” ONLY FINE CIGARS ARE WORTH SMOKING AND ONLY MEN WHO SMOKE FINE CIGARS ARE WORTH KISSING.”

– Joan Collins

We totally agree with this saying!
So treat yourself to the finest, genuine Cuban cigars ,
the leading online seller of finest cigars available on internet.

Cuban cigars are understandably famous and so much goes into their production, from growing the tobacco to carefully hand rolling.

This helps to provide a depth and complexity of flavor, which is what you’re looking for in any pairing

THERE’S ONLY ONE BAD CIGAR:
THE ONE YOU HAVEN’T SMOKED

So it’s time to test a new cigars on a Sunday evening. Find the finest Cuban cigars on the  market and give them a try!

ENJOY!

 From all your business needs to leisure requirements, The Fleet Clubs take care of everything with an extra layer of luxury offering a leading crew-to-guest ratio and white-glove in-flight services. Journey’s begin with door-to-door transfer services, including a fleet of chauffeur-driven Range Rovers, helicopter, and seaplanes. The Fleet Clubs is also pet friendly and allows dogs to fly onboard.

Founded in 1979 by renowned Australian podiatrist Dr. Phillip Vasyli, an avid surfer, Vasyli’s idea was to design orthotic inserts with surfboard moulding techniques—so they’d hug your sole like a natural footprint—the way sand takes form under bare feet. The result was unparalleled support and comfort, correction of overpronation, restoration of natural alignment, and relief from chronic foot-pain issues like plantar fasciitis. Vasyli’s creation revolutionized the industry and laid the groundwork for an entirely new category: fashionable shoes with built-in support technology.

Vionic’s Vio-Motion Technology delivers Three-Zone Comfort for a difference you can feel by offering you stability, arch support and cushioning. Fusing style with science, Vionic brings the best in pedorthic support and comfort with their Orthaheel Technology. Deep heel cups, natural alignment and perfect balance are key features built into every pair of their shoes.

By wearing orthotic shoe inserts or supportive shoes, you can align your feet and reduce overpronation. Extra arch support and realignment of the lower leg to its natural angle lessen the pulling and strain on the plantar fascia. Vionic technology is shown to help reduce overpronation and associated conditions due to misalignment. If you are looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis, find a pair from Vionic that provides heel support, comfort and style. You can enjoy instant relief through this breakthrough technology built into a selection of stylish casual and dress shoes, walking‑specific shoes and sandals, supportive slippers and more.

From their headquarters in San Rafael, California, Vionic is a collaboration of shoe-obsessed professionals designing and marketing footwear that reflects the latest advances in support technology, generating sales worldwide. They are focused on a future of comfort innovation, fashion evolution, and customer satisfaction that continues to make footwear history.Discover the Vionic difference online at vionicshoes.ca.

Hours of Operation

YYZ Toronto Pearson Renovated T1 Domestic Lounge 05:30 am – 20:30 pm daily

YVR Vancouver Renovated US Departures Lounge 05:00 am -20:00 pm daily

YVR Vancouver Root 98 Restaurant 05:00 am -20:00 pm daily

The new Toronto Domestic Lounge, Vancouver US Transborder Lounge and
Vancouver Root98 restaurant is now open to global travelers and passes are
available to purchase on plazapremiumlounge.com

Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) is excited to announce two updates to its hospitality airport services with the opening of newly renovated lounges in Terminal 1 Domestic departures at Toronto Pearson International Airport and at Vancouver International Airport servicing US departures. The newly renovated lounges have arrived just as PPL sees a 570% increase in its airport lounge services across its Canadian network as compared to November 2021. In addition, Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has added Root98, the group’s premium airport dining destination to Vancouver’s US transborder terminal to suit every traveler’s needs during the holiday travel season.

“We are excited to unveil these newly renovated lounges at a time when travelers need it the most”,

said Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Operations for Plaza Premium Group.

“The mission of Plaza Premium has always been to offer guests an elevated and comfortable airport experience no matter their ticket status and with the reopening of our T1 Domestic and US Transborder lounges, this will help us to further democratize the airport lounge experience for those traveling to and through Canada’s largest cities”.

