A captivating Japanese gin emerges from the esteemed Masahiro distillery, renowned for its expertise in crafting Awamori, a rice-based spirit. This time, their artistry delves into the world of juniper, resulting in a fascinating creation. In addition to the prominent juniper, the skilled distillers of Okinawa have skillfully incorporated a medley of ingredients. Guava leaves, imparting their unique essence, intertwine with the intriguing flavors of long pepper, the exotic charm of roselle (a hibiscus variety), the distinct character of goya (a melon type), and the vibrant zest of shekwasha (a green citrus fruit native to Okinawa and Taiwan). This gin is a testament to the distillery's journey into new realms, producing a truly distinctive and captivating spirit.

"Recipe 2" presents a unique herbal profile that sets it apart from "Recipe 01." This distinction lends itself beautifully to crafting a Gin Tonic or Gin Rickey, allowing the aromatic and invigorating qualities of the gin to shine.

Tasting Note:
On the nose, you'll encounter a delightful blend of sweet smoke and dried fruits, accompanied by enticing aromatic nuances. Flamed orange zest adds a zesty brightness, while a luscious undertone of caramel toffee adds richness. The palate unfolds with a delightful interplay of flavors _ the zestiness of spicy orange dances alongside the sweetness of smoke, all gracefully enveloped by a velvety toffee essence. This journey leads to a captivating earthiness and a touch of dark fruit, adding depth to the experience. As the flavors unfold, the finish is both prolonged and smooth, leaving behind lingering impressions of macadamia nut and a tantalizing hint of spice. This harmonious medley of tastes creates a satisfying and memorable conclusion to the tasting experience.

Japan has come a long way with making whisky with many master distillers taking their training right in Scotland and importing the Scottish heather for peat making. There is much quality here in Japanese whisky and dad would no doubt be surprised and delighted with this one, aged in a Sherry cask to give it nutty, toasty aromas and flavours.

Proud, majestic, complex and exuberant: this is a special cru version of Masi's gentle giant, Costasera. A benchmark for the Amarone category, which, together with Barolo and Brunello, makes up the aristocracy of the Italian wine world. Here Masi's unrivalled expertise in the Appassimento technique is used to give the grapes a long period of further ripening on bamboo racks and an ageing period for the wine of at least three years in casks made from the finest wood types. The expert use of indigenous grapes for the Valpolicella Classica area - Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara - is enriched by the addition of the unique Oseleta, a grape variety rediscovered by Masi.

Very dark ruby red. baked fruit, plums and cherries. fruity tastes, with hints of coffee and cocoa. Very well balanced.

Beautiful, resolved nose, a touch of delightful oxidation, coffee and chocolate but still that cherry ripe red fruit clarity. In the mouth it is silky and dense, a flood of quite meaty and fleshy black fruit, super ripe tannins and lovely plum and cherry skin acidity giving length. A beautifully resolved and complete wine.

Limited collector's edition of the iconic Costasera, dedicated to the celebration of the Lunar year also known as Chinese New Year which this year celebrates the year of the rabbit. Available in limited quantities.

Honour the Year of the Snake with Masi Costasera Amarone Lunar New Year Edition. Showcasing Masi’s expertise in the Appassimento technique, this collector’s bottle is crafted with Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, offering a rich and aromatic tribute to Chinese New Year traditions.

The wine is quite reserved on the nose to start, but with a decant it opens up nicely. The wine has aromas of red-cherry preserve, ripe plum, clove, anise and cinnamon. The palate is elegant with notes of dried leaves, dark chocolate and dark cherries. The tannins are already well integrated, giving the wine a magnificent texture. Jeff Porter

The Boscaini family of MASI fame rediscovered the rare Oseleta grape, grown in the area of Valpolicella as a perfect grape to blend with the other Amarone grapes. With its extra pip and high skin to juice ratio, it provides a tannic edge to the blend. Unique as a monovarietal, MASI is the only winery to have a 100% Oseleta. The Osar is deep red in colour, clean and complex with hints of blueberries, blackberries and
fresh-cut greenery. The extreme tannins are well balanced with the acidity and alcohol.

