On the nose, vanilla and a burst of sweet ripe cassis. This is Changyu's proposition of a big wine from the Helan Mountain region of Ningxia. Opulent, luscious and of enormous character and body – this wine lifts you with its power. It conjures up a myriad of food pairing ideas, from a juicy steak, confit of duck or a rich ripe cheese. The wine is a statement for the region with its beauty, power of fruit, tannins, taste, style and a long finish. Yet, it also encompasses elements of elegance and finesse.

Jane Anson 96 Points for Inside Bordeaux: "The 2016 Fleur Cardinale is a muscular, beautiful and profound wine full of olive tapendade, tar, smoked earth, and tons of liquorice, bitter chocolate shavings, cassis and blueberry fruits. Things close in to a slate textured finish that gives balance and makes your mouth water, and as things open you get clearer peony floral aromatics curling out of the glass. This was the point at which the Decoster family were really making me sit up and take notice of what was happening at Fleur Cardinale, and it is starting to sing as five years old." (11/2021)

The Botanist is a gin of layered complexity, a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. The first Islay dry gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of our remote Scottish Island.

Smokehead High Voltage Single Malt Whisky delivers an electrifying experience, immersing the senses in a whirlwind of intense peatiness and profound richness. With a bold rush of black smoke and creamy, nutty undertones, this expression culminates in a tangy sea salt finish that leaves a lasting impression. Reserved for the daring and unapologetically bold, Smokehead High Voltage is an explosion of flavor that defies convention and demands attention, regardless of others' opinions.

Embark on a nostalgic trip with The FoxTale Citrus Gin, a delightful twist on the cherished original The FoxTale recipe, now enhanced with the finest oranges from the Algarve. For the ultimate FoxTale Citrus & Tonic experience, add a single orange zest to your glass. The FoxTale Citrus Gin beautifully marries the zesty and refreshing taste of oranges with the bold, dry essence of juniper, offering a unique and familiar flavor profile that's sure to enchant.

While the nose showcases primarily grain aromas, including cracked corn and peanut shell, it also has notes of white pepper, dark cherries, brown sugar, and Hershey’s chocolate syrup—a harbinger of things to come. The palate is a chocolate lover’s dream, rich and tantalizing without heaviness. There’s also mint, cinnamon, cashew butter, and well-integrated oak; time and water bring out sweet orange. It finishes with milk chocolate, toasted nuts, and lingering cinnamon.

Tasting Notes :Fabulous fruity notes make it immediately pleasant and fascinating. Black cherry, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, cocoa, sweet and well-integrated tannins, intense and rich floral notes. Elegant nose and taste with warm and soft mineral notes.

Producer tasting notes: "Colour: High, intense layer with a red cherry background and red rim. Nose: As always, the RODA I are discreet when you bring them to the nose and little by little the aromas rise from the bottom, pulling wonderful sensations that fill the glass. There are many black fruits, but it has red flashes that make it shine, black plums dominate, and cherries appear next to it. Underneath are the earth, chocolate, aromatic plants and sweet spices, cinnamon, cloves… which complete this aromatic landscape. The oak slightly leaves its mark on the background. Palate: It's an example of the elegance of RODA I, very fine in the palate, with excellent tannin, silky and lively at the same time. Plums and cherries fill the mouth, slightly liqueur and fresh, it is a perfect and difficult balance. It is very long, with a powerful retronasal route." - Bodegas Roda

This is small production gewurztraminer made from 25-45 year old vines It showcases aromatic wines that are charming and delicious. The Sonnenglanz Grand Cru is the perfect terroir for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The wine shows aromas of peach, honey with brown spices, nutmeg and lychee. Broad and full on the palate with ripe peach fruit, spice, stone mineral, plenty of sweetness balanced by lively acidity andan unctuous mouthfeel, this wine is likely in a great spot for drinking. It will show best when decanted.

Woodford Reserve Wheat is based on historical recipes but influenced by the iconic core Woodford Reserve Bourbon brand. With wheat as the dominant grain at 52 percent, followed by malt (20%), corn (20%) and rye (8%) - this whiskey was created by renowned Master Distiller Chris Morris.

Woodford Reserve — a super-premium bourbon created 23 years ago in Woodford County, Kentucky — has looked to history for inspiration in its products, but it is ultimately a modern bourbon focused on flavor. Each of the four Woodford whiskeys, along with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, brings a different flavor profile to the palate. Bourbon is a balance of many flavors, rye is spicy, malt is nutty, double oaked is sweet and wheat is fruit-forward.

Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. Glendalough's Double Barrel has sucked the marrow out of two casks, bourbon and oloroso. They each bring their own unique flavour and character. While the bourbon barrels add, among other things, sweet, smooth vanilla notes, the oloroso casks layer on those dried fruit and slightly nutty flavours. And of course these are all accented by almost four years resting in Ireland's mild maritime climate.

A bright pale golden colour, with aromas of butterscotch, marzipan, toasted pecan and smoke. Smooth, with a warming cinnamon spice sensation; the flavours feature crisp pear, vanilla, almond, lilac and honeysuckle with an undertone of dried apricots. The finish is clean and gentle, with subtle lingering flavours.

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.

Enrico Rivetto is a farmer in the Serralunga region of Piemonte. The long awaited Traditional Method Nebbiolo Spumante has finally arrived in Alberta. The wine is made from grapes plucked from the tips of the bunch only. 60 months on the lees gives the wine a biscuity, bready, brioche flavour combined with a whiff of cherry, rose, violets, and Italian herbs. The name "Kaskal" means "the road that leads to the king" - a path to explore the potential of a noble vine (Nebbiolo)

From Bordeaux winemaker Sabine Jaren, this gin is distilled from Sauvignon Blanc and other grapes, and puts fruity sweetness front and center, reading more like a brandy than a traditional gin. Candied grape and a hint of dark fruit mingles with hints of lime and ginger heat, leading into a floral exhale. The botanical mix includes blackcurrant buds, grapefruit and violet.

Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky beautifully marries the traditional maritime qualities of Campbeltown malt with the sweet, tropical influence of Caribbean rum casks. This dual maturation process starts with aging in American oak barrels, followed by a finishing period in select rum casks, which imparts an additional layer of complexity and richness to the whisky. It features a deep amber color, with a nose that exudes notes of vanilla, rich toffee, and hints of fruit, alongside the distinctive briny undertones typical of Glen Scotia whiskies. The palate is an exquisite blend of sweet caramel, tropical fruits, and subtle spices, complemented by the classic maritime saltiness. The finish is smooth and long-lasting, with a delightful sweetness from the rum cask that perfectly balances the whisky's inherent robust character. Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Cask Finish is a testament to the distillery's innovative spirit, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience that stands out among single malts.

The aromas are richly woody with oxidative notes and a strong nuttiness reminiscent of hazelnut nougat and praline, akin to opening a box of chocolates. On the palate, there's a sweet and predominantly nutty flavor profile, with roasted hazelnuts, dark caramel, and molasses.

Immerse yourself in the exceptional character of Signal Hill Founders Select Overproof Whisky, a limited edition bottling boasting an impressive 56.3% ABV. Embracing the rich tradition of Signal Hill Whisky, this overproof expression exemplifies boldness without sacrificing the renowned flavor profile that defines Signal Hill.

Nose: Fresh agave, citrus zest, and hints of green pepper.
Taste: Crisp and vibrant with notes of agave, lime, and a touch of black pepper.
Palate: Smooth and well-balanced, with a clean finish of agave and a subtle hint of white pepper.

A very primary, bright crimson colour, this has more lift and florals than the 2016 Midnight Race. The palate has a cooler character, a line of fine liquorice and raspberry fruit, a herbal touch, but the tannins are so fine, elegant, and the balance excellent.

SHIN Select Reserve Whisky is blended with 2 years finished whisky of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, that are both previously aged in Japanese Shochu cask (American Oak) for 3 years.

Award List:

Bronze (World Whisky Awards, 2022)

Double Gold Medal (San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021)

Bronze Medal (IWSC 2020)

Tasting Notes

Nose: cereal barley malt, some caramelised sugar and light treacle, hints of vanilla custard and crème brulee, fruity apples and pears, toffee and caramel

Palate: light and smooth initially, creamy caramelised sugar, caramel, fudge, toffee, vanilla, some spices begin to develop, a light wasabi heat and a little fennel give this a spiced kick

Finish: medium, balanced between creamy vanilla toffee and drying spiced oak and hints of peat

This beautifully aged spirit boasts notes of oak, fruity undertones, honey and vanilla underpinned by cooked agave. There is a smooth harmony on the palate, not unlike what shows in some very fine bourbons.