Conveniently located  just past security screening, the new lounge now expands to over 4,900 square feet and can seat up to 120 guests. Comfortable sofas and leather covered swivel chairs provide the ultimate relaxing environment while plush carpeting, soft lighting and high-end design features present a warm and inviting environment. Guests will receive premium hospitality services and amenities such as WI-FI, charging stations, flight information displays, TV services, shower room, baby changing stations, printing and photocopying services* and much more. 

“It’s always a pleasure to work with like-minded partners, and Plaza Premium’s focus on the passenger is on full display in its newly renovated lounge at Toronto Pearson,” said Ian Clarke, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Head of Commercial and Business Partnerships at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

“Just in time for the traditionally busy holiday travel season, Plaza Premium’s new lounge is a welcomed addition to Toronto Pearson that will contribute strongly to our end goal of continually elevating the passenger experience.”

New to the Plaza Premium Lounge network in Canada, the T1 Domestic Lounge will be the first to offer guests the opportunity to upgrade their entry fee to gain access to a newly added exclusive VIP area. This new service located in the lounge will provide guests with their very own private oasis by reserving a dedicated seating area that includes elevated privacy thanks to elegant partitions and dividers, special snacks, premium beverages selection, shower access and dedicated bar. The new VIP service can be added on to a guest’s entry fee for as little as CAD $19.99.

Guests can now indulge in a wide variety of cuisines, from Asian to American, through dishes crafted to perfection. Plaza Premium Lounge offers all guests the experience to enjoy freshly made meals while catering to all dietary choices upon request such as: vegetarian, gluten-free, a dedicated kids menu and more. All guests visiting the lounge can expect to receive complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks and have the opportunity to browse through a selection of house beer and wine. While visiting the full-service bar, travelers can also indulge with a Premium Pour menu that includes delicious signature cocktails.*

YVR Vancouver Renovated US Transborder Lounge

The newly renovated lounge in the US Transborder Terminal has been expanded to accommodate 132 guests, double the amount based on its previous layout thanks to an added 2,000 square feet. 

Upon entering, the new lounge offers a restorative environment with the help of a contemporary and refined design featuring clean-lined wood paneling,  soft neutral tones, and forest green accents to reflect the natural environment of Vancouver.  Unique screen partitions, a feature ceiling over the bar and unique light fixtures add a touch of brass, elevating the space to exude refined luxury. A thoughtful floor plan design of the main lounge has a variety of zones, including a dining area, as well as a lounge area and bar, creating a natural focal point for the space. Clusters of lounge seating are spaciously located, offering guests a non-intrusive atmosphere and a sense of privacy. New amenities include a nursing room along with added shower rooms, a full service bar featuring premium drink offerings* and an updated dining menu. 

In keeping with Vancouver’s green initiatives, sustainability has been carefully woven throughout every aspect of the design approach. Locally sourced reclaimed and FSC certified wood products are used throughout the space, as well as upholstery and solid surface countertop materials containing recycled materials. 

YVR Vancouver Root 98 Restaurant 

Root 98 is Plaza Premium Group’s premium airport dining experience. A herbs and seeds inspired dining concept, it is designed to suit and accommodate every traveler’s dining tastes and needs by offering an international culinary selection. Taking reference from the word’s “origin” and “beginning,” “route” is a play on the airport journey travelers will embark on, while “98” pays homage to the year Plaza Premium Group was founded. The concept places emphasis on the theater of artistically plated dishes through live preparation experiences and a combination of delightful flavors. Bringing light to the importance of well-being, health and nutrition education is weaved into the design to promote better eating habits and lifestyle changes.

Benefiting from a corner location, the design is open and inviting, enticing the traveler to sit down or make a purchase to go. Behind the front counters, packaged goods for purchase are displayed in a décor punctuated by green potted plants. A bronze canopy frames each of the spaces, and colorful graphics illustrate the concept inspiration.

The new Root98 location features two components. The Marketplace invites travelers to sit down, relax and take in a warm meal before embarking on their journey while the Grab & Go offers a variety of healthy and tasty packaged meals to take on the go and enjoy either in flight or upon arrival.

Founded in 1968 by a group of talented, young technology graduates who established a high technology R&D and prototyping business in Cambridge, England, it’s the oldest British-owned hi-fi company. Now solely owned by James Johnson-Flint, an entrepreneur who worked his way up from a Saturday job to co-running Richer Sounds, a UK hi-fi retailer chain, before acquiring Cambridge Audio in 1994.

