Tag Archives: Featured

Shelter Point 10 Year Old Single Malt

The Single Malt Canadian whisky market is here and is here to make a statement.

This month we have Three Single Malt Canadian whiskeys on tap. 

In a small niche market which Glen Breton had typically only played in has now become a boom on Canada’s beautiful West Coast up to Yukon Territory across the Prairies to the 100th Meridian(where the Great Plains begin).

Are we ready to take on the global single malt market dominated by Scotland? Not yet, however, us Canadians are not scared of our foes and we thrive on commitment and excellence in every endeavour we choose to take on.

This is just the beginning for our Home and native land and its Single Malt whisky industry.

Friday June 28th we can sit back, relax and enjoy some Canadian ingenuity in liquid form. Whether the whisky is good or bad it won’t matter because after the last drop is gone, Canada is still the best country in the world!

Shelter Point 10 Year Old Single Malt

(Oyster River, B.C)

46% ABV

$118.00

Matured in 3 different ex-bourbon casks

  • Nose: Rich chewy caramel malt, no abv, light spice, touch floral
  • Taste: Bold, sweet and spicy, creamy caramel malt, baking spice, the oak is balancing
  • Finish: Salinity, joins the sweet malt and tasty oak.

The club felt this one was bang on and most represented a true single malt scotch version, just one that was distilled and aged right here in Canada on Vancouver Island. What a fantastic bottling and taster that all enjoyed. Oh Canada!!

Highland Park 21 2022

This latest release of our 21 Year Old opens with enticing aromas of espresso coffee, dark chocolate, marmalade on toast and crushed coriander seeds. Notes of tangy ginger and oriental spice driven by first-fill, sherry seasoned European oak hogsheads marry sweet citrus and cedar notes from ex-bourbon barrels, while refill casks diffuse any lingering oak and deliver an intriguing layer of complexity. This, and all bound in an aromatic cloud of our trademark heather-infused peat smoke.

Created from only 14 casks, all laid down in 2000 and earlier years, our 2022 release is a superb example of the expert craftsmanship of our Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, who has selected three distinctive cask types and married them to perfection, creating a mature whisky of exceptional quality and character.

Tomatin 1988

The club recently had the pleasure of tasting the Tomatin 1988, a single malt Scotch whisky that was aged for over 25 years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in first-fill Tawny Port casks. This is a limited edition release of only 2500 bottles, and I must say, as the reviewer, it is one of the most exquisite whiskies I have ever tried.

The nose is rich and complex, with aromas of dried fruits, vanilla, honey, oak, and a hint of spice. The palate is smooth and creamy, with flavors of caramel, chocolate, orange, raisins, and nuts. The finish is long and sweet, with a touch of port wine and wood. The whisky has a beautiful amber color and a velvety texture.

The Tomatin 1988 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and maturation. It is a whisky that deserves to be savored and appreciated. It is not cheap, but it is worth every penny. If you are looking for a special treat or a gift for a whisky lover, you can’t go wrong with this one. It is simply sublime.

Talisker Port Ruighe

The Talisker Port Ruighe is a non-age statement whisky that has been finished in port casks, giving it a reddish hue and a fruity twist. Here are my thoughts on this dram:

Nose: Rich and smoky, with notes of peat, salt, raisins, plums, and chocolate. A hint of spice and vanilla in the background.

Palate: Full-bodied and smooth, with a burst of peat smoke and saltiness, followed by sweet and sour flavours of port, berries, citrus, and dark chocolate. Some oak and pepper add complexity.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering smoke, salt, and fruit.

Overall, I really enjoyed this whisky. It has the classic Talisker character of peat and sea salt, but with an added layer of sweetness and richness from the port casks. It’s well balanced and complex, with a lot of flavour and depth. If you like smoky and fruity whiskies, you should give this one a try.

Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast

If you’re looking for a whisky that will blast your taste buds into orbit, look no further than Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast.

This is a peaty, smoky, sherry-finished whisky that is not for the faint of heart. It’s like drinking a bonfire with a splash of fruit juice. But don’t take my word for it, try it yourself and see if you can handle the explosion of flavors. Just be warned, this whisky is not for everyone. It’s for the smokeheads who love a challenge and a thrill. If you’re one of them, you’ll love this whisky. If not, well, you might want to stick to something more tame and boring.

Johnny Walker Island Green

If you’re a fan of Scotch whisky, you might have heard of Johnny Walker Island Green, a blended malt that showcases the flavors of four iconic Scottish islands. I had the chance to try this whisky recently and I was blown away by its complexity and richness. Here’s my review of this amazing dram.

The nose is fresh and fruity, with hints of apple, pear, lemon and honey. There’s also a subtle smokiness that comes from the peated malts of Caol Ila and Talisker. The aroma is inviting and enticing, making you want to take a sip right away.

The palate is smooth and creamy, with a burst of sweetness from the vanilla and caramel notes of Clynelish and Glenkinchie. The whisky is well-balanced, with a nice contrast between the sweet and the smoky elements. The peat is more pronounced on the palate than on the nose, but it’s not overpowering. It adds a layer of depth and character to the whisky, along with some spice and saltiness.

