There is something so warm and cozy about fall. With the arrival of brisk, sunny days, it’s the perfect time to settle in with a glass of something rich and inviting. This issue, we’re all about spirits. Along with an array of fabulous fall-inspired cocktails, we feature bourbon, Scotch and other dark spirits, all perfect pours to sip on as the season turns. We offer classic, comforting recipes with the everyday meal in mind, and menus perfect for entertaining. So, pull out your favourite sweater, curl up with a glass of something delicious and embrace the beauty of fall. With the many spirited articles featured here and the highly anticipated Premium Spirit Release just around the corner, you’re sure to fall for spirits this season!
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Contents Locally Yours 6 BC Spotlight: Icewine 8 Merry & Bright Bites Small bites to please your holiday guests. 12 Top Somms’ Sips for the Holidays Local sommeliers suggest their top wine picks, perfect for gifting and entertaining. 16 A Festive Cheese & Wine Guide Local cheese experts share their top wine and cheese pairings. 20 Getting to Know: Michael Bublé Rediscover this increasingly rare and highly sought after BC gem. and Fraser & Thompson Whiskey We sit down with this local Christmas celebrity, just in time for the holidays! 22 2025 Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) Eat, Drink & Entertain 28 A Merry Evening Add a splash of merry to your holiday dinner with these delicious dishes and pairings. 34 Must-Try Spirits for Holiday Gifting We look to the top trends in spirits for these gifting suggestions. 42 Holiday Wreath Boards Take your entertaining food presentations to holiday heights. 46 Gifting Made Easy A personalized selection can make your gift all the more special. VIWF presenter Evan Goldstein shares his top picks and insights for this annual event.
FOR RECIPES, GO TO BCLIQUORSTORES.COM AND THE INDEX ON PAGE 108.
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54 Sweet, Sweet Eggnog
Not just for drinking, this holiday favourite adds a splash of merry to sweet treats.
60 Making Cocktails Bright Seasonal drinks get a spirited boost with these zesty add-ins. 68 Celebrate with Fizz & Flair Sparkling suggestions for all your New Year’s Eve celebrations. 72 New Year’s Eve: Sparkling Celebration The perfect pairings to ring in the new year: seafood and sparkling wine! 76 Sip into the Future Six wine trends to watch for in 2025. 80 Year of the Snake Cheers to Lunar New Year with cocktails. 84 Lunar New Year
Nothing brings loved ones together for this auspiscious celebration like good food.
89 Lunar New Year Giftables
Gifts to inspire a prosperous year ahead.
90 Cheers to Galentine’s Day Because great friendships deserve recognition too. 94 Say It with Sparkling Rosé Add a splash of sophistication and charm to your Valentine’s Day. 96 The Trio of Veneto: Valpolicella, Ripasso & Amarone Same grape, same place, three different expressions. 100 Game Day Eats Be MVP of your sports event with these showstopping recipes.
Regular Features 32 Only@BCL
Discover our exclusive selections.
38 The Cocktail Menu
“Fraser & Thompson is a genuine passion project—it’s sophisticated and elegant while remaining approachable.”
Featuring sparkling cocktails.
64 New
The latest flavours of the season are here.
67 Product Consultant’s Choice Our experts share their favourites.
104 Special Events 108 Recipe Index 108 Taste Test Kitchen 128 The Last Word
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The perfect gift at any price point.
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The Team
Contributors This Issue
CHRISTINE CAMPBELL is a Vancouver-based freelance and travel writer, educator and host of the Wine Soundtrack Canada podcast. She is WSET Certified, is a French Wine Scholar and holds her Master of Champagne Certification. Follow Christine’s adventures in wine and travel at www.girlsgogrape.com. CHARLENE ROOKE is a drinks journalist and educator who teaches WSET spirits courses internationally, leads tastings and distillery tours and judges spirits competitions. She is the Academy Chair for the Canada West region of the World’s 50 Best Bars.
CONNIE HUI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Connie leads the marketing team for BCLIQUOR and is responsible for creating innovative ideas for the brand and magazine. Her in‑depth experience in marketing and consumer research allows her to capture the trends that readers are most interested in. CAMI TORGERSON HEAD OF BRAND STRATEGY Cami leads the creative strategy at BCLIQUOR, providing the
SUSIE KNIGHT CREATIVE DIRECTOR/MANAGING EDITOR Susie leads the content and creative direction of taste and holds the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Certification. Born and raised in Vancouver, she is passionate about creating a quality magazine for BC customers and loves finding new ways to showcase the recipes and products. overarching vision for retail store design, graphics and taste . She has always had a passion for design, creating beautiful spaces, images and campaigns that connect emotionally to today’s consumer. Her advice for design: “ever evolving, and a step ahead on the latest trends.” RAISA HASANEN GRAPHIC DESIGNER Raisa has a BDes from Emily Carr University of Art + Design and more than 15 years of experience in design. As lead on the overarching design of taste , she develops fresh and considered solutions. She sees life through a creative eye and finds joy in developing rich visual narratives that engage audiences. LYDIA DEL BIANCO, CDP SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lydia has a BFA from UVic and has studied internationally at the master’s level with SVA and SCAD. She was the senior designer on taste from 2009 to 2022 and now leads the in-house design team at BCLIQUOR. Lydia is passionate about typography and branding.
JAMES NEVISON is an award-winning wine writer, an educator and the co‑founder of HALFAGLASS. He is the wine columnist for The Province, where his column “Wine Guy” appears each Thursday. James is the co‑author of seven best‑selling books on wine in Canada, including Had a Glass 2015: Top 100 Wines Under $20. Follow his wine musings @hadaglass. DAENNA VAN MULLIGEN is a Vancouver-based wine journalist, wine judge, accredited sommelier and international speaker. Daenna is publisher of the long-running websites WineDiva.ca and Winescores. ca. She has been published in numerous local and internationally distributed publications and is a regular contributor to Vines Magazine and, more recently, Montecristo Magazine . Follow her @thewinediva.