The company has remained true to its mission statement – to enrich life through exceptional sound while making world-class audio accessible to everyone. They offer everything from headphones to high-end systems at every entry point, from beginners on their hi-fi journey to experienced audiophiles and home audio enthusiasts. “The idea is to not add anything to the music in our design process when it comes to engineering, but to get out of the way of the music and to hear it as it was intended,” shares Matt Reilly, Head of Business Development, North America for Cambridge Audio.

Kicking off decades of award-winning designs in audio technology was the P40, the world’s first integrated amplifier with a toroidal transformer. Next, there was CD1, the first two-box CD player in 1985. Fast forward to 2019, when Cambridge launched the Alva TT, the world’s first Bluetooth aptX HD-enabled turntable where you can spin records and listen through your traditional hi-fi system or connect it to your Bluetooth headphones. “In the last 20 years, the company has evolved dramatically. We are now based in London [instead of Cambridge), but our overseas markets account for over 75% of our global business,” says Reilly.

With millions of ways to be heard and overnight success stories exploding from new social media platforms, music discovery is bigger and more accessible than ever. Cambridge products make it easy to discover and listen in the best possible quality, whether you have a physical record or streaming Hi-Res music files over a network player with a screen big enough to appreciate the artwork. When you find an artist you want to hear more of, their products allow you to get closer to every detail. Their newest addition is the Evo, a compact, convenient, good-looking all-in-one system with extraordinary sound quality. Its design looks to the future and, at the same time acknowledging its rich legacy with beautiful, tactile walnut side panels inspired by the iconic P40 amplifier. “The Evo is a digital hub where you can stream music via the Cambridge audio app StreamMagic or access it via Wi-Fi. It doesn’t matter if you have an Apple or an Android. You can use AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or even Bluetooth to connect to it. It also has a phono stage built into it which means if you have a turntable, all you have to do is plug it in, and it will do that as well. It has a great big, bold visual display with a volume knob that is dual concentric, where the front part of the knob is for volume, and the back part of the knob is for the input selector. So you get this bridging of modern day technology but a nod to the past with the rotary dial and walnut or black wave side panels,” describes Reilly. 

The demand for vinyl continues to grow, and Cambridge’s new turntables – Alva TT V2 and the Alva ST – are meeting this resurgence. From the more traditional customers looking for a convenient way to listen, through to new listeners enjoying the ease of set up with Alva and aptX HD, and to younger listeners ransacking their parent’s vinyl collection and starting on their own journey of discovery. 

The new Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a direct drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono stage, a moving coil cartridge, and aptX HD Bluetooth streaming. A high-end option for serious audiophiles who also want the convenience of hi-res wireless streaming, the premium Alva TT V2 is the perfect combination of stunning sound, cutting-edge technology and great design. Reilly reveals, “There’s a subtle visual cue on the cartridge that if you’re looking at it at a specific angle, where the needle touches the record, it’s at 68 degrees, which is reminiscent of the year we started the company.” 

At a more affordable price point is the Alva ST, a new belt-driven Bluetooth turntable, which comes with all the essential components pre-fitted: a built-in phono stage, a new tonearm with detachable headshell that tracks your records flawlessly, and a high-mass, low-resonance design that helps keep resonance to a minimum. Stuart George, Managing Director of Cambridge Audio, says: “The original Alva TT was the world’s first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable, and the reaction to it was beyond all our expectations.

In response to customer feedback, we are pleased to offer more choice and flexibility by introducing the Alva ST alongside TT V2. Whether you’re just getting started with the vinyl revival or looking to upgrade your first record player for a step up in performance, the Cambridge Audio Alva ST is there for you to enjoy your growing vinyl collection.

Cambridge has been a part of the enthusiasm for British brands in the US for many years, and North America is their number one growth market,  doubling their sales in the last five years. In Canada, there are over 100 retailers that sell Cambridge audio products. “Canada has a great appreciation for the arts and music. There are more hi-fi shops in Canada than in the US, and we are very intentional with which shops and the number of shops we work with. It’s important that they understand our brand, who our ideal customer is, and value good music and design. As we build the team and deepen key relationships with hi-fi retailers, we will see more North American influence in product development as well – all a part of how we listen to our customers,” explains Reilly. 

