Everything

WHISKY
meet
Matt Dusk
Jazzman,
Scotch enthusiast
see page 12

straight
talking
single malts

a toast
to tradition
5 whisky
favourites
her
whisky
A Women’s
Guide

Canadian
domination
why rye rocks
 02 Whisky 101 12 meet matt dusk
Understanding Whisky in 3 easy steps Toronto based jazz vocalist
shares his passion for whisky
06 her whisky
A woman’s guide 16 let’s eat
Cooking with whisky
08 whisky renaissance
Cool cocktails that uncover the 20  he Canadian Way
T
versatility of this sophisticated spirit Canada’s whisky heritage goes right
back to our country’s beginnings
10 Some Like it Neat
Enjoying single malt Scotch is 22 john hall
an experience to be savoured Forty Creek’s driving force

contents
26 a toast to tradition
5 whisky favourites

Who knew that whisky could be

such a fascinating topic?
In this publication, we trace everything whisky, from the basics
of what it is exactly, to simple recipes for the classic whisky
cocktails that have had such lasting appeal – with many fun
stops and intriguing encounters along the way.
For instance, you’ll meet jazz singer/Scotch connoisseur
Matt Dusk, and expert Canadian vintner-turned-whisky-
maker John Hall. You’ll discover why whisky has a special
affinity for chocolate, and why we Canadians persist in
calling our whisky “rye.” Wondering about the myth that
women don’t appreciate whisky, or why single malt
Scotches are considered so special? The answers are all here.
Of course, at the same time that we’re exploring all the
intriguing aspects of whisky, we want to note that we take
our commitment to social responsibility very seriously.
This publication has been created for those of legal drinking
age and we urge all of its readers to drink responsibly.
That said, inside you’ll find everything you need to fully 12 meet
matt dusk
explore and savour the wonderful world of whisky. And best toronto based Everything

of all, you don’t have to be a whisky expert – the LCBO’s

jazz vocalist
shares his passion WHISKY
for whisky
got that covered for you.
meet
matt Dusk
Jazzman,
Scotch enthuSiaSt

straight
talking
Single maltS

a toast
to tradition
5 whisky
favourites
her
whisky
a Women’S
guide

CanaDian
Domination
Why rye rockS

22
MATT DUSK COVER photography:

Q&A with Jeffery Kirk – www.kirkimages.com

John Hall

1
Whisky is one of those beverages that’s totally familiar, 1
yet still somehow remains a mystery. There are so many
questions! Are whiskies from different countries really
that different? Why are blends so popular? And what do Get to Know the

Basics
barrels have to do with the flavour? Let us explain…

Why do people talk about so many different types of whisky?

Whisky is produced all over the world, but there are four major
whisky-producing nations: Canada, Scotland, Ireland and the
United States.
What all whiskies have in common is that they’re alcohol
is made from grain – whether rye, barley, wheat or corn.
Different countries and manufacturers have different formu-
las for which grains they use and in which percentages. For
example, bourbon whiskey from the U.S. must contain at
least 51% corn, while some Irish whiskeys are 100% barley.
Distillation can also be different. Bourbon is distilled once,
Scotch twice and Irish three times!
After distilling and blending, whisky is always aged in
oak barrels for at least three years. Once again, there are
different national traditions for aging.
The endless variation of all these manufacturing details
is what creates the distinctive character of each country’s
whisky.

National Character

101
WHISKY
When it comes to whisky, there are delicious exceptions to
every rule. But here are some key characteristics you can
expect from each region:

Canadian American Irish scoTtISH

Bourbon & Tennessee Whiskey Single Malts & Blends

Light, Smooth, Mixable Full, Mellow, Sweeter Rich, Smooth, Spicy Bold, Smoky, Aromatic

