Georgian Bay Vodka
Rating: NNNN
Why Awarded best vodka at the prestigious 16th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition in March, Georgian Bay vodka is made from a blend of corn and single malt (barley) spirits. It's exceptionally creamy with notes of evergreen and an enduring vanilla-steeped sweetness. My first sips were immediately followed by a strong desire for a wet vodka martini with a twist of grapefruit.
Price $39.95/750 ml
Availability LCBO 446559
J.P. Wiser's Last Barrels Canadian Whisky
Rating: NNN
Why A 14-year-old sour mash whisky (made by adding stillage, or post distillation grain dregs, from a previous batch to stabilize the pH levels of future mashes), J.P. Wiser's Last Barrels is a limited-edition release. A beast of a whisky in the American vein, it tries to get you in a stranglehold before remembering that it's Canadian and sweetening up. Dried fruit, nuts and sweet cedar and tobacco on the nose.
Price $64.95/750 ml
Availability LCBO 461012
Victoria Gin
Rating: NNN
Why A Canadian cult favourite for the past decade, Victoria gin recently got a facelift and the bottle more vividly reflects the peppery, juniper-driven liquid inside. Though the label's been updated, the recipe hasn't changed. G&T season is upon us, so stock up.
Price $43.60/750 ml
Availability LCBO 458745
What we're drinking tonight
Great Lakes Brewery Sunnyside Session IPA
Session beers have been everywhere for the past couple of years, and the movement toward full-flavour, low-alcohol brews isn't letting up or letting us down now that the summer of 16 has finally arrived. Fans of Great Lakes' killer IPAs will appreciate the juicy freshness of their latest release, which clocks in at a modest 3.9% ABV. It's perfect for dragging to the beach and the dock, for crushing fireside or poolside with BBQ or burgers. Try it in a canoe or maybe even attached to a beer helmet - use your imagination.
Price 473 ml/$2.80
Availability LCBO 467019