Not only do the Cambridge Audio products sound premium, but they also look premium and are built to last, which ties into their sustainability focus. Cambridge has become a Founding Donor of EarthPercent; the environmental charity co-founded by Brian Eno to fund meaningful climate action. They are the first brand to join the music industry initiative – alongside luminaries including Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Merck Mercuriadis, Fraser T Smith, and Eno himself. Stuart George says: “We’re doing this because there’s no music on a dead planet. There are many things currently taking the climate topic off the agenda, and that’s unbelievably dangerous for all of us. So, it’s crucial we all try and do what we can to make things better. We’re committed to change at Cambridge Audio, to finding solutions and living and working in more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways. I urge every one of us to do the right thing for the only planet we have.” 

Cambridge is also excited about collaborating with like-minded North American companies and has recently partnered with DeLorean – the iconic US automotive brand – as their audio partner for a new generation of electric vehicles commencing with the DeLorean Alpha5 EV.

Music has always been one of those things that take you back to a time and place when memories were created. During the pandemic, people came back to listening to music as an escape and a chance to relive memories. “Music is a time machine of sorts. It takes you back to the past, and with vinyl spinning, it connects you to history. But then you have access to modern music streaming services like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and we just added Deezer. With the StreamMagic app, people also have access to internet radio and music from over 20,000  stations across the globe. So you have world music at your fingertips all through your phone. You get to experience everything that music offers in any way you want. It’s about connection. Reconnecting to family, friends, the past, and then looking forward to the future,” expresses Reilly. 

Cambridge believes its premium audio products should be easy to use and grow with, which is why they offer first-class customer service to support the needs of its buyers, including phone calls to help with troubleshooting. Reilly asserts, “Music is crucial to what we do as humans and what we do at Cambridge Audio as a company. It’s communal and emotive. It’s all about the experience. We’re a very experiential company with how we listen and how we want people to use our products. We want it to be a premium experience for all music listeners. We are ‘For People Who Listen,’ and we listen too.” 

Music is at the heart of everything Cambridge does. It is their passion, perhaps even an obsession. Across their business, they have people who live and breathe music, not just the products, but playing in bands, going to live gigs, producing music, etc. They see their job as creating audio products that allow them to share this with their listeners – their love of music. 

During the spring when Icehotel 32 melted and reunited with Torne River, the hotel with its Creative Director, Luca Roncoroni, selected the 24 artists who will create the art in this year´s winter hotel.

At the end of November, the artists will gather at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. Together with the production and construction crew, they will build a 2,890 m2 seasonal hotel consisting of 12 art suites, 24 ice rooms, and 1 ceremonial hall. 

Icehotel 33 will be amazing for many reasons! Not only because artists from all over the world will create unique experiences in ice and snow, but also because we were finally able to hold an open international competition again. It has been a challenge to pick only 12 concepts out of so many great ideas, and we want to give a big thank you to every single artist who sent a submission. We are eager to welcome the artists in Jukkasjärvi at the end of November. Icehotel 33 will truly be a unique experience, says Luca Roncoroni, Creative Director at Icehotel.

This year three of the artists originate from Canada, Sonia Chow, Chris Pancoe, and Peter Hargraves.

In 1954, the Swiss watch manufacturer launched the Navitimer with the AOPA logo at 12 o’clock on a black dial and was declared the official watch by the AOPA for its members. Solely tailored for the American aviation industry, it proved to be the ideal wrist companion for both military and civilian pilots in the 1950s and 1960s. To this day, the old Navitimer remains an iconic tool watch thanks to its Venus 178 movement, beaded bezel and Mark II white-painted.

Sonia Chow is an interdisciplinary designer and artist. She relished the challenge of transforming what has been overlooked, and coaxing meaning from the undervalued. Her work explores the cross-pollination of communication, craft, connection, and storytelling

Chris Pancoe and Peter Hargaves have collaborated on numerous projects involving creations of ice and snow. The duo has worked together all hours of the day, in all types of weather conditions doing everything from harvesting ice to constructing large sculptures of ice and snow.

Recently Chris and Peter have teamed up on an exciting project called ”Anvil Tree” where they will be combining their creative skills to establish a space to foster support, encourage and create creative projects in a variety of forms and mediums.

On the 16th of December Icehotel 33 will open its doors and the art will be displayed to the world for the very first time.

