These spirited gifts will warm hearts and glasses all season long
The spirit of the coast, redefined: Sanctuary Single Malt’s new Whisky
A new release of Phillips Brewing’s signature whisky hits the shelves this November
Phillips Brewing is raising a glass to a bold new chapter with the rebrand and 2026 release of its Sanctuary Signature Whisky.
Drawing inspiration from the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal forests, the Victoria-based brewery and distillery has unveiled a refreshed new whisky and refined story for its Sanctuary Single Malt — a spirit that embodies the rugged charm of Vancouver Island.
A World Class welcome to Canada
Norway’s Felice Capasso named Global Bartender of the Year
Canada’s bartenders have long been stars at the prestigious World Class cocktail competition. But this year, Canada itself was the star, hosting 51 finalists from around the world and wrapping the event up with a thrilling final at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma.
The winner, who proudly claims the career-defining title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, is Felice Capasso of Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar in Oslo, Norway, and also the founder of Sesto Senso Academy, a centre for wine and spirits education. Throughout the week, Capasso wowed the judges across every challenge he faced.
One week. Ten bars. Italy in every glass.
Toronto, get ready—Italy is taking over your cocktail scene. From October 6 to 12, 2025, the first-ever Italian Cocktail Revolution, presented by the Italian Trade Agency Toronto, is shaking up the city with an entire week dedicated to Italy’s world-class spirits and timeless drinking culture.
It’s Toronto’s time
World Class Cocktail Festival set to shake up the city—and the country—this September
The World Class Cocktail Festival, to be held August 16 to October 3 across Canada, promises to be one of the biggest and best parties this country has ever seen.
“Our ambition is to give the World Class Global Final a Canadian feel even though it will be centred in Toronto,” says Michael Armistead, who oversees the World Class Canada Bartending Competition as National Onpremise, Reserve and Sponsorship Manager at Diageo Canada.
B.C. summer distillery guide
Enjoy summer with these Canadian-distilled spirits
Copper Spirit Distillery
Verity Rye Spirit
40% ABV, $55 (750 ml)
Our unaged rye spirit is an aromatic and flavourful expression made with 100% organic B.C. rye grain. A perfect gift for the curious spirits collector.
World’s Best Grain Spirit (2024)
“Cleanly distilled with a fine grain character that is both complex and enticing. Berries with a touch of stone fruit join on the palate, along with a little amaretto nuttiness. A lovely, balanced digestif.”
Available at our distillery, select private liquor stores, and at copperspirit.ca
Ontario summer distillery guide
Taste these Canadian-distilled spirits and explore distilleries around the province this summer
John Sleeman & Sons
Rye Whisky
40% ABV, $44.95 (750 ml)
Our Rye Whisky is a masterfully crafted blended spirit that highlights the characteristics of classic Canadian rye. Comprised of corn whisky aged in mature American oak as well as rye whisky aged in first fill American oak, this blend also features Rye Whisky matured in new Canadian oak, which lends to a layered sipping experience rich in character from start to finish.
Available in the LCBO, Manitoba, select stores in B.C., and for delivery online any time at johnsleemanandsons.com
The ready-made fresh juice mixers revitalizing the art of bartending
Born in Mexico and raised in Canada, Drink Arte’s cold-pressed juice solution is designed to elevate mixology with time-saving convenience for bar operations
Citrus is at the core of many classic cocktails. Whether you’re shaking up a Daiquiri, blending the perfect Margarita or layering a Tequila Sunrise, that bright burst of acidity is what brings these favoured concoctions to life. But let’s be honest—prepping freshly squeezed juice day in and day out isn’t exactly the highlight of a bartender’s shift.
A tasteful journey with Nikka Whisky
Savouring nine decades of history
I spent 25 years in the hospitality business and during this time, I had the opportunity to taste thousands of wines from many different countries. Tasting so many styles and varieties allowed me to decipher nuances of quality in every type of wine. It was those years of tasting experience that worked in my favour when I was introduced to Japanese whisky for the very first time.
9 gift ideas for spirit lovers on your list
These spirited gifts will warm hearts and glasses all season long
