Two years ago tonight, I found myself in Toronto on business. I had a meeting at 9 A.M. the next day, but the border security did not believe me. They couldn't believe that an American would need to come to Canada to do the job I had to do. The guard suggested that I become a temporary resident of Canada, thus making me a Canadian doing my job in Canada. That night I became a temporary Canadian for about six months.
In commemoration of that night, I would like to honor our neighbors to the north and their alcohol.
Canadian Whisky
Canadian Whiskies tend to have a bad reputation, considered the cheap, sickly sweet imitation of the more reputable whiskies like Scotch or Bourbon. But if it's improper to judge Tequila by experiences with Jose Cuervo, it's also improper to judge Canadian Whisky on experiences with something like Seagram's Seven. The Crown Royal XR, as an example, has tones of grain wood similar to a mild Bourbon. Another example is the Forty Creek Barrel Select which tastes more like a cross between an Irish and Scotch with a touch of rye. But the best stuff never makes it across the border. Gibson's Finest Rare and Glen Breton Rare are excellent grabs if you find yourself north of the border.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Commonly referred to as "The LCBO", Ontario's government agency responsible for the sale and distribution of alcohol is the largest single purchaser of alcohol in the world. Their website allows one to search the stock of every one of their nearly 600 stores. If the item is listed as in stock at any store, you can go to your nearest LCBO location and order it for free. They have a vintages line that has an impressive collection of expensive whiskies and brandies that you aren't likely to find in most of the USA. Every trip to Ontario should include a stop at an LCBO store to grab something to take home.
In commemoration of that night, I would like to honor our neighbors to the north and their alcohol.
Canadian Whisky
Canadian Whiskies tend to have a bad reputation, considered the cheap, sickly sweet imitation of the more reputable whiskies like Scotch or Bourbon. But if it's improper to judge Tequila by experiences with Jose Cuervo, it's also improper to judge Canadian Whisky on experiences with something like Seagram's Seven. The Crown Royal XR, as an example, has tones of grain wood similar to a mild Bourbon. Another example is the Forty Creek Barrel Select which tastes more like a cross between an Irish and Scotch with a touch of rye. But the best stuff never makes it across the border. Gibson's Finest Rare and Glen Breton Rare are excellent grabs if you find yourself north of the border.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Commonly referred to as "The LCBO", Ontario's government agency responsible for the sale and distribution of alcohol is the largest single purchaser of alcohol in the world. Their website allows one to search the stock of every one of their nearly 600 stores. If the item is listed as in stock at any store, you can go to your nearest LCBO location and order it for free. They have a vintages line that has an impressive collection of expensive whiskies and brandies that you aren't likely to find in most of the USA. Every trip to Ontario should include a stop at an LCBO store to grab something to take home.