BRIEF FACTS ABOUT ICEHOTEL 33

• Total area of approx. 2,890 m2
• 12 Art Suites with unique art and design
• 24 Ice Rooms designed by Icehotel
• The Ceremony Hall is 100 m2 and has approx. 40 seating places
• The main hall has 40 ice columns
• The iconic ice chandelier is made of 200 handmade crystals

Rolex GMT-Master

The Rolex GMT-Master is one of, if not ‘the’ world’s most famous symbols of the relationship between watch brands and commercial airliners. Debuting in 1955, as civil aviation came into its own, this watch soon became the official watch of Pan American World Airways (better known as Pan-Am). In 1959, the pilot of the first Pan-Am New York to Moscow wore  GMT-Master watch and reportedly performed a vital navigation function on the flight.

First GMT-Master, 1955

SAS Universal Genève Polarouter

Designed by Gerald Genta for Universal Genève, the 36mm Polerouter ref. 20217-6 stainless steel timepiece bearing the SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) logo on the dial is regarded as one of his most important watch designs. It launched in 1954 to commemorate SAS’ first direct polar flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles. Universal Genève was the sole supplier of chronometers and anti-magnetic watches to SAS since the route required anti-magnetic timepieces to fly directly over the North Pole to reduce the distance between these two cities. The watch is a collectable piece powered by the calibre 138 bumper automatic movement, its lyre lugs, a solid case and a simple silvered dial. In 1955, Universal Genève changed the model name from Polarouter to Polerouter. Sadly, Universal Genève is defunct now.

Tudor Prince Oysterdate Reference 74000N Philippines Airlines

It is believed that the Philippines Airlines (PAL) offered the Tudor Prince Oysterdate reference 74000N, with the logo of (PAL) on the dial at 6 o’clock, to its employees after they completed 25 years of service to the airline in the 1980s. The geometric palette of the logo placed on the silvered dial complements the overall look of the 34mm watch, which is powered by calibre 2824-3. There is another Tudor reference, the Oysterdate ref. 9101/01, which was produced with the name and logo of Philippine Airlines circa 1979. Watches such as these are rarely accessible through normal retail channels, making them even more desirable.

Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph

From early on, functionality has been a significant factor for timepieces, and in the 1950s, it culminated in the design of the Breitling for AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) watches.

In 1954, the Swiss watch manufacturer launched the Navitimer with the AOPA logo at 12 o’clock on a black dial and was declared the official watch by the AOPA for its members. Solely tailored for the American aviation industry, it proved to be the ideal wrist companion for both military and civilian pilots in the 1950s and 1960s. To this day, the old Navitimer remains an iconic tool watch thanks to its Venus 178 movement, beaded bezel and Mark II white-painted.

Air France Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue and Black Bay GMT

Tudor’s special edition watches in collaboration with Air France created these stunners in 2020, specifically the Black Bay GMT Ref.79830RB-00AF with “Pepsi” bezel in aluminium and Black Bay 58 Blue Ref.79030B-00AF. Sold exclusively to the flight members of Air France, there were supposedly only 300 pieces of Black Bay GMT with calibre MT5652 and only 100 pieces of Black Bay 58 Blue with calibre MT5402 were produced.

In closing, the watch expert and the owner of the vintage watch shop Wind Vintage, Eric Wind, believes, “Watches with an aviation and space history and connection have always had a fascination for collectors, and I expect they will always be desired in one way or another. This is where watchmaking and aviation industries need to work together by finding innovative ways in order to stay relevant.” One might speculate that co-branded ventures will continue to take flight in the future.

What was considered a private and by-invite-only event ended up shaking Toronto to its core. Hosted at Vagabondo Restobar on November 24th, almost 400 people poured through just trying to get a glimpse of the collection and, of course, a picture with the artist Diana. Some of the guests included the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, who came with his wife Karla and took in the art show.

“At one point, people were at the front door for almost 20 minutes just trying to get into the space.” Diana exclaimed, “The energy was unreal, and the excitement for the collection and the representation and support for female artistry was nothing I could have ever imagined!” And as Diana caught her breath, she confessed, “It’s what dreams are truly made of; except for me, my dreams became my reality!”