where
to
start

Understanding Whisky in 3 Easy Steps

PAGE 7 PAGE 9 PAGE 8 PAGE 15

whisky 101 3
 2
pay attention to the
Blend
You might wonder why many famous
whiskies are labelled “blends”.
These custom recipes first became popular in the 1830s.
Distillers would start with a base whisky and define
their own unique flavour and aroma by combining various
single malt whiskies – each adding its own distinct
character. (In fact, it’s only been in recent years that
people have begun to drink single malts on their own.)
worth
viewing!
Keep on
walking
One of hottest
viral videos of the
year comes from
Johnnie Walker.
Shot in one take – with no
edits – “The Man Who Walked
Around The World” continues
six-and-a-half minutes as
Scottish actor Robert Carlyle
walks across treacherous
Scottish countryside and talks
about the history of Johnnie
Walker.
see it at
JohnnieWalker.com
(select uk as your country)
4 EVERYTHING WHISKY
wiser’s deluxe
Full-flavoured rye that’s
great in Manhattans.
1800 1.14 L Reg. $37.95
$34.95 SAVE $3.00
Some blends include up to 40 individual whiskies,
carefully selected by the master distiller to create the why oak?
house style. Once blended, the whisky is aged so all
the flavours can marry. Whisky is aged at least
three years – sometimes up
Why are blends so popular? They provide an experience to 25 years – in oak barrels.
that’s more complex, subtle and smooth. And they’re That’s what creates the
consistent year after year. People become lifetime golden colour of whisky.
devotees of blends such as Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal
and Islay Mist.
3
★ Learn more about the value of
aged whisky on page 15
Chivas Regal
12-Yr Old
Creamy, with tastes of honey,
ripe apples and vanilla notes.
always ask their
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age
$42.45 SAVE $2.50
The maturing process is essential for creating whisky’s previously been used to age wines, such as port
character. After it’s distilled, whisky is aged at least three and sherry. Some Irish whiskeys use barrels that were
years – sometimes up to 25 years – in oak barrels. Why previously used for bourbon.
oak? That’s what creates the golden colour of whisky.
ISLAY MIST (The original liquid is perfectly clear.) Oak also adds to the Aging in these mature barrels allows the whisky to absorb
SCOTCH 8-YR OLD
whisky’s taste and aroma – creating those “hints of vanilla the essences of the original liquid – taking on some of the
Johnnie Walker Made with Laphroaig Single
and coconut” you always hear about it. The oak barrels fruitiness of sherry, for example. Some whiskies are “double
Black LABEL Malt and sea-soaked peat.
are always first charred or “toasted” in fire to create barreled”, meaning they’re aged in two different barrels.
12-Yr OLD 333070 750 mL $29.95
A blend of 40 whiskies, each a more smoky flavour. The type of barrel is carefully determined by the master
aged at least 12 years.
There are other important aspects to the barrels. blender as part of the complete creative concept of the
7880 750 mL Reg. $45.95
Bourbon – the American whiskey that originated in Bourbon, whisky. It’s an essential element in making each whisky
$43.45 SAVE $2.50
Kentucky – uses brand-new white oak barrels that have one-of-a-kind.
10 BONUS been freshly charred. Other whiskies use barrels that have
REWARD MILES
whisky 101 5
 For a relaxing get-together, set the mood with this cool singer/
songwriter from Maine.

Ray LaMontagne
Gossip In The Grain
2006 RCA/Sony BMG – Folk/Rock

With a voice etched in sandpaper and dipped in honey, Ray LaMon-

tagne is one of those artists that grabs you from the very first note.
And “Gossip In The Grain” delivers on that, marrying his rough
hewn vocals with warm, evocative melodies. The album is a sheer
Autumn delight.

Affable, easy-drinking Canadian whisky,

or “rye”, is a perfect partner for cola or
ginger ale.

O r update the Cosmo by substituting Canadian whisky

Her
for vodka. The soft, sweet flavours of Irish whiskey
make it very unintimidating, sipped solo or as a part of
tasty cocktail. Bushmills Black Bush, for instance, with its
hints of peach and citrus, mixes well with everything from
cranberry juice to ginger beer.
American bourbons, aged in charred oak casks, also
have a reputation for being very female-friendly. Savour the
nutty, honeyed complexity of Gentleman Jack Rare
Tennessee Whiskey, for instance; try pouring it over
crushed ice with a zest of lime.

Whisky
When it comes to Scotch whisky, there’s a whole world

:
of subtle, pleasing flavours to explore, especially among
the single malts. Designed to be enjoyed neat or with a
splash of water, Craggonmore 12 Year Old Single Malt
presents a delicately smoky taste with a clean finish.
Or opt for the Bowmore 12 Year Old Single Malt, a more
full-bodied single malt with more intense smoky flavours
to savour.
The fact is, the wide variety of whisky styles and tastes Canadian Club
Born in Ontario in
offer women lots of ways to approach this former male

a woman’s guide
1858; a favourite of
bastion. Queen Victoria.
125 1.14 L $35.15

Bushmills
Black Bush
Soft, sweet Irish Whiskey
with grain and peach aromas.
61374 750 mL $36.95

Bowmore
12-Yr Old Islay
Single Malt
Full-bodied, smooth and

For women who are new to the taste of whisky, intensely smoky.
330803 750 mL Reg. $46.60

cocktails and single malts are a great place to start. $40.60 SAVE $5.00

Cragganmore
12-Yr Old
Single Malt
Famous for its complex
aromas. A must-try!
192732 750 mL $69.95

7
whiskyRENAISSANCE Whisky plays a starring role in contemporary cocktails.