The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering warmth and a touch of oak. The whisky leaves you with a pleasant aftertaste of smoke, fruit and honey. It’s a whisky that you can enjoy on its own or with some ice or water to open up the flavors.

Johnny Walker Island Green is a whisky that deserves to be savored and appreciated. It’s a whisky that showcases the diversity and quality of Scotch whisky, especially from the island regions. It’s a whisky that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves Scotch or wants to explore new expressions. Cheers!

Longmorn 1999 – 22 year old

May has had a little bit of everything in the weather department here: Rain, Sun, Hot, Cold – all the good things we expect here in Southern Ontario. I reminisce to those May 24 camping weekends which inspired this month’s Whisky selection.

I know what you’re thinking, Chad has gone and put a full-on smoldering campfire in my jar. Not so.
Just imagine My Name Is by Eminem or Genie in a Bottle or even Every Morning from Sugar Ray blasting out of your Sanyo ghetto blaster that has just chewed through 74 C batteries from a weekend of camping… that year was 1999.

So while you were sitting around the campsite trying to fight off hypothermia with a case of Molson Canadian a few packs of Players cigarettes; this spectacular dram was about to be laid to rest for the next 22 years.

Longmorn 1999 – 22 year old
Speyside Region
Bottled by Gleann Mor from their Rare find collection
Coming in at 54.3% ABV
Refill Bourbon Barrels

Longmorn distillery has been around since 1893 and mainly produces 15 and 16 year old single malts for sale in the UK among some other special edition releases. There are virtually no reviews and very limited information on this whisky. All I can tell you it’s smells delicious.

So, remember while you are sitting back relaxing in your camping chair or backyard listening to Vertical Horizon on your Bluetooth speaker this Friday, who would have thought we would all be where we are today in 2023 and how awesome it is that we get to enjoy a few sips of nostalgia with our closest friends.

Cheers!

Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, you might want to consider Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland. This is a special event that offers you the opportunity to spend a night in a luxury dome surrounded by nature and whisky. But, how did the scotch with the same name taste?

This scotch is a blend of rare and aged whiskies from different casks, each with its own unique character and flavor. The result is a complex and rich scotch that offers a sensory journey through the Scottish landscape.

The nose of this scotch is inviting and warm, with notes of dried fruits, vanilla, oak, and spice. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with layers of honey, citrus, chocolate, and nuts. The finish is long and satisfying, with hints of smoke, leather, and wood. This scotch is a true masterpiece that showcases the art of blending and maturing whiskies.

Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland is also an experience collaboration between The Macallan, one of the most renowned whisky brands in the world, and Unyoked, a company that specializes in creating off-grid escapes. The event takes place at The Macallan Estate, a 485-acre property in Speyside, Scotland, where the whisky is made.

The event includes a guided tour of The Macallan Distillery, where you can learn about the history and craftsmanship of the whisky, as well as a tasting session of some of the rarest and finest expressions. You will also enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a local chef, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

To finish, this is a scotch that deserves to be savored and appreciated. It is a rare and exquisite expression of the Macallan legacy and the beauty of Scotland. If you have a chance to taste this scotch, don’t miss it. You will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that will transport you to a night on earth in Scotland.

Canadian Rockies 28 Year Old

This was a last minute find from the LCBO! If you’re looking for a smooth and satisfying whisky that will make you feel like you’re in the Canadian Rockies, look no further than the 28 Year Old whisky from Canadian Rockies. This whisky is aged for 28 years in oak barrels, giving it a rich and complex flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with your favorite cocktail, you’ll love the smooth and balanced taste of this whisky. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, or just relaxing after a long day. Canadian Rockies 28 Year Old whisky is a rare and limited edition whisky that you don’t want to miss. If you can get your hands on it, you will experience the best of Canadian whisky!

Writers Tears Inniskillin Ice Wine Cask

To finish our Irish Whiskey tasting we bring you a very special discovery: Writers Tears Inniskillin Ice Wine Cask. Yes, you read that right. This is a whiskey that has been aged in barrels that previously held ice wine, a type of dessert wine made from frozen grapes. Sounds amazing, right?

Well, let me tell you, it is. This whiskey is smooth, sweet and complex, with notes of honey, vanilla, apricot and oak. It has a rich and creamy texture that coats your mouth and warms your soul. It’s like drinking liquid poetry.

But why is it called Writers Tears? Well, according to the legend, this whiskey was inspired by the 19th century Irish writers who would drink whiskey to cope with their creative struggles and personal tragedies. They would shed tears of frustration and sorrow into their glasses, giving the whiskey a unique flavor and character.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I would want to drink someone else’s tears. That sounds kind of gross and sad. But I do appreciate the idea of a whiskey that celebrates the joys and sorrows of writing. And I think this whiskey does just that.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to treat yourself after a long day of writing, or if you just want to try something different and delicious, I highly recommend Writers Tears Inniskillin Ice Wine Cask. It’s a whiskey that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Cheers!