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Posts Tagged ‘Distillerie de Québec’

Review: Cap Diamant Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on September 14, 2023

Cap Diamant (Cape Diamond) is a headland at the edge of the Promontory of Quebec where the St. Lawrence River narrows between its two shores upon which Quebec City is located. French explorer, Jacques Cartier  found what he thought were diamonds in the high cliffs and so he named the cape, Cap Dianmont. In a story that every Canadian is taught in Elementary School, James Wolfe and his troops (in 1759) scaled Cap Diamant toward the Plains of Abraham and conquered Quebec making it part of the British Empire.

Cap Diamont Vodka pays homage to this historic Canadian site.  This is a small batch spirit, distilled from 100% Canadian corn grain with water from one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Laurentians. The vodka is filtered with coconut charcoal, and is meant to be enjoyed neat or on ice (or with your favourite cocktail).

Here is a link to my full review where I put Cap Diamont through the paces of my rigorous tasting sessions.

Review: Cap Diamant Vodka

“… Very little aroma was present, perhaps a wisp of lime and grain, but that was all. When sipped the vodka was smooth and slightly spicy with again perhaps a very light taste of lime.  And this is exactly what I expect from a good vodka! Only wisps of flavour with no burn or metallic tastes …”

I hope everyone enjoys the review of what has turned out to be a very good vodka!  Chimo!

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Review: Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665

Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 5, 2023

It’s time to go back to the Distillerie de Québec which was founded several years ago by Christophe Légasse and David Lévesque. So far in my examinations of the distilleries spirits, I have reviewed their  Rhum St-Roc Foundation, as well as their Trait-Carré Dry Gin, both of which I enjoyed.

Today I will share my review of Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665 which has been constructed from the same botanicals as the dry gin, but aged for up to two years in quarter casks of American rye whisky. This aged gin has won numerous awards, most notable a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665

“… Juniper arrives alongside a mild butterscotch sweetness and light scents of almond and vanilla. Citrus zest and red berries give the gin a light fruity quality and then a sort of menagerie of indistinct scents and smells arrive in a jumble giving me an impression of those dense evergreen forests that grow in the foothills next to the Rocky mountains …”

Please enjoy my review of this ‘sipping’ gin.

Chimo!

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Review: Trait-Carré Dry Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 28, 2023

This continues my look at La Distillerie de Québec. Last week I reviewed their St-Roc Foundation Rum, and today I turn to the first of their two gin spirits, Trait-Carré Dry Gin. (I will get to their aged gin and Cap Diamont Vodka in the coming weeks.)

Trait-Carré Dry Gin is a classic dry gin produced in small batches which has been designed to be tribute to the Quebec City community nucleus called the Trait-Carré. This community was founded in the Seventeenth century by the Jesuits under the direction of King Louis-XIV’s.

The Distillerie de Québec notes 14 botanicals which are used in the gin’s construction namely, Juniper Berries, Coriander Seeds, Bitter Orange Peels, Grapefruit Peels, Sea-buckthorn Berries, Elderberries, Sweet Clover, Hibiscus Flower, Chamomile Flowers, Peppery Green Alder, Angelica Root, Iris Root and Cardamom. These have been selected to be a blend of ingredients representing both Quebec as well as exotic countries as a nod to the diversity maritime community and trade history present of Nouvelle-France.

Here is a link to my completed review:

Review: Trait-Carré Dry Gin

“… The nose is mild and inviting with a soft juniper leading out followed by citrus and citrus zest as well as a gentle licorice-like scent. A light floral character is developing in the breezes as are aromas of mossy forest undergrowth and balmy spices.  I really like how all the various scents and smells sort of blend into each other …”

I hope you enjoy my review of this soft gin with its beguiling flavour profile.

Chimo!

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Review: St-Roc Foundation Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 19, 2023

The Distillerie de Québec was founded several years ago by Christophe Légasse and David Lévesque, who are committed towards creating fine spirits with a regional (Quebec) taste. Theirs is one of many new micro-distilleries which have begun to proliferate the landscape of the North American Distilling industry. They have created a small portfolio of spirits that has began to penetrate the Canadian market which include Cap Diamant Vodka, Trait-Carré Dry and Aged Gins, and the subject of this review, Rhum St-Roc Foundation.

St-Roc Foundation is a British style amber rum produced from organic cane sugar as well as molasses. The rum is twice distilled and then aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the aging cellars of La Distillerie de Québec. The final rum is a blend of one to three year old aged rums with no sugar or colouring added. According to the distillery, this rum is meant to be a tribute to Quebec City’s St-Roc Distillery which was founded in the 18th century, which marked the birth of the distilling industry in Canada.

Review: St-Roc Foundation Rum

“… initial notes of grassy hay fields, vanilla, almond and light butterscotch. Somewhere in that grassy hay field there must be flowers as their is also a light indication of florals and pollen. Pears and fresh straw are somewhere in that mix as well. There is just a touch of rough and tumble in the breezes with indications of resin, and a funky note which must be a feature of the small still distillation …”

This is my first look at the spirits of the Distillerie de Québec. I will be traversing their line-up over the next couple of weeks looking at their gins and vodka.

Chimo!

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