Vendor Magazine >Product Reviews>Spirits
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Bevy Totally Organic Vodka Canada +733126 Founded in 2006 by longtime friends, this inspired spirit has it all-. Actually, no: it has nothing at all except filtered water and organic grains. Just when my family thought I couldn’t go any more organic, they discovered Bevy’s new “TO” vodka at my house. Once the ribbing subsided, we all tasted it, and everyone had to admit what a wonderful product it is. Not only is this planet-friendly gem made of completely organically-grown grains and free of additives and preservatives, it’s also a great example of how gratifying an organic choice can be. Great aromatics and powerful but balanced herb flavours dominate the palate. Also watch for Bevy’s fabulous organic cooler line, and check out the great mixed drink ideas on their website. |
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U’luvka Vodka Poland +727612 First, I am going to get the packaging out of the way: it’s gorgeous. The sleek, alchemist-style bottle grabs your attention right away. Happily, what’s inside is as great as the striking exterior! With a fresh, clean style characteristic of small-batch distillation, this fine Polish vodka shows remarkably beautiful perfume with a savoury and almost rich palate. Balance, however, is truly a virtue when it comes to vodka, and this award winner delivers in spades. Delicious on its own, I also highly recommend it in a dry martini. |
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3 Vodka Florida + 719862 A little late for the low-carb movement, but absolutely fabulous nonetheless! Made from a blend of soy and selected grains, this wonderfully balanced vodka is derived from a special distillation process and shows smoothness and finesse on the palate. Sharp packaging positions this product to compete with other top-of-the-line vodkas. Rarely does a vodka taste this good on its own --I can’t wait to try it in a martini! Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Absolut Pears Sweden +725771 40% alcohol 750 ml 12 per case Newly released. With its electric green packaging (in true Absolut fashion) this fruity new treat from Vin & Sprit will be a trendy regular at most martini bars. Intensely aromatic and showing true pear character, I was most impressed with the smooth texture. Delish! Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Alberta Premium 25 Year Old Alberta +1008578 2007 Canadian Whisky of the Year offers a special release for the rye connoisseur. Made from 100% rye grain, this unique whisky shows the masculine edge the brand is known for, but follows up with an almost Cognac-like, soft fruit quality. This is an excellent rye for those who enjoy the aged scotches in the market – without the price tag! Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Appleton Rum Master Blenders’ Legacy Jamaica +725216 Long-time producers of fine Jamaican Rum, Appleton offers the oldest rum available on the market – an amazing 30-year-old. Only 1,440 bottles were produced, so scoop up quickly! This rum has a beautiful, bright golden topaz colour, with aromas of baking and Asian spices. The rich, almost buttery palate moves into a finish of great length and balanced sweetness. Created by Appleton to celebrate rum drinking, we recommend enjoying this one on its own. |
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Black Fly Vodka Cooler Ontario +731568 Based on real fruit juices from Canadian cranberries, blueberries and black currants, these coolers offer a great fruit taste without a sugary-juice finish. But what the consumer will find most refreshing about these coolers is the packaging: 21% more cool than the average four-pack. And with the main line extension of “Spiked Freezies,” this line will be a sure-fire hit over the summertime. With the less sweet taste, and real juice base, these are coolers are almost good for you… Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Broker’s Gin England +116574 Dry humour, and an even drier gin, are what the two English brothers who created my new favourite mixing gin, Broker’s, were after. At first the playful packaging had me wondering, but one whiff of the beautiful botanicals and I was hooked. Sourcing from three continents to obtain the eleven botanical ingredients, the result is amazing flavour, with an outstanding, dry finish. This is the best base for a gin and tonic I have come across to date. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Bruichladdich 1998 Sherry Edition Scotland +272104 Distillers from Bruichladdich bottled this beauty as a duo with another sherry-cask finish, Oloroso. The Manzanilla is a special offering for those who enjoy a fresh apple and floral style to their scotch. Notes of nut, golden raisin, and stone fruit make way to a smooth, creamy finish on the palate. With a bit of water, this could be a delightful aperitif, but if you prefer it cask-strength, maybe close to bedtime is a better choice! |
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Bruichladdich Links “Carnoustie” Islay Single Malt Scotch Scotland +712099 Golf and whisky: two things our Scottish friends are known for, wrapped up in one beautiful package. Combining the art of Graeme Baxter and the legendary quality of Bruichladdich scotch, the latest incarnation of the Links series is sure to impress. Finished in barrels from Château Haut-Brion, this scotch shows dates and spice on the nose, and follows with the same complexity on the palate. There is almost an overtone of berries in this scotch—a beautiful surprise. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Calvados Boulard Grande Fine XO France +714774 My family adores Calvados this time of year. Hearty and abundant apples seem to always find a place on our dinner table throughout the winter season, and a great Calvados makes a perfect partner. With a 170-year history in the business of Calvados production, the Boulard family is an easy choice for consistent product. The XO Calvados is made from blending many different varieties of apples, and then ageing longer than the minimum six years – up to 15 years! Naturally, apples dominate on aroma and flavour profiles, complimented by a lovely toastiness and hints of aromatic spice. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Camus Borderies XO Cognac France +587014 With five generations of family pride and experience at work in the house of Camus, this is a most distinctive offering. Produced exclusively from grapes from the smallest (and certainly most rare) region in Cognac, the Borderies region, this cognac leans toward a more feminine style. With aromas of dried flowers, nut and dried fruit, this Camus offering has notes similar to aged scotches, but without the peat or smokiness. Extremely smooth, this is an absolute beauty from a revered region. