Toronto Distillery Co. Organic Beet Spirit
Rating: NNN
Why This small distillery in the Junction crafts a range of spirits, including this one distilled from local organic sugar beets (not as crazy as it sounds – neutral spirit is often made from beets). It’s earthy and sweet, great for savoury cocktails or a GT (garden tonic, that is) with cucumber and citrus.
Price 375 ml/$34.96
Availability Online or at the distillery shop (90 Cawthra #100, 416-558-5523, torontodistillery.ca)
Ontario Spring Water Sake Company Izumi Nama Cho Junmai Sake
Rating: NNNN
Why Palates attuned to forceful flavours too often pass over the subtleties of sake. Wine-y in character (peach, melon, some citrus), it’s a pretty diplomat, its sugar and acid working together to make a tasty aperitif or accompaniment to fish. Try the Nama Nama unpasteurized version, too.
Price 300 ml/$12.80
Availability Vintages 260174, or at the brewery (51 Gristmill, 416-365-7253, ontariosake.com)
Rainhard Nosbeeratu Black IPA
Rating: NNNN
Why There’s nothing creepy about this Halloween-themed dark IPA except the label. A toast-tinged maltiness complements the classic freshness of a West Coast IPA. I’m pretty into this one.
Price 500ml/$5.95, prices may vary at bars
Availability On tap at the brewery (100 Symes, rainhardbrewery.com) and at beer bars around town.