JERAMIE ADAMS is a chef, recipe developer and food stylist. After earning his chops working in restaurant kitchens for 25 years, he hung up his whites and turned to marketing, working as culinary lead at Picnic Creative. He is an avid collector of cookbooks, vinyl and bad jokes.
LARA VICTORIA, DipWSET, CSW, is a WSET Certified Educator. Her training as a chef, along with her extensive qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, make her a credible expert in food pairings. She teaches, judges and writes on these subjects internationally and is a hospitality consultant. See her work on www.laravictoria.com and follow her @laravictoria.cheers.
LEAH BRANDER GRAPHIC DESIGNER Leah has a diploma in graphic design and 10 years experience in the field. As design lead on the winter issue, Leah loves combining illustration with layouts to create engaging designs. In her free time she creates mixed-media art.
LAWREN MONETA is a chef, food stylist, recipe developer and mommy, whose culinary passion has taken her all over the world. Now based in Vancouver, she loves exploring the ever- expanding food and wine culture the West Coast has to offer.
DIANE SMALLWOOD DIGITAL IMAGING SPECIALIST Diane has a diploma in graphic and visual design and over 25 years of experience in design and production. Her specialty on taste is bringing out the best in the photos. She holds the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Certification. DAEWHAN LIM MARKETING PRODUCT SPECIALIST Daewhan holds the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma. He has a passion for wine knowledge and is always on the hunt to add to his growing collection. He enjoys golfing, and you might be able to spot him playing pitch and putt at Central Park. GABRIELLA CIRELLI CONTENT/PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Gabriella has studied visual arts and has over eight years of experience in visual merchandising and design. With a strong interest in digital art and set design, she brings a fresh perspective to taste . In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with cocktail and food recipes, crafting and going to music shows. CAROLINE RIEDEL MENSING CONTENT/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Caroline has a degree in social communication with a major in marketing and advertising. She has experience working with magazines in Brazil and is passionate about photography. She loves travelling and exploring new places.
RHYS PENDER, MW, is a Master of Wine who combines his time writing, judging, teaching, consulting and dirtying his boots at his Little Farm Winery. Named by Western Living as a “Top 40 Foodie Under 40” in Western Canada, Rhys also runs Wine Plus+, a wine school, and judges wine competitions nationally and internationally. SABRINE DHALIWAL is passionate about flavours and elevating the home bar experience. A globally awarded bartender, certified specialist of spirits and WSET accredited in wine & spirits, Sabrine creates complexity in drinks without being complicated, by using items you likely already have in your pantry. Follow @sabrinedhaliwal for more cocktail tips. NICOLE MACKAY is a wine, food and travel writer and the managing editor for two international publications: Wine Folly and SOMM TV Magazine . She is also a contributing writer for Decanter , a Spanish Wine Scholar through the Wine Scholar Guild, and holds a level 3 certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Follow her work on SocialSips.ca and Instagram @SocialSips.
TARYN WA is passionate about creating and sharing beautiful and delicious food. She learned the importance of nourishing others from her mother and grandmothers, and fell in love with cooking at a young age.
TIM PAWSEY is a well-travelled food and wine writer at various publications, including WHERE Vancouver , Quench, SIP, Vitis, The Alchemist and others. Find him at hiredbelly.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @hiredbelly and Facebook @TheHiredBelly.
Prices are subject to change without notice. In the event of any error or omission published in this magazine, the product description and display price in the liquor store will prevail. Products in this publication will be available as of November 2024, unless otherwise noted. Quantities may be limited. Items with very limited quantities are distributed only to Signature BCLIQUOR stores. Visit bcliquorstores.com to locate any products sold at BCLIQUOR stores and for up-to-date pricing information. Prices do not reflect sales and do not include taxes or container deposit. Vintages may vary.
taste magazine is a publication of BCLIQUOR TM . To inquire about advertising opportunities, please contact The taste team at taste.magazine@bcliquorstores.com taste magazine BCLIQUOR 3383 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4S1 taste.magazine@bcliquorstores.com
taste magazine is printed on 10 percent recycled paper using vegetable-based ink.
PHOTOGRAPHY
PRINTER
JOE BORRELLI PHOTOGRAPHY
MITCHELL PRESS
PICNIC CREATIVE
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WINTER 2024 For a Splash of Merry
Editor’s Note
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The holiday season is all about making things merry and bright. And we’ve got the tools to help you do just that. Our Locally Yours section is full of expert interviews, including our chat with local celebrity and King of Christmas Michael Bublé. In addition to delicious food and festive cocktail recipes perfect for holiday entertaining, we share gifting inspirations sure to make your shopping a snap. These include insider tips on the hottest trends in wine and spirits for the coming year. So embrace the season, and let us help you add a splash of merry to all your holiday and new year celebrations!
From the Cover
Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky Canada $29.49 1487
An exquisite blend of 50 Canadian whiskies makes
Crown Royal rich and robust. It’s smooth and creamy with a lingering oak and vanilla flavour.
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PROUDLY MADE IN CANADA since 1883
AVAILABLE AT THE
Please drink responsibly
Celebrate the true beauty of BC with our “Locally Yours” section. Along with delicious recipes featuring local ingredients paired with BC wine, beer and refreshment beverages, we bring you local stories, spotlights and talents from the industry. Discover all that BC has to offer this winter!
