Scotch

Scotch Sippers

February 2, 2024 No Comments

Our bartenders explain how to master single-malt mixology

Sweet, spicy, smoky: Scotch whisky has something for everyone. Getty Images photo

In the world of spirits, few elixirs carry the weight of tradition and reverence as does single malt whisky. This liquid gold, celebrated for its complexity and rich character, has long been the epitome of sipping perfection. It is often imbibed neat, treasured in crystal glasses and savoured slowly, as if each drop encapsulates generations of craftsmanship.

Historically the thought of mixing such a revered spirit into a cocktail was nothing short of sacrilegious. However, with the variety of flavour profiles offered by the category, as well as an interest from distilleries to produce their own interpretations around the globe, a transformation is underway. Bartenders are now revitalizing classics and reimagining new possibilities.

Our tasting panel team comprises Jenna Gillespie, Lory Nixon and Kate Chernoff from British Columbia and Erika Mauro, Ashley Flynn and Jenn Abergel from Ontario. This all-female perspective weighs in on their favourite single malts and how to cocktail with them.

Recipes

Rob Roy Visits Toronto

February 1, 2024 No Comments

Recipe by Jenn Abergel of Toronto’s Quench Bar.

1 oz Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve

1 oz Fernet-Branca

1 oz Dolin sweet vermouth

0.5 oz Amaro Cinpatrazzo

Garnish: Luxardo cherry

Recipes

Meat Hook

January 31, 2024 No Comments

This is Kate Chernoff’s preferred recipe for the Meat Hook, a classic whisky cocktail named for a famed New York neighbourhood.

1.5 oz Bruichladdich Classic Laddie

0.75 oz sweet vermouth

0.25 oz maraschino liqueur

1 bar spoon (5 mL) Port Charlotte single malt

Garnish: expressed orange oils and a quality cherry

Recipes

A rose by another name

November 17, 2022 No Comments

An opulent, dense, spirit-forward cocktail

• 1 oz CAMPARI

• 1 oz Scotch Whiskey

• 0.75 oz Tawny Port

• 0.5 oz Peated Islay Scotch

• 2 heavy dashes Rose Water

• 1 Drop of Cardamom Bitters

• 1 Drop of Aromatic Leaf Bitters (or Cigar Bitters)*

The Alchemist

Choose A Woman-Made, Woman-Led Spirit Day

March 8, 2022 No Comments

Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 by buying or drinking a woman-made spirit, such as these global brands that have women master blenders, distillers and more.

At Ron Zapaca in Guatemala, master blender Lorena Vasquez is credited for pioneering the a “solera” aging method in rum. Photo courtesy of Ron Zacapa

Though countless women contribute to the vibrant local, national and international distilling industry, for International Women’s Day each year we give a nod to some of the trailblazers in top production, management and ownership positions at distilleries.

For a fresh perspective on the hidden history of women in spirits and cocktail, we highly recommend the recently released book Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol by Mallory O’Meara.

Home Bar, Recipes

Ginger Bug Penicillin

July 15, 2021 No Comments

Matthew Benevoli’s Ginger Bug Penicillin uses his homemade ginger bug.

• 1.5 oz blended scotch whisky

• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.75 oz ginger bug

• 0.5 oz honey syrup (see note)

• 0.25 oz peated Islay scotch

• Garnish: piece of candied ginger or a lemon twist

The Alchemist

A Scotch like no other

February 10, 2020 No Comments

As an independent bottler, Andrew Laing is “bringing something else to the party”—unique bottlings of rare whiskies and other spirits

Andrew Laing is the export director of Hunter Laing, one of Scotland’s finest independent bottlers. Supplied photo

Take an Islay journey with Andrew Laing.

The glass of Scotch he pours has a vegetal, almost mezcal-like scent, with whiffs of salty, mineral sea and fishy kelp and a distinctly ashy after taste. It’s a blended malt representing the vivid flavours of five of the finest distilleries what is perhaps the most coveted of Scotland’s whisky-producing regions. And it’s exactly the kind of exquisite, unique bottling in which his family’s company specializes.

Features, Recipes

Wonderlust

November 6, 2019 No Comments

• 1.5 oz white rum (preferably Flor de Caña 4)
• 0.75 oz banana liqueur (preferably Giffard Banane du Brésil)
• 0.5 oz smoky scotch (preferably Ardbeg 10 year)
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz coconut syrup (see note)
• 0.5 oz aquafaba

The Alchemist

The Phantom Distillery

November 1, 2019 No Comments

One of the most coveted bottles in Saturday’s 2019 Premium Spirit Release comes from a non-existent distillery on Islay… or does it? Welcome to the world of Independent Bottlers, brokers of rare, exclusive and unique Scotch and other spirits.

Oliver Chilton, blender for Elixir Distillers. Supplied photo

Last year, one of the hottest items in the BC Liquor Stores Premium Spirit Release—selling out in 24 hours—was the Port Askaig 100 Proof Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Offered again this year, it’s the spirit of Islay in a bottle: a nose full of spicy oak spice, with sea spray, smoke and dark earthy, kelpy flavours, bottled at a robust 50% ABV for rich texture. Yet anyone who’s been to the town of Port Askaig, on Islay’s east coast, will be puzzled: there’s no distillery there.

Home Bar, Recipes