Yes this is a very long overdue blog. But since Hopscotch, a lot has happened - rolled into the Christmas season, flew back to Ontario to visit family and friends for the holidays, sold our home, bought a home, moved, and got ourselves out of our boxes as soon as possible. Whew...reading that felt like running a marathon (which I would never do...not my style). It's never too late to share our boozy adventure. For those unfamiliar with Hopscotch, it's the ultimate liquor expo. It's a great way for vendors to showcase both new and beloved spirits, and for the public to try something new. It's not easy to get ourselves to spend good money on a bottle of something we may or may not enjoy. At Hopscotch, you have your tasting glass, and you can try as much or as little as you'd like. Please note you may be susceptible to stumbling home. This year, we enjoyed quite the variety of gin, scotch, whiskey and rum. While I could list every single vendor we visited, I figured I'd share a few that stood out for uniqueness and worth discovering! If you're looking for a congac that tastes good at a decent and affordable price, I highly recommend Bache Gabrielsen's latest American Oak Cognac. American Oak is barreled for six months, giving this beautiful rich colour and flavour. American Oak hits on several flavour points, beginning with notes of caramel and vanilla, into a subtle sweetness, followed by the distinct woodsy taste. American Oak brings a new modern take on cognac, while staying true to its roots. If you're starting to venture into Congac, I think you'll be pleased with this. Visit: www.bache-gabrielsen.com/uk/ I'm a sucker for Arbutus Distillery. Every time we go to an event and they're present, I always hit up their booth and check out what's new (or ongoing because they're great!). Feel free to read about them in my Punchbowl blog from the summer. As you all know, I love my gin, so of course I had to try their latest Citrus Gin. This smooth neat gin is robust with citrus flavour and aroma, and containing a crisp yellow colour. Infusions aren't always a success, but I found this one to be a what I expected of Arbutus. This is something worth sipping on a hot summer day if you're looking for a solid go-to west-coast gin. Visit: www.arbutusdistillery.com I could not stay away from this booth. I absolutely loved Taynton Bay Spirits and their tea-infusions. I tried all spirits available, including their blueberry rooibos, strawberry herbal and orange turmeric. These spirits are delightfully refreshing smooth and not overly sweet. If you're a fan of tea (or iced teas in summer *hint hint*) I suggest trying any of these. You can drink as a standalone, or as Taynton suggests, combining with carbonated/sparkling water to make a spritzer. Great for spring or summer, buy for yourself or for your tea-loving friend! Visit: www.tayntonbayspirits.com For someone who wants nothing to do with bees, I love honey. I use it in cooking, and Derek and I use it for cocktail syrups and mixes. Devine Distillery & Winery were showcasing their honey spiced rum and honey shine, which caught my eye. Their signature Black Bear rum gives all those warm an savoury winter flavours of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, allspice and star anise, with a touch of sweetness. The rich yellow honey shine is an elegantly smooth rum with blissful honey flavour. It's rich, spicy and warming....okay give me a blanket, fire and some honey shine on the rocks please! Visit: www.devinevineyards.ca Nikka Whisky is something worth waiting in line for. Their products are absolutely divine and unique. They aren't cheap, but are worth every penny...wait those don't exist anymore...nickels? I really need to do a blog dedicated to Nikka. Nonetheless, we tried their Coffee Grain Whisky. Smooth up front and a little bite in the back, this whisky has sweet fruit and toffee flavours, finished with oak and vanilla, creating a wonderful blended profile. Fancy yourself a sip of Nikka! Visit: www.nikka.com/eng/ I always enjoy my time at Hopscotch Festival, and who better to cruise down the aisles of infinite booths with than this handsome fellow! Derek's getting grumpy these days because my palate for hard liquor develops every year, leading me to venturing into new territories, and possibly stealing "his" bottles he hoped only he'd get to drink. The struggle is real!
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