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BC Spotlight Icewine An Elusive Elixir
BY TIM PAWSEY
Icewine is increasingly scarce due to climate change. Its rarity and sweet yet concentrated flavours make it the perfect treat for gift giving or top-tier seasonal celebrations. Why Buy Icewine? Icewine has grown in popularity, especially as a sweet wine served at the end of a meal. Not long ago, almost every Okanagan winery made Icewine. But with the annual harvest no longer a given, Icewine has become all the more desirable and worth tracking down. Walter Hainle made Canada’s first Icewine in Peachland, British Columbia, in 1973. A German immigrant, he was keen to replicate in the Okanagan the cherished Eiswein of his homeland. However, it was Ontario’s Inniskillin winery that first garnered international fame for its Niagara-produced Icewines. By winning the Grand Prix d’Honneur in 1991 at Bordeaux’s Vinexpo, the winery effectively put Canada on the world map as a small but quality-driven wine producer—and helped lay the groundwork for today’s industry in BC. What Makes Icewine Unique? Making Icewine is far from easy. Under strict Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) regulations, the grapes must freeze naturally on the vine and can be picked only when the air temperature drops to −8 C or lower. At the winery (which must have previously registered its intent to make Icewine), the grapes must be pressed immediately while still frozen.
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Paradise Ranch Merlot Icewine BC VQA $28.99 106260 200 ml
Tough rules like these ones ensure that Canadian Icewine meets standards worthy of such a specialty wine. But the rules are also intended to fiercely protect its authenticity. Before the rules came in, Icewine was often usurped in the market by fraudulent “freezer” wines that tasted nothing like the real thing. To ensure authenticity, Canadian Icewine is always labelled as VQA. Does Nature Play a Role? Unpredictable winter weather may mean fewer sufficiently cold days to freeze the grapes. Plus, if and when the harvest does arrive, birds, bears and deer may have already helped themselves, reducing the crop by as much as two-thirds. With such low yields, it’s no wonder this much sought after nectar is so highly prized. White or Red? Riesling is regarded as the vinifera variety most suited to Icewine, mainly for its high acidity. Also widely used is the French hybrid Vidal, which is renowned for its winter hardiness. A few other varieties also work well, including a handful of red grapes, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Holiday Pairings Celebrate the holidays with Icewine on its own or matched with a suitable dessert. A general rule for food pairing is that the wine should always be a little sweeter than the dish itself, whether a savoury dish or a dessert. Almost by mistake, the first Icewine was made in February 1830, in Dromersheim, Germany, after growers discovered that frozen grapes left on the vine since harvest made absolutely delicious wine.
Bench 1775 winemaker Richard Kanazawa suggests pairing the Paradise Ranch 2022 Merlot Icewine with “anything rich and slightly salty, like chicken liver mousse.”
Richard Kanazawa
Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Icewine BC VQA $65.99 240127 375 ml
The perfect match for Mission Hill’s 2016 Riesling Reserve Icewine is crabapples. “My favourite!” confides Patrick Gayler, executive chef at the winery’s Terrace Restaurant. “Cooked and sweetened, they take on a beautiful, ripe, candied flavour.”
Patrick Gayler
Inniskillin Okanagan Estate Riesling Icewine BC VQA $33.99 598946 200 ml
Inniskillin’s Okanagan winemaker Derek Kontkanen suggests the apricot- and peach-toned 2018 Riesling Icewine is “a perfect dessert wine to enjoy on its own or with rich cheeses like blue or aged cheddar.”
Derek Kontkanen
Black Sage Vineyard Vidal Icewine BC VQA $64.99 331598 375 ml
Black Sage Vineyard’s 2022 Vidal Icewine, with its “delightful balance of sweetness and acidity...pairs beautifully with rich desserts like white chocolate cream cake
or barbecue peaches,” says winemaker Jason James.
Jason James
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Merry & Bright Bites
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING BY JERAMIE ADAMS
Totkes with Vodka-Cured Sockeye Lox
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Whipped Brie with Roasted Grapes
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Steller’s Jay Brut BC VQA $24.99 264879 Produced in the traditional method, this sparkling wine has a rich flavour of toasted nuts accompanied by white peach, ripe orchard fruit and citrus blossom.
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Tantalus Pinot Noir BC VQA $35.99 200881
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Fort Berens Chardonnay BC VQA $23.99 558171 With subtle hints of oak, this Chardonnay shows vanilla backed by lively notes of stone fruit and citrus. It pairs well with creamy sauces and fish.
This flagship Pinot Noir from Tantalus delivers blackberry and fresh cranberry with red apple and rhubarb pie on the palate and a silky tannin.
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MERRY & BRIGHT BITES
FOR RECIPES, GO TO BCLIQUORSTORES.COM AND THE INDEX ON PAGE 108.
Whipped Salt Cod Crostini
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Gewürztraminer BC VQA $18.99 142893
Bursting with flavours of lychee and juicy grapefruit with a hint of sweetness, Sumac Ridge Private Reserve Gewürztraminer is a crowd- pleaser at any party.
Tourtière Meatballs with
Cranberry Chili Sauce
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Bartier Bros. Rosé
BC VQA $19.99 35609 This versatile rosé has flavours of citrus, rhubarb and orange pekoe tea, with delicate rose petal notes. Its crisp freshness makes it a great aperitif and party pleaser.
pairs with Merry & Bright Bites Hoyne Brewing Pilsner
BC Craft $15.29 38610 6 × 355 ml
Hoyne Brewing Pilsner is a beautifully crafted beer that expresses the fine, delicate side of bright hops and sweet malt character balanced by warm spiciness.
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Top Somms’ Sips for the Holidays
BY JAMES NEVISON
Another holiday season has arrived, and with the many events comes that perennial predicament: What wine should I bring? From holiday dinner to open houses, Hanukkah gatherings and New Year’s Eve parties, deciding on the “right” bottle for the occasion can cause some stress. Remember that the holidays are first and foremost a time for merriment, gathering and spreading cheer, so any gift of wine is thoughtful. What wines would the experts bring to share? We asked four top Lower Mainland sommeliers. Here are their picks for both a classic bottle ready to please a crowd and a lesser-known, underappreciated option.
