Father’s Day means whisky books…

Father’s Day is nearly here, but forget the neckties, the crazy socks, the golf balls. This year break from tradition. Why? Because your dad really needs a new whisky book. Think of the years of enjoyment he’d get from the updated Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. 

This new and revised edition features a specially commissioned map showing every whisky distillery in Canada (nearly 50 of them!) It has more than 100 new tasting notes and a birdwatchers’ checklist so he can tick them off as he samples them.

Coverage of Canada’s traditional distilleries and the burgeoning microdistillery sector, new chapters on whisky flavours, where they come from and how to taste them, along with numerous updates throughout make this your dad’s definitive, up-to-date source for the straight goods on Canadian whisky.

And if he already has a copy? Well, breakfast in bed would be nice.

Available at most book stores in Canada, or on Amazon and other online booksellers in whatever country your dad lives. And if you happen to be in Ottawa on Saturday June 16, drop by Coles bookstore in Billings Bridge between 11:00 and 2:00, and I’ll personalize one for him.

Saskatchewan’s Single Malt Rye 

Adam Sperling is proud of his Sperling Silver Distillery, and so he should be. His vodka, gin, moonshine and rum are being recognized in top international spirits competitions. And now the American Distilling Institute has named 100 Bushels the Best Single Malt Rye Whiskey of 2018.

With the exuberance of youth, the nose is farmy and waxy with hints of wet clay and dry grain. The palate is not overly complex, showing sweet honeycomb, barley sugar, hints of vanilla, waxiness and a range of sweetish spices and herbs. A medium spicy finish ends in a soft sweetness.

Canadian Rockies New 21 Year Old

Vancouver’s Fountana Group has updated it’s Canadian Rockies 21 just in time for Dad. Sourced from Highwood Distillers in Alberta, the whisky has been reformulated to include some very old whiskies to bolster the already scrumptious 21-year-old. Canadian Rockies is now bottled at 44% abv. Look closely and you’ll see the Rocky Mountains on the new custom bottle.

Banff Whisky Experience

This September 28 and 29, join me deep in the Rocky Mountains for the inaugural Banff Whisky Experience. This new whisky festival features 10 whisky tastings and 4 whisky culture master classes, so there are plenty of opportunities for curious drammers to learn more.

Remember, this is in Alberta where free enterprise in the whisky market ensures a broad selection of whiskies from right around the world.

I’ll be pouring rye whiskies unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Some are Canadian, some American and some come from countries you might never have expected to make such wonderful ryes. Rye is an audacious spirit and distillers are just beginning to understand the depth and breadth of flavour possibilities.

The complete Banff Festival and Master Class schedule will be available to all on July 1st, 2018. Grand Festival Experience ticket/pass holders get a sneak preview on June 15.

Space is limited, so book soon!

Early-bird tickets are now available. Grab yours and get first access to the June 15 Master schedule. Click “Buy A Ticket” or go to: www.showpass.com/bwe/

The 9.09% Rule Has Moved

Rumours that the infamous 9.09% regulation has been repealed are greatly exaggerated. What has happened is that some years ago, the regulation was removed from the Excise Act and lodged elsewhere. The idea was that the Excise Act should deal with financial matters so, other provisions were simply sent to new regulatory homes. This does make them a bit more difficult to find. Nothing has changed but a quick read of the Act might lead to that erroneous conclusion.

Old Montreal Distillery

Correction & update:

With the start of construction on its visitors’ centre, Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery is moving closer to opening its doors to the public.

Distilling veteran, Harlen Wheatley oversees production, while blender Drew Mayville is ultimately responsible for blending. However, both work remotely from Kentucky, leaving day-to-day operations to the distilling and blending team in Montreal.

Mayville particularly, has a strong affiliation with Montreal. An almost forty-year Canadian whisky veteran, he spent over 23 of those years with Seagram’s, including a stint in their esteemed blending lab in Ville LaSalle. Mayville was the last Master Blender for Seagram’s before the firm was sold.