A talk with Glendalough Distillery’s Donal O’Gallachoir
By Shelley Boettcher
When it comes to Irish whiskey, most casual drinkers in Canada can name one, maybe two labels. Not much more. But if Donal O’Gallachoir has his way, there will be at least one more name added to that list. O’Gallachoir and four friends are the founders of Glendalough (pronounced Glenda-lock) Distillery.
Levenswater, love and gin
By Shelley Boettcher
Paul Allamby is one of the founders of Levenswater, a Canadian distillery located in and maker of Levenswater Spring 34, an award-winning dry pink gin made from potatoes and 34 botanicals.
Recipe: Hornitos Reposado Paloma
It's almost time for Halloween and, with that, comes the Day of the Dead. If you're looking for a spooky Mexican-themed cocktail, consider this one, made with Hornitos Reposado Tequila. The word "reposado" means...
Domaine de l’Aigle Chardonnay 2018
(Limoux, France)
This lively Chardonnay dances lightly from crisp notes of Bosc pear to a rich almond finish. Part of the Gerard Bertrand group of wine...
Beerfest in a Box
You, like me, may be missing beer festivals this year. Covid-19 has taken away that pleasure, at least for this year. But the clever folks at Alberta...
Recipe: Chef Michael Hunter’s Acorn Squash and Sage Pasta
By Shelley Boettcher
October is National Pasta Month, and we’re celebrating at our house, thanks to Barilla and Toronto chef Michael Hunter of Antler Kitchen & Bar.
Recipe: Campfire Queso Fundito
This recipe comes from chef Dylan Benoit, who hosts the reality TV show Fire Masters, on Food Network Canada. Made to pair with Miller Lite beer.
Recipe: Leaves of Change
Made with the beautiful purple-blue Empress 1908 Gin, this creative cocktail takes advantage of this fall’s fresh crop of Okanagan pears, too
From construction to cuvees
By Shelley Boettcher
The smell of the vineyards during harvest. Dust. Soil. The sweet scent of the grapes, like honey. The sound of bees, and the workers singing and laughing when they were finally finished picking for another year.
That’s what Ermengildo (“Joe,” to pretty much everyone) Giusti remembers about being a child growing up on a farm in Italy’s Veneto region.
A legendary Canadian bootlegger
By Shelley Boettcher
George W. Packwood was a farmer by trade and an upstanding family man. He was close with his son; they worked together, in fact. He lived...
Exploring Rioja with the Osborne wine family
By Valerie Fortney
It was only half a century ago that the Osborne Group purchased Bodegas Montecillo.
If you like pina coladas…
International Pina Colada Day takes place July 10 and, if you've never had one of the sweet, powerful drinks, here's the perfect time.
The Pina Colada was...
What we’re drinking now
Five bottles to check out now
Recipe: Grapefruit-Cinnamon Smash
Belvedere Vodka cocktail
Recipe: Mountain Hops cocktail
Here's a cocktail to try today, from Burwood Distillery and the bartending team at the award-winning restaurant The Bison, in Banff, Alberta. Burwood is a small distillery is located in Calgary, Canada. It has...
Township 7 2018 Raju Vineyard Viognier
(Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada)
Made with grapes grown in Raju Vineyards in Osoyoos, this Township 7 Viognier is partially fermented in oak...
CedarCreek Estate Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
(Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada)First you notice the grapefruit and citrus, and a pleasant acidity. You know there’s alcohol here, in a good way. Finishes with a touch of grass or fresh herbs. Enjoy...
Just brew it
By Shelley Boettcher
Behind every great cup of coffee, there are dedicated coffee lovers—the roasters, baristas and buyers. They find us the world’s best...
