Mexico’s most popular spirit has a long history. When Spaniards invaded indigenous lands in the 16th century, what is today Mexico, Aztecs were already drinking pulque ( a mildy alcohlic beverage which was consumed sicne pre-Columbian times). When Spaniards run out of brandy they began distilling pulque. By 1608 the […]
Jean Talon, the first intendant of New France is credited with starting the commercial brewing in Canada in the 1600’s. Much later John Molson, and Englishman, set up shop in Montreal in 1786, and has been successful running his brewery, which historians claim to be North America’s oldest commercial institution. […]
Christmas and New Year celebrations are only a few weeks away. Selecting presents for family, business associates and friends can be daunting. Last minute frantic shopping can be frustrating and end up being more expensive than anticipated. Some select clothing ( can be rewarding or disappointing for the recipient), food, […]
A Superb Canadian, Irish, Bourbon and Scotch Tasting Whisky is a rapidly growing spirit category at the L C B O . A special department scours all producing all over the world, to source out-of-ordinary whiskies. Recently, I had an opportunity to taste more than 30 specially selected whiskies. […]
In Mid-1970’s, for the overwhelming majority of the population, coffee meant processed “robusta” or “liberica” coffee, or tea from a bag, which means “tea dust attractively packaged”. Gradually, organic coffee importers and small retailers have been able to convince coffee and tea drinkers that specialty “arabica” coffee and specialty teas […]
Cold weather beers The best way to enjoy winter is to embrace it. Warm parkas, comfort foods, snowy Sunday afternoons – there is a lot to like about winter. Beer is the most versatile of all alcoholic beverages. Over centuries, brewers have come up with hundreds of styles. Some redesigned […]
Thousands of Canadian beer buffs who travel to Europe visit Munich, Koln, Brussels, or to the west coast of the U S A, (Seattle, and San Francisco) make a point of visiting breweries, to see how they operate and sample their products. These cities, famous for deep brewing traditions, offer […]
Pomace spirits are produced in almost all European wine producing countries. Italians call their version grappa, which they enjoy after dinner on its own or in their coffee. Grappa is a pomace brandy that contains 35 to 60 per cent ABV. The quality and fragrance depend on the quality […]