M aybe it’s the retro appeal

of Mad Men, inspiring
twists on the classic Whisky
Sour. Or maybe it’s because it’s
the new trend being championed
by the coolest international
nightclubs. Whatever the reason,
whisky is experiencing a renais-
sance and it’s becoming the
biggest star in contemporary
cocktails.
Some spirits can disappear
in a drink – drowned by orange
juice or lychees – but whisky
isn’t shy about adding its own
deeper character. Even when
Kickstart Glenfiddich VIP Jalapeño Sour Highland Cider Citrus Crush
Start the evening with this True luxury. Glenfiddich single It’s like a Whisky Sour taken Apple cider may be an autumn If you like citrus, you’ll love this
you combine it with other
refreshing new recipe. Jameson malt becomes even more to a whole new level. The mellow tradition, but now it comes with Scotch cocktail innovation –
ingredients, you can still taste gets a kick with the sweet-tart sumptuous with the light tang character of JD livens up a brand new twist. Teacher’s blending the round elegance of
whisky’s richness, the flavours zest of pomegranate juice and of lemon and the nectar-like with lime and the spicy heat adds fresh appeal to cool apple Whyte & Mackay with fresh-
of caramel and vanilla, and the sparkling bite of ginger ale. sweetness of apricot juice. of jalapeño peppers. with a squeeze of lemon. pressed orange and lime juice.
sometimes a hit of fiery warmth.
For any whisky recipe, 1 ½ oz Jameson 1 ½ oz Glenfiddich 1 ½ oz Jack Daniels 1 ½ oz Teacher’s 1 ½ oz Whyte and Mackay
you can go low or high. Choose 3 oz pomegranate juice the juice of 1/8 fresh lemon 1 oz lime juice the juice of 1/8 fresh lemon ½ orange, chopped
a more modestly priced brand 3 oz ginger ale 4 oz apricot juice 1 oz simple syrup 4 oz fresh (cloudy) apple juice ½ lime, chopped
or try something rare and 1 tsp. chopped jalapeno pepper cinnamon 1 tbsp. sugar
premium. The trend is to trade Fill a tall glass with ice To a rocks glass filled with
up to premium ingredients – using and add ingredients. Garnish ice, stir to mix and garnish with Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and Fill a rocks glass with ice To a rocks glass, muddle or
with a lemon wedge. a lime wedge. add ingredients. Shake and and add ingredients. Dust
fresh-squeezed fruit juices and mash fruit and sugar. Fill with
strain into a rocks glass filled with with cinnamon as a garnish.
fresh herbs. The natural, authen- ice and add Scotch.
ice. Garnish with a jalapeno ‘coin’.
tic approach can make a world
of difference, intensifying the
flavours and aromas.With our
selection of creative whisky
cocktails, you can discover all
the versatility of this stylish,
sophisticated spirit.

Whyte & Mackay

Special Reserve
Pick a whisky to Double matured for

match your budget.

a taste that’s full and
sumptuous.

These cocktails Glenfiddich

287482 750 mL
$24.95
single malt
are delicious, no Jameson Irish
Whiskey
12-yr old teacher’s
highland cream
The world’s best-selling Jack daniel’s
matter what. Ultimate in Irish character –
smooth and natural.
single malt. Truly classic. sour mash Created in 1832, a blend
of over 30 single malts.
605923 1140 mL Sour only by name! The
10157 750 mL Reg. $29.95 Reg. $61.95 flavour is round and sweet. 4465 750 mL Reg. $25.95
7 bonus air miles
$28.95 SAVE $2.00 $57.95 SAVE $4.00 41384 750 mL $29.45 $23.95 SAVE $2.00 reward milES

8 EVERYTHING WHISKY 9
 SOME LIKE IT

NEAT Enjoyed solo or shared, single malt

Scotch is an experience to be savoured.

M alt Scotch whisky, also known as single malt,

is the gold standard of sophisticated sipping
whiskies. The product of an unchanged, centuries-old
For Peat’s Sake
What does it mean when Scotch is described as “peaty”? It all starts
when whisky makers burn peat (think peat moss) to roast barley
process, single malts are made from 100% malted before processing it into alcohol. The barley absorbs the peat smoke,
barley (i.e. their only grain component) and are double- and that powerful peat essence can be tasted in the resulting whisky.
or even tripled-distilled in small batches, in copper That’s what makes the Scotch flavour “peaty” or “peated”.
pot stills. The “single” in the name, however, refers
to the requirement that all the malts in the bottle
come from a single distillery – not, as you might expect,
from the fact that barley is the single grain used.
As all with all Scotch whiskies, single malts are
matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
Té Bheag
Connoisseurs’
Depending on the region of origin, single malts differ
Blend
dramatically in terms of aroma, flavour and finish. A smooth, slighted peated
Islay whiskies, for example, are known for their robust whisky aged in sherried casks.
peaty character while Speyside produces both light, 949172 700 mL $36.95

grassy whiskies and those with rich, sweet, sherried VINTAGES Essentials*

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Just pour an ounce into a glass, add a splash of water Full on the palate. Quite
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19158 750 mL Reg. $63.95
fascinating scotch drinkers for centuries.
$60.95 SAVE $3.00

