TASTE Winter 2022-23

| YOUR WHISKY GIFT-GIVING GUIDE |

in Canada, there’s no stipulation that rye must actually be used to make it. Despite this, several distilleries are producing 100 percent rye expressions. Compared to bourbon, rye tends to be spicier, drier, earthier and sometimes herbaceous. Rye whiskies can serve as an excellent base for cocktails that call for whisky, as the spicy, earthy and herbaceous notes create a more dramatic

CANADIAN CLUB CHAIRMAN’S SELECT 100% RYE CANADIAN WHISKY Canada $23.99 501668 This rye is an excellent value-driven cocktail base. Full and spicy, with aromas of orange, cloves, black pepper, vanilla oak and subtle florals present on the nose. On the palate, caramel, oak spice and dried orange peels lead to a warm and creamy finish.

LOT NO.40 DARK OAK 100% RYE CANADIAN WHISKY Canada $55.99 96548 Finished in heavily charred barrels, this 100 percent rye whisky is rich with notes of dark cocoa, black pepper, coffee, hazelnuts and butterscotch with subtle hints of dried peaches.

contrast to the other ingredients. Canadian Club 100% Rye , for

example, serves as an excellent affordable cocktail base. First released in 2014, this all-rye whisky utilizes a combination of American oak barrels, once-used bourbon barrels, and ex-Canadian whisky barrels to develop its spicy, yet light profile. If you’re looking for more of a sipper for the seasoned whisky drinker on your list, Lot No. 40 Dark Oak is a must-buy. Named the “World’s Best Rye” at the 2021 World Whisky Awards and “Best New Whisky” at the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards, Lot No. 40 Dark Oak is made with 100 percent rye grain and aged first in lightly charred new American oak barrels, then in heavily charred casks. The double-barrelled maturation adds layers of rich, pronounced cocoa and dessert-like notes that converge with the fruity and spicy notes from the grain.

Irish Whiskey FLAVOUR PROFILE: SWEET & SPICY

that’s smoother, cleaner and slightly sweeter in style. This, contrasted with the fruity, savoury and spicy notes from an oloroso sherry cask, creates a convergence of compelling flavours. The Sexton, for example, is a single malt that is triple distilled and aged for approximately four to five years in oloroso sherry casks. Its black hexagonal bottle is almost as distinct as the liquid inside, presenting sweet, yet sharp and tangy notes of pears, citrus, prunes and baking spices.

For those seeking the best of both worlds (i.e. sweet and spicy), sherry- cask aged Irish Whiskeys can serve as a bridge between both flavours. Often known for affordable blended whiskeys that go down well with a pint, Ireland’s best kept secret is their single malt and single pot still whiskeys. Despite it not being required by law, many Irish distilleries opt to triple distill, instead of double distill, resulting in something

Along similar lines but slightly more

refined, Redbreast 12-Year-Old is made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled, then aged in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. Dried fruits, roasted nuts, vanilla and sugar cookies juxtapose peppery, gingery spice in this complex pour.

THE SEXTON SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY Ireland $51.99 162043 On the nose zesty lemon, menthol, yellow apples, golden raisins and slight hints of stone fruits make way for vanilla, white pepper, prunes, citrus, baking spices and a delightfully waxy mouthfeel.

REDBREAST 12-YEAR-OLD SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY Ireland $83.99 636845 This single pot still Expect notes of dried fruits, roasted nuts, vanilla and sugar cookies contrasted with peppery, gingery spice, tobacco and dark roast coffee. whiskey is pure Christmas cake.

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