What was once a dream to even a figment of the imagination, Diana was not always able to call herself an artist. While growing up, all she ever did was express herself creatively. Her traditional parents forbid her from pursuing the arts, and Diana, like many before her, left her dreams and entered corporate life. She studied business and excelled in the Property Management world. She continued her career for almost two decades reaching executive levels until being involved in a near-fatal car accident.

“I was a shell of who I was.” Diana reflects. “I lost my career and identity overnight, and it impacted me to my core.” Diana Joleen’s accident left her with permanent disabilities that she has since battled. From neck and spine injury to head trauma that developed into life-long complications. “I was never sick before. I was so strong, and all of a sudden, I was weak and embarrassed.” Diana remembers. “To no longer be in control and having to be dependent put me in a dark place.” Diana slowly opened up about how her physical health was not the only thing that was impacted but her mental health as well. “To be diagnosed with depression and anxiety was almost as bad as getting into the accident itself. I wasn’t raised to be like this, and nor did I want my husband and kids to see me like this either.” But left without a choice, Diana had to learn to live and function in her new life.

One sleepless night, Diana, without premeditation or thought, went to find her art supplies, “I couldn’t believe I had not even considered it until that night.” And where she found her disabilities were not permitting her to hold a paintbrush, she used a straw and blew the paint in the direction she wanted. After finishing the small painting, she took a picture of it, posted it on social media, and went to sleep. “I felt like me again, like old Diana. My accident took so much from me, but it didn’t take away my art.” In the morning, she had found a message from someone asking if it was for sale, “And the rest was literally history!” Diana says proudly.

Diana’s Enigma Collection has been referred to as truly mesmerizing. Each painting has its own unique look and genre; from abstract to contemporary, luxury and even urban art, Diana spared no detail or expense. Enigma Collection is comprised of nine works of art, where luxury materials such as 24k gold leaf and premium paints from France were used. Gouache paint, enamel and even spray paint were also seen as mediums. All paintings were coated in a rich layer of resin and custom framed.

Remarkably, self-taught artist Diana Joleen has continued to create and sell out her collections year-over-year. Her name grew with her multi-faceted works, leaving the public never to know what she would do or create next. While her works have remained in demand, Diana still ensures to partner with local charities and helps to raise funds for; SickKids Hospital, Trillium Health Partners, Heart & Stroke, Jump for Heart and MLSE, to name a few.

For each painting sold at this event, proceeds from the sale were donated to each collaborator’s charity of choice. “I set out to have my first art show this year, and I am so proud that I accomplished that. But what I am the proudest of is the amount of noise one female artist made in such a big city currently dominated by male artists,” Diana happily admits.

When asked what’s next for this sought-after artist, she smiled confidently and said, “Anything and everything! But for now, a much-needed break and to start to work on my next big project.” When probed about what’s in store for 2023, she simply stated,

“Just wait and see!”

Canadian Club 45 Year Old Chronicles No. 5  (LCBO $499.95),

The oldest release of a Canadian whisky has notes of pear, caramel, toffee, baking spices, oak on the nose; you then taste pear, toffee, leather. The only recommendation, possibly, is the addition of a few drops of water. The whisky comes from the cask at around 70 ABV and then is diluted down to 50 ABV. The 40 year old (not part of the Chronicles series) is the original sister cask to these whiskies and like the 45yo it is the only other not taking advantage of the 9.09% rule. My preference for the Chronicle Series from most favoured is 45; 42; 41; 43; 44

Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old (Coming soon, SRP $650)

A new limited-edition release from Bowmore in this series. I just recently attended an event for this forthcoming Bowmore where my notes from the presentation include flavours of mango, passion fruit and honey with a combination of coffee and tobacco smoke. Truly one to add to your collection, if not your bar. Hopefully you can find this sure to be in demand whisky.

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (LCBO $57.95)

Has notes of vanilla, caramel and a scent of dried fruit on the nose; you then taste oak, petter, dried fruit and brown sugar. The cocktail included here is the Golden Hour.

“The Golden Hour is that magical time before sunset, with beautiful soft lighting that presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day. The simple, three-ingredient cocktail represents the balance, elegance, and quiet joy that its namesake also provides.”