*Available at select VINTAGES

locations. Visit vintages.com

10 EVERYTHING WHISKY

MEET
MATT
DUSK
Jazzman,
Scotch enthusiast
By Joan Har ting Bar ham
When he’s not on tour somewhere around
the globe or working on a new album,
30-year old Toronto-born singer
Matt Dusk is collecting great whiskies
and sharing them with his friends.
W e caught up with him at
his new Toronto home,
where he was putting finishing
touches on its renovation,
awaiting the October 27th
release of his next of his fifth
CD, Good News, and gearing
up for a 12-city Canadian
tour in November.
Q: You started singing as a
kid and fell in love with jazz
at a rather young age. Was
there ever a nerd factor?
Weren’t all your friends
starting rock bands in their
garages?
12 EVERYTHING WHISKY
A: There definitely was in the
90s when I was in high school
and the grunge movement was
going on. But the whole jazz
crooner thing was still kind of
a joke to me. I didn’t take the
crooning aspect seriously
until women started reacting
positively and people said,
“Hey, this is good!”
Q: You travel all the time to
perform, but Toronto’s home,
right?
A: Yeah, I just bought a house
here. I used to have a place in
Vegas, but all my family and all
my friends are here. No matter
where you are, you always
want to go back where all your
friends are.
Q: You’ve become a whisky
collector. How did you get
into that?
A: Well, I was performing at
all the jazz clubs around town
and since Jack Daniels used to
be the drink of choice for the
crooners, that’s kind of where I
started – with Jack and ice.
Q: So what’s in your
collection?
A: Right now I have about 40,
45 bottles that I’ve collected
from all over the world. Some
of them will be in my collection
for three or four years because
they’re expensive; I have a
few bottles that’re probably
worth over $1,000. And some
are from small distilleries in
Scotland that you can only get
by going to the actual place.
I mean, whisky drinkers, we
kind of think of ourselves as
explorers.
Q: Do you have a favourite
whisky?
A: The single malt scotches
are my favourites because the
Scots take such pride in them.
Plus the Scottish govern-
ment has such strict rules and
regulations about how they
must be made. I’m a big fan of
the Highland scotches like the
Highland Park. I also like the
Glenfiddich 12.
Q: And you’ve built a special
bar or cabinet in the new
Toronto house, just for the
scotch collection?
A: When I bought the house
and started doing renova-
tions, I thought: Well, instead
of keeping these bottles in a
bookcase, let’s make a display
“Whisky drinkers,
for the whisky. It’s a wall bar
with lit glass shelves, a bronze
mirror and a granite top; I
wanted it to be 60s ‘cause
the music I grew up with was
all from that era. It’s really
for when people come over, we kind of think
of ourselves as
because I entertain a lot and
I know that a lot of my friends
like whisky. It’s the perfect
place to display my collection,
explorers.”
plus people can just choose
what they want.
— Matt Dusk
Q: What’s an evening at
Matt’s like? What’s your
entertaining style?
A: Well, I’m very fortunate in
Toronto to have the same
friends for about 15, 20 years;
we’ve grown up together. So it
almost becomes like a pot-luck
every week. I provide the ven-
ue; everyone else brings the
food – pasta, chicken, dessert.
I always love getting people
involved so that everyone has
a share of the responsibility.
Q: Do you have a memorable
whisky moment?
A: I do. When we had our num-
ber one hit in Japan, my label
executive gave me a bottle of
a 17-year-old Suntory whisky
as congratulations. We were
there doing a New Year’s Eve
gig, and between sets, my
Highland Park Single
musical director and I went
Malt 18-Yr Old
down to Shibuya corner. It’s
Hearty and independent like the
like the Times Square of Tokyo north country people who make it.
and everyone is celebrating 500231 750 mL $139.95
and we’re walking around in VINTAGES Essentials*
the middle of this crazy zoo
of millions of people and I’m
thinking, How lucky am I? Glenfiddich single
malt 12-yr old
Distinctively fresh, it’s a
MATT DUSK AT HOME photography:
worldwide bestseller.
605923 1140 mL Reg. $61.95
John Edgar – www.johnedgar.net
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*Available at select VINTAGES locations. Visit vintages.com
World music to savour with good friends, good food and good whisky.
Matt Dusk
Good News
2009 Royal Crown Records/Universal Music Canada – Pop
For his third major label release, jazz singer/songwriter/arranger Matt Dusk has assembled
some of the biggest chart-topping contemporary pop hits from other countries and
re-recorded them in his own style. The result’s a vibrant, riveting collection that swings
from Motown to Euro-synth, from big band ballroom to quadruple guitar blitzkrieg.
For more info, including upcoming Canadian tour dates visit
mattdusk.com
SOME LIKE IT NEAT 13
 ISLE OF JURA
The people of Jura, a beautiful island off the
Single Malts:
west coast of Scotland, near Islay, are famously
superstitious. Their age-old island beliefs,
such as not cutting peat before May, persist to
By the Numbers
this day. Isle of Jura Superstition, an intense,

14 12
mahogany-coloured whisky, is a tribute
to them and the mystic spirit of their island. Most single malts are
offered at minimum
of 8 years of age,
but you’ll see bottles
marked 10 to 20 years
old and even more.
YRS YRS
In the whisky-making OBAN 14-YR OLD
SINGLE MALT
Glenkinchie
12-Yr Old
Isle Of Jura process, each year of Delicate with a delightful Lowland
Superstition hint of the sea. Single Malt
Single Malt cask aging means a 243824 750 mL $114.95 Appealing malty sweet-
ness, with flavours of
A unique blend of 13- and
20-year-old malts. 0.5 to 2.0% loss due oatmeal, biscuit and nuts.

38927 750 mL $57.95

to evaporation – called 69435 750 mL $76.95

“the angel’s share”.

And while this annual
loss, along with the

10 15
15 BONUS
REWARD MILES
expense of housing
and maintaining the
whisky as it ages,
certainly contribute
THE ONTARIO WHISKY SCENE:
CHECK IT OUT
to a given whisky’s
price, it’s not the whole
YRS YRS
story. The number of Talisker Century Reserve
10-yr Old 15-Yr Old Whisky
Via Allegro has collected plenty of accolades for its 650+ barrels a distillery is SINGLE MALT A Canadian blend that’s
whisky offerings. In 2007, this Toronto ristorante,
won the “Great Whisky of the World” award from Whisky willing to dedicate to Starts creamy and delivers
an intensely smoky finish.
light, soft and clean.
105858 750 mL Reg. $32.80
Magazine in the U.K. Across-the-pond appreciation creating a specific 249680 750 mL $72.95 $30.80 SAVE $2.00
also comes from one of Scotland’s master distiller, Jim
McEwen: “Simply the best malt whisky list I have ever whisky, i.e. its relative
seen in my 47 years in this industry.”
rarity, has an even
1750 The Queensway West, Toronto
greater impact on