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Justin Isidro
General Manager and Sommelier, Kissa Tanto
NICHE PICK
CLASSIC PICK
La Chablisienne Chablis La Pierrelée “You can never go wrong with Chablis. Crafted by one of
Maria Bonita Vinho Verde “The Vinho Verde region, one of Portugal’s most intriguing and
Burgundy’s most storied cooperatives, this Chardonnay captures the essence of Chablis with its sharp mineral backbone. The 2020 vintage balances crisp green apple and citrus with a touch of white flowers, finishing with lively acidity and a hint of flint. It’s an elegant wine that’s pure and precise, a versatile companion to seafood, poultry or a simple plate of soft cheeses.”
underappreciated wine areas, is known for producing light, aromatic wines with a
subtle effervescence. Maria Bonita is a dry, fresh and vibrant Vinho Verde that presents the region in a different light. With its zesty brightness and clean, mineral finish, Maria Bonita pairs excellently with salads, seafood and grilled vegetables. Though Vinho Verde may not always be the first name that comes to mind, its rewards are plentiful!”
Maria Bonita Vinho Verde Portugal $19.99 185986
La Chablisienne Chablis La Pierrelée France $43.99 359844
Kurtis Kolt
Wine Director, Maenam
NICHE PICK
CLASSIC PICK
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques “The Jadot Beaujolais is outright delicious and juicy, with plenty of
Tiberio Trebbiano d’Abruzzo “Cristiana Tiberio’s family winery in Abruzzo specializes in the Trebbiano variety, and
cherries, plums and redcurrants. I like to serve it with a hint of a chill, which gives it a
this outing is composed of a massal selection from an average vine age of over 70 years. Juicy Honeycrisp apple, guava and pomelo all come in spades here; its liveliness pairs well with fried, salty snacks, an assortment of artisan cheeses or poultry in any form. At $25, it’s an outright bargain.”
little more spring in its step.” Generally speaking, Kolt says, “while it’s tempting during the colder months to go with a big, chunky red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, many of them can clock in above 14 percent alcohol, whereas many lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay will be closer to the 12 percent mark.” This lightness makes it a versatile pairing with festive foods!
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques France $29.99 469924
Tiberio Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Italy $24.99 82402
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Fly nonstop to Toronto, Montreal & Ottawa from Vancouver. Plus, nonstop flights to Toronto from Victoria. On your flight east, you’ll enjoy friendly onboard service; free wine, beer & premium snacks; free, fast streaming WiFi & in-flight entertainment; delicious, fresh food options; and a plane with no middle seats. Actually enjoy economy!
TOP SOMMS’ SIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Jayton Paul
Wine Director, Published on Main
NICHE PICK:
CLASSIC PICK:
Catena Mendoza High Mountain Vines Malbec “This isn’t your average Malbec. This is high-altitude Malbec sourced from vineyards at between 950 and 1,450 metres in elevation. This
Medici Ermete Reggiano Concerto Lambrusco “Medici Ermete is a sustainable winery producing outstanding Lambrusco wines for over a century in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The Concerto Lambrusco is
wildly aromatic, showcasing fresh plums, blackberry, saskatoon berry and black cherry alongside herbal tones like dried thyme and sage. The palate is dry with a plush mouthfeel and refreshing acidity. This wine has a plethora of food-pairing opportunities; however, I enjoy it most with fried foods, lamb tartare, beef carpaccio and braised meats.”
altitude makes for wines of intensity, freshness and finesse. Bright, fresh and full of tart red and black fruit, this wine has a distinct herbal quality alongside dried violets and cocoa. Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil offer wines of amazing quality; if you enjoy this one, please search out their higher- end Cuvées and single-vineyard sites.”
Catena Mendoza High Mountain Vines Malbec Argentina $26.99 478727
Medici Ermete Reggiano Concerto Lambrusco Italy $22.49 571968
Kelcie Jones
Educator and Sommelier, This is Wine School
NICHE PICK:
CLASSIC PICK:
Unsworth Pinot Gris “Unsworth has in recent years honed their focus in
Stoller Pinot Noir “Oregon makes some of the
most elegant Pinot Noirs on the planet and has quietly established itself as a leader in sustainability practices worldwide. Stoller is one
the vineyards on ‘regenerative agriculture,’ a term that means that it’s important not only to stop using heavy chemical additions and ‘go organic,’ but also to give back to the soil and earth that grows their grapes. It is a philosophy I think (and hope!) we will see more of in the coming years.”
of the larger wineries in Oregon, though small on the global scale! Their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a modern classic—a bright, juicy, classy, light-bodied red that will work with everything from turkey dinner to Peking duck without a fuss.”
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris BC VQA $25.99 30432
Stoller Willamette Valley Pinot Noir USA $39.99 162526
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A Festive Cheese & Wine Guide
BY DAENNA VAN MULLIGAN
Wine and cheese have a long, symbiotic relationship. You don’t have to sit down and eat an entire holiday meal with a glass of wine, but serving up a thoughtful selection of cheeses and some artisan breads will elevate any winter get-together to elegance. Cheesemaking is referred to in ancient Greek mythology and is depicted on murals in Egyptian tombs. Likewise, residue from pottery jars found in a village near Tbilisi, Georgia, indicates the jars were used for storing wine 8,000 years ago. While not all cheeses and wines are perfect pairings, there are many ideal couplings. We’ve asked experts Allison Spurrell, co-
owner of Les amis du fromage in Vancouver, and Paul Sutter, head cheesemaker at Natural Pastures Cheese Company on Vancouver Island, for their recommendations.
