Ottawa, ON February 2018 Matt's review: Sibona Distillery's Madeira barrel-aged Reserve Grappa is a beautiful amber colour thanks to the time it spent in sweet Madeira barrels picking up not only colour but flavour and subtle texture complexity too. The nose shows spicy poached pear, lychee, candied orange peel, with a lovely Ambroisal fragrance. The... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Robbie Burns Day with a few drams of Scotch whisky
Ottawa, ON January 25, 2017 Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Henry Burris and Sommelier Matt Steeves were celebrating Robbie Burns Day by enjoying some of our favourite products from Robbie Burns' native land...Scotch whisky! Here's the CTV video of Henry Burris and Matt Steeves talking Scotch whisky and whisky cocktails for Robbie Burns Day!... Continue Reading →
New Year’s Eve Celebration Cocktails as seen on CTV Morning Live
Ottawa, ON December 29, 2017 In addition to the delicious sparkling wines we showed earlier today on CTV Morning Live, CTV's Sarah Freemark and Sommelier Matt Steeves showed that pouring a fine cocktail for your guests is a terrific way to enhance your New Year’s Eve celebrations. These cocktails are not only super special and... Continue Reading →
Champagne Cocktails for New Year’s Eve Celebrations as seen on CTV Morning Live
Ottawa, ON December 29, 2017 Today on CTV Morning Live, CTV's Henry Burris and Sommelier Matt Steeves showed some great sparkling wines, how to open those bottles without incident (and with confidence!), and some ways to jazz them up by making ‘Champagne Cocktails’. Check out the CTV video here! There’s no better drink than sparkling... Continue Reading →
Ardbeg 10 year Scotch – The Peatiest & Smokiest Scotch, my favourite for a Whisky Sour!
Ottawa, ON December 2017 'Ardbeg Ten Years Old is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance. Named World Whisky of the Year in... Continue Reading →
Delicious and easy to make Holiday Cocktails
Ottawa, ON December 2017 With the holiday entertaining season in full swing, it's great to have some easy to make, super delicious, and awe-inspiring cocktail recipes on hand to treat your guests this holiday season. With a few simple ingredients you can easily wow your guest with these delicious and easy to make premium cocktails. ... Continue Reading →
There’s a new Jack in town! Jack Daniel’s new Rye Whiskey with 70% Rye
When you haven't changed a recipe in over a hundred years any change must be for a pretty darn good reason! So when Jack Daniel's announced the release of their new Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey, made with 70% Rye grain, essentially reversing the old recipe that consisted of 80% corn, it got a lot of Whiskey enthusiasts very interested in giving it a shot, or two. Upon my first sip I appreciated their decision to up the Rye content, thereby moving away from a sweeter style corn based Whiskey and into a style of Rye Whiskey that would be great when served with premium cocktails and also a decent choice to enjoy neat, especially for those that like the pure expression of a mildly spicy Rye. I found it to be a terrific Rye for mixing in cocktails. Whether it be a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour, this Rye takes those cocktails to the next level, beautifully! At 45% abv , its powerful but in a distinguished way making it ideal in those timeless cocktails. Tasted November 2017. Highly recommended for premium cocktails. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Sipsmith London Dry Gin review
Ottawa, ON November 2017 Matt's review of Sipsmith London Dry Gin Batch 00984, 41.6% ABV, bottled on July 1, 2017. In 2009 Sipsmith set-up London's first traditional copper distillery since 1820, launching the rebirth of ultra premium craft Gin production in that storied city. Sipsmith prides themselves on their hands-on crafting of small batch premium... Continue Reading →
Spooky Halloween Cocktails as seen on @CTVOttMornLive
October 31, 2017 Theme: Spooky Halloween Cocktails Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Trisha Owens and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some spooky Halloween cocktails and horrifyingly delicious wines to enjoy with your Halloween festivities. Check out the CTV video here! Whether you're hosting a Halloween party or offering neighbours an adult treat during their Trick... Continue Reading →
@DeathsDoor Gin – A perfect ‘Spirit’ for your #Halloween party – Avail @LCBO
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Death's Door Gin. This Wisconsin-based craft distillery is producing some of the finest Gin available. They've achieved Certified Organic status from growing their hard Red Winter Wheat on Washington Island, which is also where they grow the super aromatic Juniper that is the hallmark of this premium craft... Continue Reading →