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum Virgin Islands +559294 Cruzan’s flagship, this smooth rum is a blend of many vintages that are up to 12 years old. After aging in new oak casks, the rum is packaged in numbered bottles – a testament to their exclusivity. The oak shines through on the aroma, showing honey, vanilla and a touch of toastiness. The palate is velvety and long. This St. Croix rum is a joy to sip, although it is so delicious it is hard to only sip… Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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English Harbour Aged Antigua Rum Antigua +719669 40% alcohol 750 ml 12 per case Caribbean Rums have long lead the pack for rum connoisseurs, as they were crafted to please the palates of the Royal Navy. Distilled in copper stills and then matured in small oak barrels, this five-year-old rum shows a brilliant burnt ochre colour. Toasty brown sugar aromas and delicious rich flavours --really great stuff! Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Glengoyne 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotland +444190 5% alcohol This Highland Malt has a rich and sherried nose, giving a sweeter aroma with lots of honey and apricots. The nose is complex, big, with a little tobacco leaf coming through. Glengoyne is the southernmost of the Highland distillers and one of only two to use the shy-bearing but outstandingly flavoured Golden Promise barley; the malted barley is unpeated, for why let smoke cover the wonderful flavour? The result is a rich spirit with apples and sweetness in the flavour and finish. Simply put, this single malt is a class act. Reviewed by Tom Cox |
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Glenrothes Select Reserve Single Malt Scotland +720051 A gold medal winner for good reason; subtle yet showing wonderful complexity. This Speyside single malt shows an urbane, suave aroma with touches of mineral and sea salt, delicate floral and spice and tree fruit/citrus. There is also a bit of straw and alfalfa coming out of the oak barrels used for aging. The flavour is lingering and lean with a touch of salt in the taste. Glenrothes Select Reserve is proof that delicate and complex are not exclusive characteristics. Reviewed by Tom Cox |
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Hanger One Vodka California The masters of the exciting new Hangar One vodka owe twenty years of eaux de vie-making experience to this absolutely stunning vodka. The vodka is based on the expressive (and expensive) Viognier grape, and is hand-made in tiny copper pot-stills. It is blended with wheat vodka to obtain a balance and purity that I do not normally associate with straight vodka. After years of leaning towards flavoured vodkas, it is refreshing to taste a spirit with a smoothness that defies description. I imagine this will be an absolute hit with martini drinkers, as well as the vodka purists. A hit of citrus zest is really all you need. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Hendrick’s Gin + 710631 (750 ml) More of a “rediscovery” (this product was launched in Alberta three years ago), this highly-awarded, beautiful gin has the most intriguing infusions. Gorgeous aromas of coriander, rose petal, and cucumber, with a bright, crisp palate. This small-batch, hand-crafted gin makes a dynamite martini, but the botanicals lend themselves well to almost any mix. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Jose Cuervo Tradicional Mexico +493777 40% alcohol 750 ml 6 per case Ultra Premium tequilas are hot right now, and this reposado from the well-known Jose Cuervo distillery does not disappoint. Produced from 100% blue agave and rested in white oak barrels, this is an impressive example of classic tequila. Lightly hued, with intense agave aromas, the palate is surprisingly smooth. Sip this tequila, either at room temperature or well-chilled, but definitely sip from a Riedel tequila glass. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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The Macallan 18-year old Single Malt Scotch United Kingdom +1000120 The Macallan’s is one of the most famous distilleries in the Highland region of Scotland. Their reputation is not only derived from their long history, but also from their spotless record of fine scotch making, as extolled by experts and enthusiasts alike. A delicate mahogany colour, this incredibly balanced scotch offers hints of nut and dried fruit, typical of the Macallan style. Where it really shows off is on the incredible palate. It is full-bodied, has great length and amazing flavours, ranging from spicy to sweet to smoky. Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Shramm Vodka British Columbia, Canada With the “eat local” movement so prevalent in Western Canada, perhaps this writer’s favourite effect has been the birth of a world class home-grown spirit industry. While the world has just watched Olympic events at Whistler, I encourage artisan vodka enthusiasts to place their attention north – to Pemberton, B.C., home of the Pemberton Distillery and their new offering, Schramm Vodka. This is the world’s only organic potato vodka, and the use of locally grown organic potatoes and pure mountain water has amazing results. Flavour in a vodka is almost contradictory, but the full-bodied and complex nature of this spirit has me excited about classic pairings: fresh oysters and those first patio martinis of spring. But a delicate sweetness to the nose and a richness on the palate also make Schramm vodka ideal for richer pairings like smoked salmon. Enjoy! Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |
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Leyenda del Miagro Tequila Mexico +704235 Once again, the wine concept of “terroir” permeates a spirit category which one never would have imagined. The highlands of Jalisco estate are the home to all of my favourite Tequilas this year, where the blue agave grows beautifully in a volcanic soil. Milagro’s technique of roasting the agave in clay ovens (the very same volcanic clay that the product starts in) is followed by a triple distillation. This attention is paid to the entire range; however, the difference at this most basic of levels is astonishing. Velvety mouthfeel and focused agave character lead to a balanced and polished finish. I think sexy is the word I am looking for... Reviewed by Stacey-Jo Strombecky |