16 12
viaallegroristorante.com, 416 622.6677
the price it’s able
An Quaich, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada,
was founded in Ottawa in 1983, to bring together those
to command.
who have a fascination for single malt whisky. Now The Dam Pub is a warm, cozy
1,000 strong (including 20 Ontario chapters), the Society Scottish whisky pub in Thornbury,

YRS YRS
holds regular nosings and tastings for the novice and just two hours north of Toronto.
the enthusiast alike. Owners Sandy and Gordon keep
http://www.anquaich.ca a home in Scotland, the better
to hunt down new and unusual
Scotch whiskies. To date, their Lagavulin The Glenlivet
C’est What?, a resto-pub located in the cellar of a century-
total whisky menu lists 453 16-Yr OLD Malt 12-Yr OLD
old building in the St. Lawrence Market area, features an
varieties and brands. Supremely Scottish SINGLE Malt
extensive world-spanning whisky list that draws enthusiasts with hints of the sea. An original born in 1824 by
from all across the GTA. 53 Bruce Street, Thornbury the banks of the Livet River.
207126 750 mL $124.95
thedampub.ca, 519 599.2110
67 Front Street East, Toronto 21097 750 mL Reg. $44.95
cestwhat.com, 416 867.9499 $42.95 SAVE $2.00

14 EVERYTHING WHISKY SOME LIKE IT NEAT 15

 let’s
EAT
Cooking with Canadian whisky, bourbon
or a single malt is an easy way to add
unexpected depth and complexity to foods.
BEYOND THE APPEAL OF ITS GOLD-TO-
AMBER COLOR and distinctive aromas,
whisky can deliver delicious hints of
sweetness, spice and smokiness to
everything from appetizers to desserts.
Simple enough for an intimate dinner,
entertaining with a whisky-enhanced
dish automatically makes the meal more
interesting. But if you have any concerns
about your guests and alcohol content,
know that how much alcohol remains in a
finished dish is a function of the cooking
method. Most of the alcohol evaporates
when foods are cooked over high heat for
a long period of time. And since alcohol
boils at 173 degrees F (i.e. lower than
16 EVERYTHING WHISKY
water), recipes where some alcohol is
meant to remain will instruct you to add
it near the end of the cooking process,
so it doesn’t boil away.
Of course, as with all cooking ingre-
dients, quality matters. So go ahead and
use the good stuff in your recipes. Most
call for only a small measure of alcohol –
and it’s more than acceptable to serve
and drink the same whisky while you’re
enjoying the resulting dish.
BULLEIT BOURBON
FRONTIER WHISKEY
A well-rounded American
with spice and oak flavours.
54866 750 mL $34.95
BOURBON SAUCE
FOR STEAK
By Lucy Waverman
This sauce plays on the herbal elements
in bourbon and is sensational with grilled
steak. Serve with an arugula salad and garlic
mashed potatoes.
¼ cup (50 mL) cold butter, cubed
¼ cup (50 mL) chopped shallots
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped garlic
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh thyme
or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh tarragon
or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried
½ cup (125 mL) bourbon
2 cups (500 mL) beef stock, homemade or
store bought
2 tsp (10 mL) balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the butter on medium
heat in pot, reserving remaining butter. Stir in
shallots, garlic, thyme, tarragon and rosemary.
Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes or until shallots soften.
Add bourbon and bring to boil. Reduce to 2 tbsp
(25 mL), about 3 to 5 mintutes. Add stock and
bring to boil. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until
reduced to ½ cup (125 mL). Swirl in 1 tsp (5 mL)
balsamic vinegar, reserving the rest. Season
with salt and pepper and reserve.
2 Reheat bourbon sauce and whisk in remaining
butter and reserved balsamic vinegar. Season
well.
3 Serve sauce drizzled over steak.
Serve up a tasty side dish of
mellow Southern tunes.
Keb’Mo’
Suitcase
2006 Epic/Sony BMG – Country Blues
Delta bluesman Kevin Moore (aka Keb’Mo’)
with a soulful voice, smooth as fine whisky,
serves up old-fashioned country blues
with a folksy and playful story-telling style
on this, his eighth studio release.
 whiskyPAIRINGS
Try these with with smoked
salmon or chocolate.

1 2

+smoked salmon
DISHES WITH EXTREME FLAVOURS that might overwhelm

Whisky, with its wide a wine – Szechuan cuisine, for example – can be very
successfully paired with whisky.
variations in flavours, Whisky can also enhance a particular food taste or
ingredient: the sweet caramel notes in Canadian whiskies
aromas and textures, and Bourbon echoing the sweetness of pecan pie or the smoky,
briny notes of a single malt Scotch mirroring similar aspects
matches beautifully of smoked fish. You can also set up palate-pleasing contrasts
by sipping soft, sweet Canadian, Irish and Speyside whiskies
with food. with salty cheese like sharp cheddar or blue.