Teroldego is the most important red grape of Trentino in Northern Italy. Dark coloured and concentrated, this is a fruity wine, yet softly tannic and Albertans would love it! Try this as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.

An anise-based spirit produced from white Obeidi grapes and green organic aniseed distilled in a traditional still.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Review - Rated 96:

The 2020 Masseto now sees new DNA with a touch of Cabernet Franc added to this celebrated Merlot-based icon wine. This is a vintage of enormous richness and density, and everything about the wine is taken up a notch or two (including the bottle glass weight and the 15% alcohol content). But Axel Heinz and his team are well prepared for the hot vintages like 2020, and changes to farming and canopy management ensure even ripening. This wine is always hard to analyze in its youth. It needs many more years to soften and flesh out. Give it time.

Appearance: garnet red colour with variable intensity depending on the vintage. Bouquet: the grapes come from different vineyards and this gives them a broad and variable spectrum of perfumes, ranging from tempting spicy notes to those of a sweeter, floral and fruity nature. Flavour: a variety of sensations, with a full-bodied, classic and well structured wine which ages well and perfectly represents the important character of our land. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C. It achieves its best expression when served with red meats, particularly game, and with dishes dressed with truffle. It is also excellent with fresh egg pasta and meat sauce, and with risotto, as well as medium-mature cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses.

Massolino Moscato d'Asti is a sweet sparkling wine produced from the Piedmont region of Italy. This wine is made using 100% Moscato Bianco grapes, which are handpicked from the winery's vineyards located in the heart of the Moscato d'Asti DOCG area. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing and a temperature-controlled fermentation process, which helps to preserve the wine's natural sweetness.

On the nose, this wine is characterized by intense aromas of peach, apricot, and orange blossom, with a hint of honey. On the palate, it is sweet and refreshing, with a light body and a delicate effervescence. Flavors of ripe peach, tropical fruit, and a hint of minerality are present, with a clean and persistent finish.

Campania's favourite winemaker, Mastroberardino's entry level white is a blend of four native varieties: Coda di Volpe, Greco, Fiano and Falanghina. The nose recalls fresh flowers, pineapple, peach and citrus fruits, while on the palate, good freshness with balanced acidity and notes of citrus and exotic fruit.

From the master himself, Mastroberardino, Campania's favourite winemaker, this might be considered "entry level", but with nothing lacking in flavour and quality. Made with a blend of aglianico and piedirosso, the aromas denote fruity sensations of plum, blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, strawberry and cherry with hints of cinnamon. On the palate it is medium bodied with rich notes of red fruits.

Mastroberardino is definitely one of the founding fathers of winemaking in Campania, and put grapes like Fiano and Aglianico on the world wine map. Also from the quality region of Taurasi, the Historia is made from grapevines that are over 50 years old. Complex, broad, intense and persistent, it is full of violet, blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and vanilla with hints of earthy mushroom notes. Great structure, yet soft tannins in perfect balance. An absolutely stunning wine that will age for 50 years and beyond at a fraction of the price of Barolo! Collectors should always add aglianico to their cellar portfolio.

Mastroberardino is definitely one of the founding fathers of winemaking in Campania, and put grapes like Fiano and Aglianico on the world wine map. Taurasi is a DOCG area for the Aglianico grape and represents history and culture of Irpinia viticulture. The wine offers complex, intense and rich notes of cherry, violets and spice. Full bodied and elegant the rich notes of cherry and plum continue with nuances of tar. These wines have the ability to age for 40+year. If you like Barolo, try the "Barolo of the South" - Aglianico. You won't be disappointed.