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Sauvignon Blanc & Chèvre Pretty much anyone in the hospitality industry will recommend a good goat’s cheese with Sauvignon Blanc. Spurrell, who has had a passion for educating consumers on the gastronomic delights of cheese for decades, agrees: “Goat’s cheese is an ideal match.” “There is something about the tangy taste of a fresh chèvre that becomes smooth and rich when paired with a lovely glass of Sauvignon Blanc,” she says. “Both the wine and cheese are enhanced.” Petrichor’s zesty lemon, gooseberry, wildflower and apricot-inflected Sauvignon Blanc will shine with Spurrell’s suggestion: Salt Spring Island Cheese Company’s chèvre. Chardonnay & Camembert Swiss-born cheesemaker Sutter has been making cheese for 30 years, and experience has shown him that pairing Chardonnay with Camembert- style cheeses is a win. “It pairs very well with King’s Peak, one of our newest cheeses. It’s a washed-rind semi-firm cheese that we wash with lees of a local Chardonnay,” he explains. Spurrell concurs. “My favourite pairings with Chardonnay are ripened soft cheeses, especially something with a bit of earthiness like Natural Pastures’ Comox Camembert or a Brie de Meaux from France.” Quails’ Gate’s fresh lemon and yellow fruit-focused Chardonnay, with its nutty and buttery palate, is well suited to these informed suggestions. Pinot Gris & Oka Admittedly, there are multiple styles of Pinot Gris. The richer Alsatian versions partner deliciously with the region’s local Munster cheese, and crisp, light Italian Pinot Grigios are lovely with fresh mozzarella. For those Pinot Gris that fall in between, like the pear, apricot and wildflower-driven version from Poplar Grove, Spurrell recommends a washed-rind cheese like Oka from Québec, “a style that’s medium-textured with a slightly sandy, sticky orange crust.” She underlines that a mild to medium-strong Oka would pair best with this particular style of Pinot Gris.
Petrichor Sauvignon Blanc BC VQA $18.99 427002
Quails’ Gate Chardonnay BC VQA $26.99 377770
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris BC VQA $23.49 196264
Spurrell suggests removing soft and semi-soft cheeses from the refrigerator three to four hours before serving and medium to firm cheeses one hour before.
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!
Drinking can have a big impact on your judgement, reaction time and can make you more willing to take risks. If you want to drink, save it for aer the slopes. Winter Safety
A FESTIVE CHEESE & WINE GUIDE
Pinot Noir & Gouda Gray Monk’s Pinot Noir, a light-bodied, tangy, red berry and cherry-scented wine with earthy undertones, requires thoughtful partnering. “Pinot Noir is well paired with soft cheese like our Comox Brie,” Sutter says. “It also goes well with cheeses like Gouda and our award-winning Aged Farmhouse.” Spurrell adds, “Pinot Noir can be very tricky to match. Typical cheeses you think might work really overshadow these more delicate wines.” She suggests aged Dutch Goudas like Beemster XO or Old Amsterdam. Cabernet Franc & Cheddar “Tried and true cheddar,” Spurrell enthuses, when asked about a cheese pairing with the vibrant cherry, tobacco and spice-laden Bordertown Cabernet Franc. “We tend to think cheddar isn’t interesting, but it can be an amazing match for many different wines.” She says, “Buy a good-quality aged (over two to three years) cheddar. Because of its fatty nature, it works well with rich reds, and if there are big tannins, it can hold its own.” She proposes Belton Farm White Fox from the United Kingdom or Cows Creamery 3 Year Old from Prince Edward Island. Fortified Wine & Blue Cheese Black Sage Vineyard’s Pipe, a sweet dessert wine, conveys rich black cherry, prune and fig characters. For special fortified wines like this, Spurrell and
Sutter agree a full-flavoured blue cheese or Stilton is a wise choice.
Gray Monk Pinot Noir BC VQA $23.99 251835
Bordertown Cabernet Franc BC VQA $22.99 237266
Black Sage Vineyard Pipe
From his Natural Pastures portfolio, Sutton suggests the creamy Amsterdammer, and Spurrell feels “any aged cheese with a bit of richness should be a good match.” She likes Bleu d’Auvergne or Fourme d’Ambert, adding, “I love a fruit cracker or fruit bread with blue cheese and fruit preserve or a little honey and some toasted almonds for a dessert course.”
BC VQA $29.99 713750 500 ml
To protect cheese from drying out and from bacteria in your fridge, Spurrell recommends wrapping it in plastic wrap, cheese paper or waxed paper and sealing it in a container.
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getting to know Michael Bublé and Fraser & Thompson Whiskey
BY DAENNA VAN MULLIGAN
Beloved Canadian crooner and Vancouver Canucks superfan Michael Bublé has entertained delighted fans around the globe for more than two decades. Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Bublé has sold more than 75 million albums over his career, has won five Grammy Awards and 15 Juno Awards, and has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s also the face of Fraser & Thompson, a whiskey he co-founded in 2023. The busy artist took some time to chat with us about his new project just days before the release of his new album, The Best of Bublé.
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Have you always been a whisky drinker? Yes, I have always appreciated a good whisky, as did my grandfather. He was a whisky enthusiast in his own right and imparted to me a lifelong appreciation for quality whisky. What’s unique about Fraser & Thompson Whiskey? Fraser & Thompson is forging a new spirits category. Its Canadian roots paired with a Kentucky blend introduced a new whisky category: it’s the first North American whisky. My co-founder, Paul Cirka, is a long-time friend and award-winning master distiller. He is the reason I got involved with the project. It took over three years, but with his expertise and knowledge, we developed an incredible whisky. I am super proud of what we created together. How did the name Fraser & Thompson come about? Growing up, my grandfather took me fishing on the Fraser and Thompson Rivers in British Columbia. He said sometimes the greatest things can happen when two unexpected things, like the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, meet. That’s what we really tried to apply to our whisky. People never would’ve thought that Canadian whisky and Kentucky bourbon would blend well, but we knew better. Fraser & Thompson has some very fun marketing, like “Less burn, more Bublé” and “Disturbingly calm, effortlessly smooth.” Do you enjoy this cheeky side of marketing? It doesn’t matter how good your marketing is; if the product isn’t good, it’s never going to work. Fraser & Thompson is a genuine passion project—it’s sophisticated and elegant while remaining approachable. I love that I’m able to be so involved in the marketing. I worked closely with the creative and marketing teams to come up with those cheeky tag lines, and I loved being part of the campaign videos and getting the opportunity to show everyone my sense of humour.