Beside golf, Scotland may be with used whisky barrels.

most famous for its Scotch
and smoked salmon. So it’s
not surprising that they make
To get you started, we’ve run down some such intuitive partners. As
simple, and simply delicious, whisky pairings: with cheese, Scotch’s smoky
The alcohol in whisky can also
3 4
prove effective in releasing
some of the more subtle
herbal notes of cured fish. To
enhance the dill and coriander

+cheese
flavour highlights that critical
quality in smoked salmon.
And the relationship’s come
full circle: it’s more and more
common to discover gourmet
shops featuring salmon that’s
been smoked over fires stoked
flavours of a Scandinavian
smoked salmon such as
Gravadlax, for example, select
a lighter single malt Scotch
(Lowland or Speyside) or a
gentler Irish whisky.

The pungent tastes and strong
textures of some of the most
flavourful cheeses won’t
overpower whisky. Plus, the in-
tensity of whisky cuts through
the fat of the cheese and helps
liberate its finest qualities. For
instance, Canadian whiskies
and Bourbon strike an appeal-
ing sweet/salty balance with
traditional aged farmhouse
cheddar, or a dry, grainy Italian
cheese such as Parmigiano-
+chocolate
amplifies the depth and
character of smoked cheeses,
such as smoked gruyère
or gouda.
WISER’S SMALL
There is a lovely, if surprising, affinity 1 TEACHER’S HIGHLAND CREAM
BATCH WHISKY
A nuanced blend of sweet grain, peat and smoke flavours.
A full-bodied Canadian between chocolate and whisky. The rich
4465 750 mL Reg. $25.95
with hints of spice,
caramel, honey.
complexity of fine chocolate harmonizes $23.95 SAVE $2.00
95315 750 mL beautifully with the smoky flavours and
Reg. $28.95 pleasantly oily texture of peated malt 2 THE BLACK GROUSE
$26.95 whisky. At its simplest, try serving a A blend of The Famous Grouse with fine Islay malt.

Reggiano. And the briny, SAVE $2.00 block of high-quality dark chocolate (at 140822 750 mL $32.95

grassy notes of an Island or least 70% cocoa solids) with your favor- 10 BONUS
Islay whisky complement the ite malt whisky. REWARD MILES

sharp bite of bite of Stiltons Sweeter, creamier chocolates call

and Roqueforts beautifully. for a lighter, softer whisky. A Highland
3 DALWHINNIE 15-YR OLD MALT
You’ll find that chèvre whisky with spicy and fruity notes is an Medium-bodied with gentle notes of heather,
Great with
and other young, creamy unparalleled sensory experience with peat and smoke.
traditional
cheeses really come into premium milk chocolate or chocolate 238097 750 mL $89.95
aged farmhouse
their own when paired with a cheddar truffles.
4 BUSHMILLS MALT 10-YR OLD
lighter, fresher Irish whisky, A mild-mannered Irish whiskey that’s smooth and refined.
while the smokiness of Scotch 131870 750 mL $40.95

18 EVERYTHING WHISKY
 THE
CANADIAN
↓WAY
We’ve always had our own way of doing things.
By Warren D unf ord

WHY DO WE
SAY “RYE”?
Back in the early days,
Canada’s whisky heritage goes right back to our Canadian whisky was
made mostly from rye
country’s beginnings. grains. Today the main
Canada’s whisky heritage goes right back to our country’s beginnings. ingredient is corn – with
a little rye for flavouring.
The first immigrants from Scotland, Ireland and England brought along their pot stills and used local But tradition keeps us
rye to make whisky. By the 1840s, there were over 200 distilleries across Canada. asking for “rye.”
The 1920s and ’30s were especially good times for Canadian whisky makers and exporters. That
era established such major industry players as Seagram and Hiram Walker, and made Canadian
wiser’s deluxe
brands famous worldwide.
Full-flavoured whisky that’s
great in Manhattans.
It’s part of Canada’s proud pioneer spirit that keeps us dedicated to the tradition of whisky – from
classic brands such as Canadian Club to the newcomer, Forty Creek, devoted to reviving Canada’s 1800 1.14 L Reg. $37.95

whisky heritage. $34.95 SAVE $3.00

You may be interested to know that Canadian whisky outsells all other types of whisky in the U.S.,
including bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, Scotch and Irish whiskey.