"Has the brown/chestnut appearance of older oloroso sherry; unblemished clarity. Opening sniffs encounter deep scents of brown sugar and toffee; six more minutes add succulent aromas of candied walnut, toasted marshmallow, treacle and dark, old honey. Entry is round, supple, oily and creamy in texture, with highlights of burnt sugar and cocoa; midpalate is suddenly quite earthy, grassy and lean, with pocket flavors of treacle and marzipan. Concludes medium-long, sappy bittersweet and almost nutty/nougaty." Spirit Journal 2011

Scarabus, meaning ‘rocky place' in Old Norse, is named after a mystical area of Islay. This is a 10 year old version of Hunter Laing's original Scarabus single malt Scotch whisky. Produced by an undisclosed distillery on the legendary isle of Islay, this expression is aged in a combo of refill, ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks, and bottled up after a decade of maturation.
Nose: Soft phenolic peat smoke, slightly bitter with hints of Lapsang Souchong, tar, sea spray and toasted brioche developing along the way. Behind it lemon and honey sweetness.

Palate: Golden syrup, vanilla, and a slow rumble of peaty smoke and crushed peppercorns. In the mouth a tad rounder and more voluminous than its little brother.

Finish: Sweet peat, umami and some floral freshness. Medium length.

The flagship expression from the Glenkinchie distillery, one of the stalwarts of the Lowlands. A fantastic introduction to the region, Glenkinchie 12 Year Old shows off the characteristic lightness and grassy elements that Lowland whiskies are known for, with nods to cooked fruit and Sauternes wine along the way. Brilliant single malt to enjoy as an aperitif on a warm evening.

Tasting Notes
Nose: A light, aromatic nose with hints of barley malt, almonds, hazelnuts and manuka honey/beeswax.

Palate: Very fruity palate with a mix of stewed fruits, dessert wine, apple peels and honey. Becomes quite oaky late palate.

Finish: A medium-length finish with barley and freshly mown grass…

Unlike a typical 100% malt whiskey, Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey crafted from 51% malt and aged in new charred oak barrels, making it the malt whiskey for bourbon drinkers. The base of 51 % malt results in a whiskey that is richly flavorful and complex and amplifies the nutty characteristics found in the original Woodford Reserve.

NOSE
Soft nutty notes drizzled with light caramel and milk chocolate coat a layer of fruit character (apple, dried fruit, tropical fruit). Hints of brown spice, savoury mint and brown sugar mingle with a rich note of freshly milled toasted oak.

TASTE
Dark chocolate and caramel-coated nuts are dried out with a dusting of cocoa powder and brown spice. A fruit medley brightens a trace of toasted coconut and rich, bright oak character.

FINISH
Nutty and subtly sweet chocolate malt notes.

An intense colour: Bold yellow with golden highlights A rich bouquet: A burst of exotic fruits (pineapple, mango) The roundness of stonefruits (mirabelle plum, apricot) A slight hint of vanilla

Renato Ratti Barolo DOCG Marcenasco is a classic expression of the Nebbiolo grape grown in the Barolo subregion of Piedmont, Italy. This wine offers aromas of ripe red fruit, violet, licorice, and tobacco, with a touch of leather and earth. On the palate, it is full-bodied and complex, with fine tannins and a long finish. This wine can be cellared for up to 20 years, but it is also enjoyable now! 
Pairs well with: a hearty meat dish or aged cheese.

Château Vartely Taraboste Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot (Rezerva) is a premium, full-bodied Moldovan red wine with 14.5% alcohol, featuring intense aromas of ripe pomegranate, blackcurrant, dried plums, and oriental spices. Aged for 18–23 months in new oak, it offers a velvety, structured taste with soft tannins, high maturation potential, and a "Purely Aristocratic" style. 

A bright yellow color. Aromatic on the nose, elegant and powerfull. Hints of dry fruit and honey. Fine bead of tiny, lingering bubbles and attractively dry, savoury palate.. A long citrus finish.

Medium-bodied, elegant and refined, with lovely, fresh, sweet, red fruits, silky tannins and floral aromatics. The wine is bright, refined and finesse driven. There is purity in the fruit, length and energy here.
The wine was made from blending 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% alcohol and aging in 50% new French oak barrels