Neroametà emerges from the white vinification of the Aglianico grape, showcasing an age-old family vision that highlights the exceptional adaptability of this venerable vine. This wine is a homage both to the varietal heritage of the black Aglianico grape, which reveals a distinctive elegance when vinified in white, and to the wine's geographical and cultural roots, reflecting the harmony and contrast of its landscape. It features an elegant bouquet, rich in expansive and intricate floral notes, including lily of the valley and citrus, seamlessly integrated with subtle fruity and mineral nuances. On the palate, it presents a fresh, savory, and bold profile, leading to an intense mineral-laced finish, encapsulating its refined complexity and depth.

The Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Riserva is a complex, full-bodied red wine with aromas of tobacco, cherry, berries, and balsamic notes. The palate offers a mix of sweet and savory flavors, including figs, cherry syrup, and a dark chocolate finish. It's characterized by powerful but approachable tannins and invigorating acidity, along with latent spice. 

Masumi Shiro Junmai Ginjo offers a light, refreshing sake experience with subtle aromas of banana and apple, a palate of gentle sweetness, bright acidity, and lingering savory umami.

Masumi Sparkling Origarami is a sparkling sake made by Masumi Sake in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is made using a blend of Miyamanishiki and Yamadanishiki rice varieties, and is bottle-fermented using the traditional Champagne method. The sake has a delicate aroma with notes of apple and pear, and a clean, refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness and effervescence. It is a versatile sake that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including seafood, sushi, and light desserts.

Brilliant, flint ruby red. Earthy hints initially on the nose, carried by fine tea, plus resinous tones, again candied raspberry and rosehip, very seductive. On the palate polished and with a creamy fruit core, spreads excitingly, beautiful harmony, balanced, drinks very well, excellent success.

"Delicate scents of white flowers and white orchard fruit lead the nose while the refreshing palate offers yellow apple, lime and lemon pastry. It's crisp and clean, with lively acidity and small vivacious bubbles." - 89/100, Wine Enthusiast

Fruity, spicy bouquet with an animal touch. Fresh after opening it seems a bit tilted. With aeration, this Cornas develops aromas of dark berries, coffee as well as spicy, herbal elements such as bay leaves and incense. Fruit present on the palate and impetuous in a positive way, very juicy, polished and gentle. This wine retains its wild, animalistic but nevertheless appealing character even over days and should probably mature for a few more years.

This wine is layered with subtle pineapple aromas and polished with notes of lavender throughout. A fresh and lively palate filled with pleasant tropical tones presented throughout the finish delivers a crisp and playful wine.

Light and fun, this pineapple wine is sweet, yet finishes with nice acidity and fruity freshness. Bursting with tropical flavors, this wine is fruit-forward and fun. A splash of Hawaii in every glass.

In the glass, this wine presents a harmonious and easy-drinking character, boasting a fresh and intense taste accompanied by a floral bouquet. Notes of apple and lemon add to its aromatic profile. On the palate, it exhibits persistence, with a notable minerality that contributes to its overall pleasantness.

Color & Aroma: Exhibits bright, golden hues accompanied by floral beeswax and nutty, marmalade-like aromas.

Palate: The wine is refreshingly light on the palate, with subtle apricot and honey flavors filling the mouth. It is predictably sweet, yet not overwhelmingly so.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions: Perfectly complements mandarin sorbet and pairs beautifully with blue cheese.

Color & Aroma: The wine presents a pale amber color with golden hues, emitting heady aromas reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, complemented by undercurrents of honey and citrus, evoking the essence of liquid hot cross buns.

Palate: These spicy notes continue onto the palate, where they create a complex and fulfilling flavor experience, enveloping the mouth with their richness.

Pairing & Serving Suggestion: It pairs exceptionally well with apple strudel served alongside warm custard, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Balsamic aromas of camphor mingle with French oak, coconut and purple flowers. Medium-bodied and assertive, the linear palate offers dried cherry, prune, vanilla and roasted coffee bean framed in close-grained tannins that grip the close. Kerin O’Keefe