20 EVERYTHING WHISKY
→ Meet one of
today’s pioneers
in Canadian
whisky
John Hall
Creator of Forty Creek Barrel Select
The renowned Ontario winemaker –
founder of Kittling Ridge – is also the
driving force behind Forty Creek, the
Canadian whisky that’s been winning
serious awards around the world.
Q: With Forty Creek, you talk
a lot about the heritage of
Canadian whisky. Why is that
important to you?
A: There used to be hundreds
of small distilleries across
Canada, but now there are just
a handful of big companies.
I wanted to go back to the
heritage of Canadian whisky –
to take the approach of those
original small independents.
Q: Why is whisky gaining new
popularity?
A: I think it’s connected to
people getting more interested
in authentic quality – getting
back to basics. It started with
small-batch bourbons and
22 EVERYTHING WHISKY
single malts and microbrewer-
ies. There’s more appreciation
for hand-made craftsmanship.
Q: Where did the name Forty
Creek come from?
A: I decided to dedicate my
whisky to the area in which it
is made – sort of like a terroir
in wine terms, where famous
wines are named after the
regions they come from, such
as Bordeaux or Chianti. My
whisky is named after Forty
Mile Creek in Grimsby. Forty
Mile Creek is 40 miles from
Niagara Falls.
Q: You’re already very well
established as a winemaker
with Kittling Ridge. What
made you want to move into
whisky making?
A: I see it as another way to
satisfy my thirst for creativity.
With wine, I’m always thinking
about the best ways to bring
out the best characteristics
of each grape. With whisky,
it’s another kind of creative
puzzle. You have to bring
out the tastes of the various
grains, and select the right
kinds of barrels. That’s where
the passion comes for me.
Q: What are the ways you
keep things creative?
A: As a first generation whisky
maker, while I respect tradi-
tion, I am not bound by it. I like
having the flexibility to try new
things. I made a limited-edition
Double Barrel whiskey –
meaning I barreled the whisky
for a second time in first-run
bourbon barrels, then aged it
for another two years. And I
recently released a new Port
Wood whisky that was aged in
barrels I’d used to make port.
Q: It seems for most people
that the standard way to
drink Canadian whisky is in a
Rye & Coke or a Rye & Ginger.
A: When I’m offering tastings
in stores, a lot of people tell
me they think they have to cov-
er up the taste of the whisky. I
tell them a good whisky won’t
bite you back. When they taste
Forty Creek, they discover
that it’s got wonderful earthy,
vanilla flavours and they really
enjoy it. Some say it doesn’t
matter what kind of whisky
you use in a Rye & Coke, but
I’ve done taste tests with
lots of people, and it is really
noticeable what kind of whisky
you use.
Q: What’s your favourite
whisky cocktail?
A: Forty Creek makes a great
Manhattan – straight up or
on ice. But I just heard about
a new recipe, mixing Forty
Creek, cranberry juice and
a splash of lemon-lime soda.
It’s very refreshing.
“As a first generation
whisky maker, I am
not so much bound
by tradition as I am
inspired by it.”
Q: What’s the most
memorable place you’ve
had a glass of whisky?
A: I’d have to say it was in
southern Texas. I’d just
released Forty Creek after
ten years of perfecting it,
and I was promoting it across
the United States. I wasn’t
sure it was going to be suc-
cessful. And there I was in a
bar on the Rio Grande and
they were serving Forty
Creek. So I ordered a glass
and called my wife.
I’m still doing a lot of traveling
across North America, offering
tastings of Forty Creek in
stores. This fall, I’ll be going John Hall’s
to Portland, Oregon, Chicago,
New York, Eastern Canada
New Favourite
Cocktail
and all across Ontario. I’m very forty creek Pure Gold
proud of my whisky and I want BARREL SELECT Whisky It’s so new, it doesn’t even
people to discover it. Winner of rave reviews and Also by John Hall, an easy-
top global awards. drinking golden whisky.
have a name! But with Forty
550715 750 mL $24.45 26229 1.14 L $34.15
Creek, cranberry juice
and sparkling lemon-lime
soda,you know this is
John Hall photography:
Colin Faulkner going to be refreshing.
Forty Creek barrel and
Copper Pot photography:
Kittling Ridge 6 BONUS 10 BONUS
REWARD MILES REWARD MILES
® ™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V.
Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and the LCBO. THE CANADIAN WAY 23
 → National
→ Get into the Canadian spirit with this internationally renowned performer.

Sam Roberts
Domination Love At The End Of The World
2008 Secret Brain/Universal – Pop/Rock

Montreal singer/songwriter Sam Roberts gets a ‘10’ from us for a ‘great’

Canadian whisky out-sells all other types rock & roll record. Try and sit still through his title track, “Love At The End
Of The World” or the catchy Dylanesque “Fixed To Ruin” or (breathe) the
of whisky in the U.S., including bourbon, windows down, crank it up summer closer, ‘Detroit ’67’. He won the 2009
Tennessee whiskey, Scotch and Irish whiskey. Juno award for ‘Best Rock Album Of The Year” – need we say more?

?
The Official
Canadian Whisky Glass
by GLENCAIRN
TO ‘E’ OR NOT TO ‘E’
Ever notice that the spelling switches
A beautiful tulip-shaped glass
with an etched maple leaf, between “whisky” and “whiskey”? Originally
pleasantly weighted and sized all whisky was spelled without an “e”.
to accommodate straight pours The story goes that, in the 1870s, the
and sociable cocktails alike.
The exclusive design show- quality of Scottish whisky took a temporary
cases a whisky’s qualities by turn for the worse, so Irish and American
releasing and concentrating distilleries added an “e” to distinguish their
aromas,and bringing the full-
ness of flavours to the tip of higher standards. Scotland and Canada
the tongue. stay true to the original spelling – without
It’s available this month only an “e”.
while supplies last.

available
Danfield’s gibson’s finest
exclusively at lcbo
Private Reserve sterling edition
153486 Reg. $8.95
SMALL BATCH An elegant blend of rare,
153783 $4.95
Real diamond filters add aged Canadian whiskies.
an extra-smooth polish. 189217 750 mL Reg. $24.45
604819 750 mL Reg. $24.95 $23.20 SAVE $1.25
$23.95 SAVE $1.00

→ Royal Treatment
Yes, Crown Royal really is fit for a king.
Packaged in a crown-shaped bottle, this
MUST centennial
10-yr old whisky was created back in 1939 to