What is your favourite way to drink Fraser & Thompson Whiskey?
Nothing beats sitting back and relaxing with a glass of F&T. I’m a big whisky guy, and I usually like it over ice, but it also makes a great cocktail like our F&T Old-Fashioned. Is there a particular dish you like to pair with your whisky? My beautiful wife is Argentinian, and we eat a lot of traditional Argentinian dishes. A staple dish in our home is my mother-in-law’s empanadas. My wife and I will pair empanadas with the F&T Old-Fashioned; it’s really easy to whip up a big batch that we can share with the whole family.
Which of your songs pairs best with Fraser & Thompson?
“Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.” This is a track we just released for the first time as part of my new greatest hits album, The Best of Bublé , which I’m so excited everyone can finally listen to.
What do the holidays look like for you this year? I’ve been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles as the newest coach on The Voice . Once we have our season 26 winner, I’m looking forward to spending the holidays with my family. As a Canadian, Argentinian and Italian family, we cook everything from empanadas to turkey to fresh pastas. It’s an amazing way to celebrate the wonderful mix of cultures.
Different celebrities have various levels of involvement with their products. How involved have you been in the whisky-making process?
As brand co-founder, I am heavily involved at every step. I worked to get the brand in front of key audiences, because I really believe in the product and how good it is. The actual making of the whisky was the longest and most difficult project I’ve been part of. The distilling and blending process is done by Paul Cirka. You grew up in the Lower Mainland. Are there any funny bar stories about Vancouver you can share? What’s funny is that bars were like my living room—they’re where I spent my nights working and performing for anyone who would listen. I can’t count how many times I sang for people who weren’t interested in me!
Fraser & Thompson Whiskey USA $62.99 330715 A fragrant whiskey delivering vanilla, dried orange peel, fig and apricot flavours. Toffee and spice flavours on the palate roll into a long, smooth finish.
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2025 Vancouver International Wine Festival Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein’s Top Picks & Insights
BY CHRISTINE CAMPBELL, FWS
What draws you to the VIWF year after year? Vancouver is drop-dead gorgeous and a leading city in terms of epicurean offerings: it is a vibrant city. Professionally, I am enamoured with the quality of wineries that participate and the quality of the VIWF organization. It is excellent value for money for all who attend. The magic fairy dust that Vancouver sprinkles over everything, the happiness of the people and the incredible energy at the festival make the VIWF a unique and memorable experience. There is a noticeable vibe around the VIWF. As someone who travels the world attending festivals, I can tell when people are enthusiastic about the industry and culture. What are some must-attend events at this year’s festival? The VIWF is truly exciting because of the variety. Some of the events that stand out to me (beyond my own, of course!) include a couple that I would deem “discovery” dinners (A Taste of Croatia, Southern Italian Renaissance), and the cool climate California session (breaking a few urban myths about the Golden State). What wine regions are you most excited to explore at this year’s festival? I make a beeline for British Columbia (BC) producers, and it is my opportunity
Evan Goldstein is dedicated to sharing his knowledge of wine. One of only 273 Master Sommeliers worldwide, Goldstein has authored four books, has co-authored several more and is a contributing editor to The Oxford Companion to Wine . In 2022, Goldstein was recruited by his hometown baseball team, the San Francisco Giants, becoming the first-ever Master Sommelier for a professional sports organization. Goldstein will be presenting at the 46 th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF), which runs from February 22 to March 2, 2025, and will spotlight wines from the United States. We sat down with him to learn why he’s such a fan of the VIWF.
to dive deep into BC wines. It is a rare opportunity for me to taste all that BC has to offer, and the VIWF is an excellent place to do that.
Photo Credit: Wilfred Wong
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Ridge Lytton Springs Red Blend USA $87.99 178236 Full-bodied and ripe,
What insider tips do you have for attendees to get the most out of the festival? One of the most exciting aspects of the VIWF is interacting with producers. Go to seminars and food-
Ridge’s Zinfandel-led blend features blackberry, cherry and black pepper on the palate. It’s savoury and has tremendous aging potential.
pairing events. Ask questions. Producers are there to interact with you! Wine is about discovery, so I always suggest that people be curious and go with a plan. You can focus on a region or choose a wine style or grape variety as your focus: know what you’re looking for when you enter the Grand Tasting Room. Also, pay attention to the food in the tasting room— treat food like a category and dedicate time to asking questions and sampling what is there.
DAOU Chardonnay USA $29.99 226285
DAOU’s Chardonnay offers vibrant aromas of vanilla, juicy mango and toasted hazelnut, complemented by delicate notes of honeysuckle and a splash of lemon zest.
How would you describe the Vancouver wine scene?
I look at it two ways. Locally, you’re effectively situated next to wine country, with a short drive to BC’s wine regions. It’s how we feel in San Francisco: we are about a 90-minute drive in any direction to a wine region. This proximity allows us a cultural connection and, using a baseball analogy, lets us win games in our own ballpark. Vancouver’s restaurants are famously international in scope and not only have developed wine programs focusing on BC wines but also offer incredible selections from global producers. You won’t find this type of variety in many cities worldwide! How does the festival foster connections between wine professionals & enthusiasts? Vancouver is all about community. The BC wineries that participate in the festival foster connections with local consumers, who may, in turn, become wine club members. The international wineries that attend can offer inspiration to start a bucket list of vacation destinations.
Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot USA $83.99 558239 Ripe cherry, plum and fig aromas meet leather and cedar notes, a lush palate, bright acidity and velvety tannins, with hints of coffee and chocolate.
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FEB 22–MAR 2, 2025 THE WINE WORLD IS HERE
ITALY
PORTUGAL Symington Family Estates SPAIN Freixenet Marqués de Riscal Grupo Marqués del Atrio Bodegas Olarra SAKE Gekkeikan Sake Nakano Saké Brewery Co.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival is proud to welcome 122 wineries from 15 countries to the 2025 festival. This winter, we’re featuring the Wines of USA, with an exciting West Coast showing of our American friends. For more information, visit VanWineFest.ca .
Baglio Oro Belguardo Azienda Agricola
Bocale di Valentini
Brilla Cantine Coppi Donna Viola Feudi di San Gregorio Giusti Wine Leonardo da Vinci Azienda Agricola Marziano Abbona Rocca delle Macìe Tommasi Family Estates Torre Zambra Villa Sandi Villa Travignoli NEW ZEALAND Oyster Bay Villa Maria Wines
Wineries subject to change.
AUSTRALIA Calabria Family Wines Inland Trading Co. Maison Blue
UNITED STATES
CHILE Emiliana Organic Vineyards Maturana Winery CROATIA Coronica Winery Fakin Winery Korta Katarina Winery Stina Winery FRANCE Champagne Duval-Leroy Caves de Rauzan GREECE Alpha Estate Anatolikos Vineyards
The Prisoner
Wine Company Provenance Vineyards Ridge Vineyards Robert Mondavi Winery Rodney Strong Wine Estates Rombauer Vineyards Signorello / Edge / Trim / S Stags’ Leap Winery STEL+MAR Talbott Vineyards Trentadue Winery Trinchero Family Estates
California 689 Cellars ASV Wines Accolade Wines Baileyana Beaulieu Vineyard Black Stallion Estate Winery
Ninki Shuzo Saito Shuzo Yoshi no Gawa
Majella Wines Mitchell Wines Pindarie BRAZIL Miolo
Saké Brewery Co.
Bogle Family Vineyards Bonterra Organic Estates Booker Wines Bread & Butter Wines CK Mondavi and Family Caymus Vineyards DAOU Vineyards Don Sebastiani & Sons The Duckhorn Portfolio Ferrari-Carano Francis Ford Coppola Winery Frank Family Vineyards Gloria Ferrer Hope Family Wines Ironstone Vineyards J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Jackson Family Wines Josh Cellars Justin Vineyards & Winery LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards McPrice Myers Orin Swift Cellars
CANADA
Wente Vineyards The Wine Group The Wine Group Oregon Adelsheim Vineyard Citation Wine Erath Lingua Franca
Bench 1775 Black Sage Vineyard Blue Grouse Estate Winery Cannon Estate Winery Chaberton Estate Winery Country Vines Winery Da Silva Vineyards Frind Estate Winery Jason Parkes Customs LA FRENZ Estate Winery Lakeside Cellars Moraine Estate Winery Osoyoos Larose Phantom Creek Estates Poplar Grove Winery Quails' Gate Winery Road 13 Vineyards Sage Hayward Vineyards Stoneboat Vineyards Unsworth Vineyards
HOW TO #VIWF VanWineFest features 44 events over eight days, but most festivalgoers visit the International Festival Tasting Room in the
Kechris Winery Órama Brands Domaine Skouras Wine Art Estate HUNGARY Grand Tokaj
Vancouver Convention Centre West Building, where you can sample ~700 wines from the 122 participating wineries and at tasting stations and wine bars in the room. Get the most of your festival experience by checking out our Tasting Room Tips via the QR code above and learn how you can get a FREE ticket to the International Festival Tasting. TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT VANWINEFEST.CA
Washington Aquilini Wines
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Tirriddis Sparkling Wines ARGENTINA Bodega Argento Bodegas Salentein UKO Wines
MAJOR SPONSORS
MAJOR PARTNERS
PREMIER SPONSORS
FUNDRAISING
BENEFITING
#VIWF | @VanWineFest | Sign up for E-News at VanWineFest.ca
2025 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
Poplar Grove The Legacy
Quails’ Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay BC VQA $49.99 639641 This standout BC Chardonnay boasts flavours of caramelized peaches and vanilla, with a velvety, buttery texture and a smooth, lasting finish that captivates the palate.
Can you share a personal highlight from one of your experiences at the festival?
BC VQA $70.99 75257 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot lead this opulent Bordeaux blend. Flavours of cassis, clove and blackberry delight the palate.
Absolutely! The reality is that everyone loves Canada, especially Vancouver. So, wine journalists like Andrew Jefford find themselves at the VIWF, and I’ve had the opportunity to interact and chat with them and with producers I haven’t had the chance to meet before. It’s always a fantastic community of people in the wine industry that I can connect with. Another highlight was the buzz in the room when South America was announced as the theme continent for 2023. I appreciated the openness to the concept of a continent being the focus, versus a country or region. Here we share six Evan Goldstein- approved wines from the US and BC to seek out at the wine festival. You can pick up a bottle at the VIWF at the on-site store, or pick one up at your local BCLIQUOR to explore at home. The VIWF encourages responsible drinking and partners with the Get Home Safe program, offering a complimentary one-zone Compass ticket to International Festival Tastings patrons.
Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon USA $59.99 255513 The bouquet showcases dark currants, tobacco leaf, earthy truffle and spiced oak. Medium to full-bodied, it offers ripe tannins, superb balance and an impressively long finish.
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SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM FA LA LA LA LA LA LAND.
CALIFORNIA WINES. AS ALIVE AS THE PLACE THEY’RE GROWN.
