B. Rodríguez La-Cave Barbiana Manzanilla
A sip becomes a moment when drinking wines like this. Half a bottle in, it’s hard to tell if you’re nibbling olives and gulping Manzanilla on the Spanish coast or just hanging out in your own backyard. Lengthy and super-saline, tangy and delightful, this is a bottle to consider buying in bulk.
Price 750 ml/$19.95
Availability Vintages 419960
Scotch for a steal
>>> Jura Origin
Rating: NNNN
Why From the only distillery on the craggy Hebridean Isle of Jura (population 200), this expressive dram is wise beyond its years. Approachably honeyed, with an underlying capti-vating funk.
Price $50-60, not yet set
Availability LCBO 430355, available in late August
Strathisla 12 Year Old
Rating: NNN
Why Skip dessert and reach for this fruity, sherry-kissed whisky instead. Strathisla, owned by Chivas, one of the most internationally consumed Scotch blends, is a safe foray into single malt territory for fans of blends.
Price 700 ml/$57.50
Availability 387449
>>> Monkey Shoulder
Rating: NNNN
Why Considering that this blend of three distinguished single malts features Glenfiddich, Balvenie and -Kininvie (okay, the last is obscure), I can’t think of many better ways to drop a 50 if you’re into whisky. It’s awesome in cocktails, too.
Price 750 ml/$54.90
Availability LCBO 414334
