity. Les Grèves is a South east exposure vineyard based on a siliceous soil. This gives power and delicacy to the wine.

An inventive cuvée from Stéphane Sérol's imagination, for the pleasure of his friends. What a success! A blend of Gamay, Syrah and a hint of Grenache from various terroirs around France, it's a skilful blend of fruity, peppery notes, with a juiciness that's almost unique.

This semi-sweet, easy-drinking sparkling red wine is a delightful choice for everyday enjoyment, yet it retains a sense of preciousness. Crafted from the finest grapes of our region, it showcases how an added touch of freshness can serve as an excellent complement to diverse international cuisines, making it not just an enjoyable drink but also a versatile partner for a wide array of dishes.