In Good Spirits
Apparently, we have whisky on our brains still, but in our defence, we’ve been trying so many recently – from all parts of the world that you can’t blame us! This month, we do have an excellent, exceptionally local gin that is 100 percent worth trying, and supporting some local history, while with our whiskies, we turn back to Scotland (for the most part) with some easy going blended bottles to knock your socks off, and some classic, much-loved single malts including some newly released.
Perhaps, the best way to beat the heat this summer would be to stay up late with a nice dram or two and watch the sun go down!
Burwood Beaulieu Botanicals Gin
A collaborative effort between the Lougheed House Conservation Society and the Burwood Distillery highlights all manner of connection and celebration of local with a part of proceeds going to the society to help support their efforts. Rosehips and rose petals come from the Lougheed House Gardens in addition to other local and exotic botanicals (including palate expanding Szechuan pepper) making a rather expansive gin experience. This would absolutely make a noteworthy G&T, but also a brilliant late afternoon Negroni.
Available at the Distillery and select shops. About $55
Turntable Bittersweet Symphony Blended Whisky, Scotland
Single malt whisky might get all the glory, but blended malts and the deft hands making them are getting a lot of attention, and with very reasonable prices, they should be on your radar too. The musical-themed turntable has three whiskies in their regular range, and three in more limited or special in their releases. From the regular set, the sherry cask heavy Bittersweet Symphony is rife with butter tart style toffee, raisin, dark chocolate and orange fruit, with a long and heated finish. Bottled at 46 percent it’s your preference to dilute or not – but it’s at its finest at full strength.
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CSPC 353792 About $85-90
Ardbeg Dolce Limited Edition Release, Islay, Scotland
We look forward to Ardbeg Day, and the limited editions they release to celebrate - and the irreverent humour that comes with the confidence of knowing your market, and your product too! The 2026 Dolce is exceptional: peaty of course (but maybe less noticeable than previous releases), and a complex, layered profile with apricot, date, and dark chocolate sweetness from the Marsala cask, and the baking spices, salted nuts, and char from the bourbon barrels, both softening the edges of the peat for a simply delicious, lip-smacking sipper. Viva La Dolce Vita!
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CSPC 1238528 around $175
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Years, Speyside, Scotland
Sometimes we’re so tantalised by the new releases that we overlook the classics: the highly respected whiskies for their traditional methods, the longevity of the distiller, and their experience. Now 23 years old, Balvenie DoubleWood 12 whisky is an icon, created by former Malt Master, David Stewart in 1982, it’s matured in two different barrels – first for 12 years in American bourbon casks, then some in Sherry barrels, mellowing the spirit, and adding vanilla with spice, honey, complexity, and depth to this classic!
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CSPC 387316 $95-105
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve, Speyside, Scotland
Another icon, Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old is the essential premium Scotch for novices and enthusiasts alike. Aged in both new oak and Sherry barrels, their Solera Vat has been kept half full for 28 years and never emptied, allowing newer and older whiskies to mix and marry, adding to the depth of flavour and combining notes of ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon with peaches, toffee, and sweet yet earthy honey. We didn’t need any ice or water; it has such a creamy mouthfeel, so just enjoy it and savour the flavours without dilution.
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CSPC 728132 $97-104
Turntable Collaboration Drop 02 Dingle International Blended Whisky
An “international” collaboration rather than a Scottish blended whisky, but wildly interesting and wickedly tasty. Bottled at a rather heated 52 percent ABV, the nose is classically whisky but with nuances of mint leaf or pine, a little black berry fruitiness, and some rock dust mineral tones. In the mouth, it’s rather composed as is, but a wee bit of filtered water open things nicely to a clean, complex, evolving finish. Brilliant from start to finish.
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CSPC 116737 About $115-125