HAVE! celebrate the Canadian visit of King George

limited edition
Crafted in small batches,
a masterful rye creation. VI and Queen Elizabeth (better known as
387209 750 mL Reg. $24.95 the Queen Mother). Both were well-known
$23.95 SAVE $1.00
for their love of fine whiskies, and this
Canadian blend was made smooth, mellow
and elegant to appeal to their regal tastes.
As soon as Crown Royal was released to
the general public, it became a huge hit.
Only available in Canada until 1964,
today it’s the top-selling Canadian whisky
in the United States.
Stone cold
Based on a Scandanavian tradition, Whisky Stones by
Teroforma are natural soapstone cubes. Freeze three
or four and drop them into our favourite whisky for
a gentle cooling effect. It’s the solution to dilution! Gift Crown Royal
box of 9 rinseable, reusable stones, $20 US dollars. 10108 1.14 L Reg. $39.95
www.teroforma.com or (US) + 203 899 9950 $37.45 SAVE $2.50
There may be a little retro
chic involved these days,
but traditional whisky
cocktails have endured
mostly because they taste
so good. Each of the true
classics, most invented in
New York the late 1800s,
comes with a great, if
unsubstantiated, story.

ON THE ROCKS
Okay, it’s not technically a cocktail, but scotch
on the rocks has to be the all-time favourite
whisky-plus drink. Probably American in
origin – the Brits weren’t too keen on ice and
never shared the Yanks’ love affair with giant
refrigerators, ice trays, ice buckets, etc. – the
date of invention is impossible to fix. Maybe
an ice storm in Scotland?

a toast to
Anyway, scotch on the rocks couldn’t be
simpler to make, requiring only the finest
whisky and purest ice you can muster – and
it’s been racking up style points from the

TRADITION
60s Rat Pack days right up to the current
Mad Men craze. 1

5 WHISKY
FAVOURITES
AUCHENTOSHAN
12-YR OLD SINGLE
MALT SCOTCH
Means “corner of the field”
in Gaelic. Smooth and light.
107359 750 mL $50.00
TIMING IS
EVERYTHING
The best-known, best-
enjoyed whisky cocktails
have spanned generations,
withstanding the test –
and the taste – of time.
2 Broadway near Houston Street? Or created
BUSHMILLS
IRISH WHISKEY
Sweet and soft, with hints
of citrus rind in the finish.
14910 750 mL Reg. $27.95
$26.95 SAVE $1.00
28 EVERYTHING WHISKY
Canadian Club
Born in Ontario in
1858; a favourite of
Queen Victoria.
125 1.14 L $35.15
1870
WHISKY SOUR
Combine 1 ½ oz Bushmills Irish
Whisky, ½ oz fresh lemon juice
and ½ oz simple syrup into a
cocktail shaker with ice. Strain
into a chilled rocks glass and
garnish with a lemon slice and
maraschino cherry.
1874
THE MANHATTAN
3 Together”, Abbey Road is pure musical magic.
Combine 1 ½ oz Canadian Club,
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth, dash of
bitters, maraschino cherry into a
cocktail shaker. Shake and strain
into a martini glass. Garnish with
a maraschino cherry.
First served by a bartender at a bar on
for a banquet thrown at the Manhattan Club
by Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston’s
mother)? Choose the legend you like best.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE, NY
5
You can’t go wrong with the classics.
The Beatles
Abbey Road
1969/2009 Apple/EMI – Pop/Rock
From the hypnotic opener, John Lennon’s “Come
And now, this 1969 classic has been remastered
using state-of-the-art digital recording technology
1950’s
alongside vintage equipment. This album is an RUSTY NAIL
essential for your collection.
Dewar’s White Label Pour 1 ¼ oz of Dewars and
A perfect balance of ¾ oz Drambuie in a rocks
Scottish heather, honey
glass over ice and serve.
and soft vanilla flavours.
11130 750 mL $23.95
1880’s
8 BONUS
REWARD MILES
THE
Old-Fashioned
4
Muddle 2 tsps simple syrup,
1 tsp water, 2 dashes Angostura
bitters, 1 slice orange and
1 maraschino cherry, lightly
bruising the fruit. Fill a highball glass Said to have been created by a bartender at
with ice cubes and add 1 ½ oz
the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky,
of Glenmorangie. Stir and serve.
then popularized – and and introduced to
GLENMORANGIE the Waldorf-Astoria bar in NYC – by club
SINGLE MALT member and bourbon distiller Colonel James
Pleases the palate
E. Pepper.
with hints of wild mint,
almonds and spice.
7 BONUS
94052 750 mL $64.20 REWARD MILES
History makes
the MAN
Back in 1866, Jack Daniel perfected his
method of mellowing fresh Tennessee
whiskey through hard maple charcoal.
With Single Barrel, it’s been specially
matured for rich, distinctive flavours.
480616 750 mL Reg. $51.95
$48.95 SAVE $3.00 8946

PLEASE DRINK This advertising is paid for in whole or in part by participating suppliers.
Featured products available at select LCBO stores. Prices subject to change without notice.

RESPONSIBLY Price offers in effect until Nov. 8, 2009. Bonus Air Miles Reward Miles in effect until Nov. 7, 2009.

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