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November 22, 2003

Whiskey

Damian Penny is in Halifax and enjoying a wider range of beverages than are available on the Rock (thanks in part to Mike Campbell's teachings and influence). A commenter has the following to say:

Damian: I've never tasted a bourbon that could match a decent Canadian rye whiskey. The Wild Turkey you yearn for can't match even entry level rotgut like Golden Wedding, and I've tried Meaghers bourbon, which someone from Kentucky told me was the creme de la creme, and I wasn't too impressed with that either. If you want a sweeter sipping whiskey, you can't beat Crown Royal or Gibsons, and for mixers, CC and VO are still the world's best choices. I'm not a scotch drinker (whiskey that tastes like its made from dirt doesn't appeal to me), but why not support Canadian wheat farmers instead of American corn farmers? It's the same thing with beef, corn-fed beef from the States just doesn't compare to Western Canadian beef that's been pastured and then fattened up on wheat and barley.

Ok Flea-readers... I am looking for suggestions on the subject of sweet Canadian sipping whiskeys. I too am not a fan of scotch but tend toward Irish blends and that Kentucky masterpiece Maker's Mark. And while we are at it, is the commenter right about U.S. vs Canadian beef? This is revolutionary stuff.

And then... Hey, Maker's Mark sell coffee, mouse-pads and suggestive signs! That's the smooth taste of brand-stretching.

And then... Meantime, a blind taste-test of single-malt whiskeys left a twenty-year-old Nikka Yoichi the winner.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at November 22, 2003 09:46 AM

Comments

No WAY is Cdn beef better than USDA prime cornfed.

Sorry. It just aint so.

Posted by: The Meatriarchy at November 22, 2003 10:47 PM

I don't know which country they get their beef from, but pretty much anything served at Ruth's Chris Steak House is at the top of my list. They are my favourite steak destination in T.O. Breeding accounts for something, but the skill of the chef counts for a lot more.

Posted by: Chris Taylor at November 23, 2003 07:01 PM

Nick, I know you loathe Scotch single malts, but I have to recommend the 18yr. Macallan. It is aged in sherry casks and is simply divine. It is not sweet, but the sherry cask goes a long way toward subduing the characteristic peat flavour that you hate in the typical Islay single malt. It's about $143 a bottle at the LCBO though.

Posted by: Chris Taylor at November 23, 2003 07:08 PM

Hmm. I shall have to start raiding my friends' bars in search of the Macallan. I have often looked wonderingly at Ruth's Chris Steak House on my way by the Hilton (in fact, I was in there the other day with the parental units of a Flea) but now will make a trip there a priority!

Posted by: Nicholas Packwood at November 23, 2003 07:18 PM

Unless household logistics are out of sorts, my cabinet always contains at least one Scotch (usually Glenlivet), at least one Irish (Jameson), and the leavings of whatever bourbon bottles have fallen by default into my care. But when I'm out of the house and order a Crown Royal, I'm always stunned by the pure Goldilock-ness of it.

"This is neither too peaty nor too sweet! It's mild and inoffensive yet satisfying, just as I perceive its nation of origin! What have I been missing?"

But I've never bought any, maybe out of fear that the spell will be broken once I actually have my own supply.


Posted by: Matt at November 23, 2003 10:59 PM