December is the “C’mon Over for Drinks” month. The spirit of hospitality crackles in the air and our “To Do Lists” become “Gift Lists.” For the person who wants everything; for the person who wants nothing; and for the person who wouldn’t mind a little something, a special bottle of whisky makes a gift that is always appreciated. Are these people in your circle?
The Connoisseur: knows their single malts from blends and loves to teach others.
The Casual Enjoyer: likes whisky but doesn’t stress over details; prefers it for relaxation.
The Adventurer: always looks for new expressions, rare releases, or unconventional pairings.
The Traditionalist: sticks to the classics and appreciates the old-school methods.
Here are my favorite bottles on the shelves this season, and, to quote Frank Sinatra: “Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy.”
The Macallan Time : Space Mastery
A dual chamber vessel that includes a 1940 vintage—the oldest whisky released by The Macallan, at 84 years old, and a second single malt that marks the first from the brand’s new distillery, distilled in 2018 and bottled at 5 years old. This unique single malt with layers of complexity that embraces 200 years of history, pays tribute to past whisky masters through a diverse inventory of the most exceptional oak casks.
Pure gold with a depth that eludes interpretation is the color of this Scotch whisky. The Limited Edition costs $2,800 and proclaims its status: only 200 were bottled. But cost is not the focus when one can savour the nuances of sherry-soaked dried fruits, orange marmalade and honeycomb on the palate, and a marvellous finish of bursts of caramelized pineapple and creamy vanilla that linger with the exquisite balance of subtle dark chocolate and coffee. I sip it with my eyes closed, to avoid any distraction. It is unlike any whisky I have tasted in my lifetime. It’s my good fortune being among the lucky ones to have a wee dram of The Macallan Time: Space pass my lips.
The Balvenie Doublewood 12
The Balvenie, renowned for its rich honeyed character and commitment to craftsmanship was awarded six awards at the prestigious 2024 International Spirits Challenge (ISC).
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 received a gold medal in the “Single Malts up to 12 Years Old” category, owing to its rich complexity and smoothness. Celebrated for its distinct maturation process that involves cask finishing in two types of wood, this process was pioneered by The Balvenie Honorary Ambassador and Former Malt Master David C. Stewart in the 1980s. The expression hosts rich layers of dried fruit, spice, and a delicate hint of sherry cask influence that make it a global favourite. The cylindrical packaging tells its prestigious story.
Indulge in this deliciously unique late-night libation with notes of cherry and almond that complement the fruity Oloroso sherry finish.
Cherry Tartan
- 35ml The Balvenie DoubleWood 12
- 25ml Amontillado Sherry
- 15ml Amaretto
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass and garnish with a skewer of Maraschino cherries.
Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel 14-Year-Old
According to my personal poll, the profile of a Glenfiddich drinker is of a person who is particularly discerning, favoring quality to quantity, and has an interest in history and culture that often translates into an appreciation of the finer things such as food and drink. Embrace the rich and sweet essence of Autumn with the Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve, matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks for 14 years. Finished in deeply charred new American Oak casks, the liquid delivers a vibrant note of oak and velvety caramel, complementing the warm ambiance of fall.
The Glen Roy
- 2 oz Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve
- ¾ oz Italian Sweet Vermouth
- ¼ oz Premium Orange Liqueur (or Dry Curacao preferred)
- 3 dashes of Chocolate Bitters
- 1 Luxardo Cherry for Garnish
In a mixing glass, add in all your ingredients and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain over 1 large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with Luxardo cherry.
Johnny Walker Squid Game
The world’s number one blended Scotch whisky and Netflix are teaming up to invite Squid Game fans and whisky enthusiasts alike to ‘pick your player’ in celebration of the highly anticipated season two. This limited-edition spin on Johnnie Walker Black Label boasts an innovative new design of a Johnnie Walker Striding Man logo in a custom fabric pattern simulating the texture of the recognizable Squid Game green tracksuit. All bottles are numbered ranging from 001-456, paying homage to the players in the Squid Game series, and making this bottle a must-have collectible for Squid Games fans and whisky lovers alike! As the Official Spirits Partner for Squid Game, fans can level up their next viewing party with ‘The 456,’ a Squid Game inspired cocktail to perfectly match Johnnie Walker’s vanilla and spice profile.
The 456 Cocktail
- 1.5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label Squid Game Edition
- 0.5 oz of Bori Cha (barley tea) syrup
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
- Club Soda
- Lemon Peel for Garnish
Steep 6 (barley tea) teabags in 10 oz piping hot water for about 20 minutes. In a separate glass, mix two parts honey with one part tea till the syrup becomes thick and dark honey color. In a highball glass, mix boricha syrup, 1.5 oz of Johnnie Walker Black Label ‘Squid Game,’ and 0.5 oz lemon juice. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Top with ice and soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Jefferson’s Bourbon
Continuing a family tradition that goes back to an 8th-generation grandmother, Founder and Master Blender Trey Zoeller continues to experiment with various blending, ageing and finishing techniques to achieve unique flavours. Jefferson’s Bourbon is a simple, yet substantial whisky, aged in barrels with a very light char, allowing a myriad of secondary flavours to express themselves in an approachable, easy-to-drink, smooth bourbon. “Our mission,” says Zoeller “has always been to create exceptional bourbons by pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and we’re excited to share these expressions with Canadian whisky lovers.” The flavour profile of vanilla, peaches, brown sugar and toffee make this a perfect bourbon to enjoy neat or in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
The Perfect Old Fashioned
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 parts Jefferson’s Bourbon
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Add sugar, bitters and a few drops of water to a rocks glass. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add Jefferson’s Bourbon and gently stir to combine. Squeeze the orange peel over the drink to express its oils, then drop it into the glass.
Don Julio Blanco Tequila
I have recently returned from Mexico where I saw a field of giant Agave plants growing in the blazing sun. In my mind’s eye they suddenly became giant bottles of Don Julio Blanco Tequila, and I felt that it sure would be nice to have a tequila cocktail in my hand at that moment.
Blood Orange Paloma
- 5 oz. Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 75 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit
- 5 oz. fresh squeeze lime
- 5 oz. Agave nectar
- 3 oz. blood orange soda
Chili salt and Blood Orange wheel for garnish. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake passionately. Strain into glass and top with soda. Garnish with Chili Salt dusted Blood Orange wheel.
