From new releases to bar cart classics, each recommendation from this list of Top Ten Wines and Spirits promises to be not only a memorable toast at festive gatherings, but also the perfect showstopping gift.
For the World Traveler: BRAND NEW – Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish
This exceptional bourbon whiskey marks the 100th anniversary of the House of Suntory. Created by Fred Noe, seventh-generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam Distilling Co, and Shinji Fukuyo, fifth-generation Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish represents a harmonious blend of East and West.
The limited-edition liquid is matured in carefully selected French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks which lend rich notes and a vivid spiced finish. Additional reserve is finished in former Yamazaki Spanish Oak casks which impart a full-bodied, malty depth infused with layers of complexity. Lastly, the three finished selections are blended with eight-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, creating a smooth balance of oaky warmth, and a distinctly long finish with hints of spice. This first-of-its-kind whiskey has a 57% ABV and is available for a limited time in select locations across Canada with an RSP of $374.50 in Ontario.
For the Lover of Luxury: BRAND NEW – Bowmore Timeless 29 Year Old
Bowmore Timeless 29 Year Old is a limited-edition single malt Scotch created from a combination of exceptional European oak sherry-seasoned casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks filled in 1991 and 1992. This whisky is a true celebration of time and appreciation for how each moment influences the character of the whisky, resulting in an immersive journey with captivating depth and intensely rich layers of flavour. With a cask strength of 53.7%, Bowmore Timeless 29 Year Old is priced at $4,250 and available for purchase in most major cities.
For the Canadiana Connoisseur: BRAND NEW – Canadian Club Issue No. 1 Classic Sherry Cask 15 Year Old
Hitting shelves this month, Canadian Club has released the first expression in the brand-new Invitation Series: Canadian Club Issue No. 1 Classic Sherry Cask 15 Year Old. The premium whisky sees award-winning Canadian Club Classic 12 Year Old through a second aging in Oloroso sherry casks, marrying the richness and sweetness of sherry with the renowned features of classic Canadian Club. The launch of the Invitation Series serves as a hand-poured personal welcome to Canadian whisky explorers, designed to celebrate old stories and new beginnings. Available at retailers across Canada (excluding Quebec) for $89.95 at an ABV of 42%.
For Those Who Embody Perseverance: NEW THIS YEAR – Tres Generaciones Plata
Grounded in a deep-rooted heritage that pays homage to three exceptional Dons whose dedication and distillation expertise propelled them to innovative heights, Tres Generaciones is a new premium tequila that has hit shelves across Canada. Featuring the brand’s hero expression – a crisp Plata – Margarita and Paloma enthusiasts will find this new tequila the perfect spirit for an ultra-smooth cocktail base or refined tequila sipper. Tres Generaciones is made with 100% fresh-pressed Blue Agave, distilled ‘tres’ times, and continues to be made at the same distillery – La Perseverancia – since 1873. Tres Generaciones Plata retails at $84.95 and is available in all major Canadian markets with an ABV of 40%.
For the At-Home Mixologist: On The Rocks
Transform any moment this holiday season into a celebration with On The Rocks – your passport to premium, mixologist-crafted cocktails, wherever your festive spirit takes you! Whether you’re conquering the ski slopes, or simply lounging at home this holiday season, On The Rocks expertly pre-mixed crafted cocktails elevate every occasion by bringing the premium bar experience right into the comfort of your own home. Elevate your holiday gatherings, enhance your cozy nights in, add as a gift into a few (adult) stockings, and toast to the joy of the season with On The Rocks. Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and Old Fashioned are available in all major Canadian markets for $22.95, with the addition of Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri available in British Columbia, also for $22.95.
For the Single Malt Collector: BRAND NEW – House of Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old – 100th Anniversary Edition
Delight the whisky enthusiast in your life this holiday season with the exquisite, limited edition, 100th-anniversary bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt. Crafted by the pioneers of Japanese whisky, this limited-edition release celebrates the centennial of the House of Suntory. Paying homage to its namesake, Yamazaki, the first and oldest malt distillery in Japan, Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt is more than just a spirit; it is a tribute to the House of Suntory’s unique design philosophy, embodying the essence of Japanese “monozukuri” craftsmanship. This remarkable whisky is not just a spirit; it is a masterpiece, capturing the essence of time and tradition, making it the perfect gift for those who appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting exceptional whiskies. Available at retailers across Canada for $548.60 at an ABV of 43%.
For Those Who Embrace The Joie de Vivre: Courvoisier VSOP
Calling all cocktail lovers! Take your brunch and happy hour cocktails to the next level by indulging in Courvoisier’s simple and iconic signature cocktail: The Gala. Create The Gala at home by combining 1 ¾ parts Courvoisier VSOP to 4 parts Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemonade, pouring over ice in a wine glass, and garnishing with a lemon wheel. As the world’s most awarded cognac house, Courvoisier embraces Joie De Vivre and celebrates the moments that bring the most joy. Retailing for $110.20 at an ABV of 40%, Courvoisier VSOP can be found available in all major Canadian markets.
For Those Who Are Partial to Peat: Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Laphroaig 10 Year Old is the definitive Islay peated single malt, distilled following traditions laid over the last 200 years by passionate master distillers. It’s a staple for whisky connoisseurs and a peaty rite of passage. This expression’s unique flavour profile is conjured from malted barley which is first cold-smoked over peat fires, a process only done by a handful of distilleries. The grain is then dried over those same fires and tossed on the malting floor facing out to sea. It spends the next 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, because a full decade is what it takes to create this full-bodied Scotch with bold smoky flavour, notes of salty seaweed, and a lingering sweetness. Look out for new, more sustainable packaging changes hitting shelves across Canada soon! Retailing at $99.95 with an ABV of 43%, Laphroaig 10 Year Old is readily available on shelves across the country.
For Creative Trendsetters: BRAND NEW – 2021 Orin Swift Abstract
One of many definitions of the word, abstract, is a summary of something larger, encompassing the crucial elements, making it easy to comprehend on the fly. Abstract, in its own way, is an abstract of the winemaking mission and ethos at Orin Swift. It will always have the brand’s signature drinkability, comprised of fruit from quality vineyards across California and creates conversations—be it about the wine or the label. For those new to Orin Swift, Abstract is a beloved starting point that is crafted to leave an impression. This luxury red wine boasts aromas of black olive, blackcurrant, blueberry, sweet spices, and toasted oak, and will retail for $55 at LCBO locations across Ontario as of mid-December.
For the Botanically Inclined: Roku Gin
From the House of Suntory, Roku is an authentic premium Japanese craft gin, distilled and bottled in Japan. Roku follows the concept of shun – the tradition of enjoying food and drink in its proper season, only when those foods are at the peak of flavours. Roku offers a distinctive taste experience. Inside every bottle, you will find six very special botanicals that are sourced in Japan. Retailing at $52.50, Roku Gin is available on shelves across Canada with an ABV of 43%.