Ingredients

• 1 part Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 3/4 part Lillet Blanc
• 3/4 part Aperol Aperitif
• Grapefruit peel

Method

1. combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass
2. Stir thoroughly
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over a large cube
4. Garnish with a grapefruit peel

Highland Park Viking Honour 12 year old (LCBO $85.25)

Has notes of sweetness, dry fruit, heather, citrus, and light peat on the nose; you then taste the sweetness, spice, raisins, citrus (orange) and some of that Orkney peat. petter, dried fruit and brown sugar. Much of the well like flavour can be attributed to the whisky being “matured predominantly in European and American Sherry seasoned casks.” A nice peated whisky that doesn’t overwhelm you.

ANGEL’s ENVY Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels (LCBO $79.95)

Angel’s Envy Manhattan

Has notes of vanilla, raisins, and nuttiness on the nose; then you taste vanilla, ripe fruit, a sweetness of maple syrup and notes of chocolate. It is great to see Angel’s Envy on the shelves. It also makes a delicious Manhattan.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts ANGEL’s ENVY Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels
• 1/2 part sweet vermouth
• Angostura Bitters to taste (2 to 3 dashes)
• Maraschino cherry to garnish

Preparation:

What you’ll need:

• A mixing glass, strainer and a cocktail glass
• Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
• Stir well and strain into the chilled cocktail glass
• Garnish with a cherry.

The Origins of a Venetian Legend – Select Aperitivo (LCBO $29.05)

The OG Venetian Spritz

“In 1919, Bolognese brothers Mario and Vittorio Pilla founded Fratelli Pilla & C., a firm specializing in liqueur production. Eager to contribute to the rebirth of postwar Venice, the young brothers chose Sestiere of Castello, in the heart of the Venetian Republic (“La Ser enissima”), for the company headquarters. It was in this period, and specifically on 29 May 1920, that the Pilla brothers created the aperitif Select, and registered its new trademark.

Ingredients

• 3 Parts Prosecco
• 2 Parts Select Aperitivo
• 1 Splash of soda water
• In a glass goblet full of ice, pour in ingredients in the order above and stir gently.

Garnish with a green olive to bring it all home.

St Rémy Signature (LCBO $43.95)

Hi Pumpkin

Has notes of oak, vanilla, coconut, almond, and fruits; then you taste the woody notes, honey, nuttiness, butter and then as described at the tasting the fresh fruits evolving into candied fruits. We couldn’t leave “pumpkin” out of our cocktails, could we.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz St Rémy Signature
• 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz lemon
• 0.5 oz simple or vanilla syrup
• 2 oz pumpkin purée
• Prosecco
• Lime zest

Instructions

1. Mix in a shaker tin with 6 ice cubes: St-Rémy Signature, chocolate liqueur, lemon, simple or vanilla syrup and pumpkin purée.
2. Pour into glass with the ice.
3. Top with Prosecco.
4. Garnish as you see fit with lime zest.

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac (LCBO $99.95)

French Twist

My article “We Found Joy” earlier this year was based on Courvoisier as refer back to it for a review of the current lineup. Here’s a recipe for the French Twist, enjoy and bring Joy by gifting a bottle to your friends. 

Ingredients

• 1.75 oz Courvoisier VSOP
• 1.0 oz Orange Juice
• 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
• 3.0  oz Club Soda

Method

Shake the first four ingredients together, pour over ice in a tall glass and top with soda water.

Other gifts 

I’m looking forward to trying out the Drinkmate OmniFizzz (Amazon.ca SRP $129.99). It is described as: “Drinkmate OmniFizz is the first and most versatile home beverage carbonator that can carbonate any beverage without dilution. Using its proprietary fizz-infuser technology, the OmniFizz provides sparkle with a press of a button. From carbonated wine, carbonated margaritas, and carbonated whiskey sours, you can get creative as you’d like.” It’s a great gift idea for anyone on your list and I’ll post a few videos on my new Instagram @GeraldRGlavota account (note that after issues with Meta, I’m still trying to get my g2whisky account back, appreciate any help).

If you’re looking for a book idea, Ian Buxton is releasing the 5th edition of his “101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die.”  This portable whisky guide is is a great way to get acquainted with whiskies from around the world and is described in the release: “The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from Canada, India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die.” Another of his books that I have purchased is “101 Legendary Whiskies You’re Dying to Try but (Possibly) Never Will”, always great to see what has been released in the past that’s rare in terms of supply and/or price.