Things are a little dierent here in California, that’s for sure. But the Holiday spirit, that’s universal. We have so much to be thankful for and so many reasons to celebrate. Happily, there are California wines for every occasion, milestone and moment.
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Look for this logo for wines crafted sustainably from 85% or more grapes from certified sustainable vineyards.
discovercaliforniawines.com sustainablewinegrowing.org
california
@CaliforniaWinesCanada @California.Wines.Canada
LA CREMA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR 2022 SKU 826578 91 Points Wine Enthusiast
JOEL GOTT 815 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 SKU 168328 Aromas of black cherries and blackberries with notes of clove and brown sugar. Dark, concentrated fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and notes of vanilla on a long finish.
Generous and approachable Pinot Noir with aromas of strawberry, black cherry, and vanilla ice cream. Plush, richly textured wine with juicy fruits, balanced tannins, and chipped slate minerality.
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california
OUR HOLIDAY FAVOURITES
UNSHACKLED CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021
7 DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2020 SKU 337402 Round and layered showing flavors of dark fruits, currants and toee through a lingering spice-touched finish.
SKU 96245
Featuring aromas of plum and blackberry with a hint of olive. Flavours of black stone fruit, clove, and dried herbs with solid tannin structure.
Product of California ADVERTISEMENT
A Merry Evening
RECIPES & FOOD STYLING BY LAWREN MONETA
Parsnip & Apple Braid with Cranberry Chutney
pairs with A Merry Evening Chateau
pairs with A Merry Evening Fontanafredda Serralunga d’Alba Barolo Italy $49.99 99424 Fontanafredda Barolo brings structure, power, velvety texture and great balance. It has delicate flavours of black cherry, strawberry, potpourri and underbrush, with a long finish.
pairs with A Merry Evening Red Rooster Pinot Noir BC VQA $24.99 533190 This elegant wine from Red Rooster has red cherry, redcurrant and black tea flavours, with a hint of oak and spice on the finish. Perfect to pair with your holiday meal.
Ste. Michelle Chardonnay USA $23.99 232439 This is a well- balanced Chardonnay that offers ripe pear, red apple and hints of tropical fruit. Flavours of butter, vanilla and toasty oak spice make this a delicious dinner addition.
Kale Salad with Whisky Pickled Cranberries
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FOR RECIPES, GO TO BCLIQUORSTORES.COM AND THE INDEX ON PAGE 108.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Roast Duck
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A MERRY EVENING
Spiced Gingerbread Cake
pairs with A Merry Evening
pairs with Spiced Gingerbread Cake Wayne Gretzky Canadian Cream Liquor
pairs with & ingredient in Spiced Gingerbread Cake The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum Trinidad-Tobago $31.49 499172 This rum has flavours of ripe banana, toasted coconut and cinnamon, laden with vanilla and caramel. Have a splash in your eggnog by the fireplace.
Seghesio Zinfandel USA $37.99 428417 This Zinfandel encapsulates a fusion of blackberry, blackcurrant, plum and baking spice, interwoven with supple tannins and a gratifying finish.
Canada $29.99 115753 A luscious farm-fresh Ontario cream liqueur with decadent notes of
almond, cream, dark biscuit, nutmeg and toasted wafer, with a sweet long finish.
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Bolla Prosecco Italy $19.99 226157 A great start to any meal, this Prosecco is bursting with vibrant acidity followed by peach, apple and pear, with a pleasant lively finish.
Look for this icon online and at your local BCLIQUOR for products only available at BCL. Pick up a bottle or two today of these exclusive selections!
Steamworks John Oliver IPA BC Craft $11.79 356273 6 × 355 ml This limited edition West Coast IPA is a tribute to former premier John Oliver. It delivers floral notes, citrus, bold hops and mild biscuit maltiness.
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Tania & Vincent Carême Terre Brûlée Chenin Blanc South Africa $23.99 182934 Just like crème brûlée, layers of rich brioche and pastry cream are finely balanced with flavours of Honeycrisp apple, yellow plum, preserved lemon and herb.
Columbia Crest H3 Merlot USA $24.99 752063
Delightful notes of spice, black plum, blackberry and ripe cherry are perfectly followed by earth, cocoa and vanilla, with a plush, velvety finish.
Phantom Creek Estates Cabernet Franc BC VQA $41.99 90203
Glenrothes 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky United Kingdom $79.99 168586
Sourced from the Golden Mile and Black Sage Benches, this Cabernet Franc delivers ripe bramble berry notes with a sage finish.
Fruity notes of dried apricot, cantaloupe and green apple are present, along with creamy hazelnut, honey-baked walnuts and a light dusting of cinnamon and clove.
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Must-Try Spirits for Holiday Gifting
BY CHARLENE ROOKE
Being in the know on the hottest trends in the spirits industry makes choosing tequila, whisky and gin gifts for the friends and family on your holiday list a joy. With a spotlight on innovative production techniques and unique flavours, these are the spirits and trends everyone will be talking about in 2025. These bottles will be coveted gifts not only over the holidays, but also right through to Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to ask the Product Consultant at your local BCLIQUOR store about other limited edition and new products, including those from the annual Premium Spirit Release.
Cristalino Tequila A “cristalino” checks all the boxes for tequila fans. It’s clear, like blanco or silver bottlings, for crystalline sipping and cocktails. Although it has been barrel aged and then filtered to remove the golden tint from oak maturation, it’s still as smooth as wood- rested reposado and añejo tequilas. Maestro Dobel Diamante is one of the pioneers of this style. Another tequila trend to watch, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches, is pretty “rosa” tequilas from brands like Don Julio, Komos and Código, which get their delicate pink hue from red wine barrel aging.
Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino Mexico $66.99 173633
Crisp, briny agave notes meet the vanilla smoothness of barrel age in this rich-textured but crystal- clear tequila, with lingering peppery spice on the finish.
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