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Cocktail Hour: Cucumber Cooler

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 8, 2016

Spring continues to struggle its way forward, and my anticipation for the warmer weather is completely whetted. And when the weather finally turns completely I plan to enjoy myself on my back deck on the weekends with my Rum Chums as we have grill burgers and dogs and combine those good times with a few cocktails and bar drinks. Those who are long time followers of my spirits reviews know that during the lazy days of spring and summer, I am most likely to be to enjoying servings of the long tall variety.

Cucumber Mint Cooler SAM_2485Here is one such tall serving which, if you happen to have a penchant for gin, is just perfect for those back deck barbecues, the Cucumber Cooler.

Cucumber Cooler

2 oz De Kuyper Genièvre
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3 slices Cucumber
4 Mint Leaves
3/8 oz Sugar Syrup (1:1)
Ice
Sparkling Water

Add the Mint, Cucumber, and Lime into a Mixing Glass
Add the Genièvre and muddle until the cucumber is thoroughly crushed
Double strain into a large glass filled with ice
Complete with Sparkling Water

Please enjoy Responsibly

If  you are interested in more of my cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!

Note: my review for De Kuyper Genièvre will publish tomorrow!

Chimo!

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Review: Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 6, 2016

Defender Island SAM_2364Legends Distilling is a small craft distillery in Naramata B.C. (the heart of Okanagan Wine Country). Owner’s Dawn and Doug Lennie moved there 11 years ago and witnessed the progression of the wine business happening all around them. They were already running their own businesses, but had a dream of working together to build a new company they could share. Dawn and Doug had been watching what was going on with craft distilling in the USA, and they decided that distilled spirits would be a great business to bring to their community as a compliment to all the great wines available around them. Offering something new in the area was key. This included their unique location along the Naramata Bench, as other distilleries were being located in more industrial areas.

Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin is made from a wheat based spirit which was produced upon Legend Distillery’s main still (which comprises of a pot and 20 plate column). The gin features juniper, wild Okanagan sage and a host of other botanicals which are vapor infused through their copper still. Following distillation, flame charred locally grown rosemary is added, giving the gin a unique smokey flavour. The spirit is bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin

” … The breezes above the glass are appealing. I receive a firm piny juniper scent which is softened by the very apparent aroma of smoked rosemary. Light impressions of poultry seasoning, treacle, orange liqueur, and a light coriander-like spiciness comes forward as well …”

Please enjoy the review which includes the suggested recipe, the Sour Defender.

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Distillery Profile: Legend Distilling

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 4, 2016

Legend Distillery

Legend Distillery in Naramata B.C.

A distilling revolution is underway as small craft distilleries are beginning to make an impact on the landscape of Canadian spirits. About a month ago I profiled the Big Rig Craft Distillery, in Nisku, Alberta, and today I am hopping (in a virtual way) across the Rocky Mountains to Naramata, British Columbia to profile one of the Pacific Province’s newest Craft Distilleries, Legend Distilling.

Legend Distilling is a small craft distillery in the heart of B.C. Okanagan Wine Country. Owner’s Dawn and Doug Lennie moved to Naramanta 11 years ago and witnessed the progression of the wine business happening all around them. They were already running their own businesses, but had a dream of working together to build a new company they could share. Whiskey had always been a passion of Doug’s, and he had also been watching what was going on with craft distilling in the US. Both Dawn and he decided that spirits would be a great business to bring to the community as a compliment to all the great wines available around them. For Dawn and Doug, offering something new in the area was key. This included their unique location along the Naramata Bench, as other distilleries were being located in more industrial areas.

My complete virtual tour of Legend Distilling which includes profiles of their locally produced Vodka, Gin and Specialty Liqueurs can be found by clicking on the following link:

Legend Distilling: A Virtual Tour

Note: I have received samples of most of the product line-up, and my review of their unique smokey rosemary flavoured gin, Defender Island will in a couple of days as my Gin Binge continues.

Chimo!

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Review: Sonoma County Rye Whiskey

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 2, 2016

Sonoma Rye SAM_2393The Sonoma County Distilling Company is located in Sonoma County, California. The company was founded in 2010 with the intention to bring spirits to the market using a ‘Grain to Glass’ philosophy. The production is done in-house including mashing and fermentation of grains, direct-fire copper pot distillation, maturing the spirits in American oak barrels, as well as bottling and labeling.

Several of their whiskey spirits have hit Alberta store shelves including their Sonoma County Rye Whiskey. According to the information provided to me the whiskey is produced from a mash bill of 100 % Rye, the primary grain being Canadian unmalted rye (80%) with a smaller proportion being malted rye from the UK (20%).

The Sonoma County Rye Whiskey is bottled at varying alcohol proofs depending upon the blenders decision for that bottling. My sample bottle is showing me a full 98 proof on the label.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Sonoma County Rye Whiskey

“… The aroma is full of thick rye notes mingled with woody tones of fresh-cut planks. This is followed by both honeycomb and sweet caramel as well as some bittersweet treacle. There are also firm impressions of baking spices (allspice, vanilla nutmeg, and cinnamon) with a few of chocolate-like notes drifting alongside, and a growing push of damp cigar tobacco. I am impressed …”

Please enjoy the review, Chimo!

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Review: Coruba Imported Dark Jamaican Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 31, 2016

Coruba Dark Rum SAM_2449Coruba Rum is produced by J. Wray and Nephew who trace their history back to 1825 when company founder John Wray set up ‘The Shakespeare Tavern‘ in Kingston, Jamaica.

When I did a little research, I was surprised to learn that the Coruba brand encompasses a range of rums which includes not only the familiar Original Dark Rum (which is the subject of this review) but also Coruba Spiced Rum and Coruba Coconut Rum. As well Coruba Rum’s New Zealand website also refers to a Coruba Gold Rum which may be in production as well. According to all of the different company websites, all of the Coruba branded spirits are 100% Jamaican Rum.

Only one of these brands is available in Canada, the Original Dark Rum (which in Canada is labeled Coruba Imported Jamaican Rum). The dark spirit is produced from is a blend of pot and column still rums that have been aged for at least two years in American oak barrels.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Coruba Imported Dark Jamaican Rum

“… The breezes above the glass are full of molasses, candied caramel and orange peel. Menthol, cinnamon, cloves, wood spice, mocha coffee and cola also taint the air above the glass with their presence. Allowing the rum time to breathe reveals additional accents of orange marmalade and rich vanilla …”

Please enjoy my review, Chimo!

 

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