A Canadian-made replacement for bourbon, and two other flavourful spirits for late summer entertaining

Canadian whisky producer Bearface has launched its own Southern-style spirit to step into the void left by American products. Bear-bon is a recent addition to the line that takes its cue from the corn-centric and charred barrel recipe that contributes to Bourbon’s rich and sweet character.

Master blender Andrés Faustinelli created his new label by blending whiskies made from corn, rye and barley and re-conditioned barrels. The distillery worked with a Quebec cooperage to re-toast the used wine and whisky barrels so they would impart additional flavour to the finished whisky. This involved removing the barrel heads and scorching their insides with fire to caramelize the wood sugars and create a layer of charcoal.

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The success of the initial release, which was sold exclusively in British Columbia, inspired an increase in Bear-bon’s production. The new label will be introduced to LCBO outlets next month, with national availability planned before the holiday season.

Bear-bon is recommended this week, with an innovative gin and a refreshing and flavourful ready-to-serve margarita.

Another Hendrick’s Gin (United Kingdom), $53.70

While the playful name, Another Hendrick’s Gin doesn’t emphasize the significance of the brand’s first permanent edition in nine years, it does reflect the unconventional nature of spirit, which layers cocoa bean and orange blossom with the telltale cucumber-and-rose scent of the Scottish distillery’s gin. Gin with chocolate notes is unusual, but the cocoa in this instance is subtle and balanced, and adds another layer to the peppery and herbal notes, with a surprisingly oily texture. Shaken and served as a martini, the chocolate element really stands out, which would add more intensity to a ‘ginspresso martini.’ I found it more enjoyable when mixed in a Negroni or as a richer style gin and tonic. This has 44 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario, $55.99 in British Columbia, $50.95 in Manitoba.

Bearface Bear-bon Charred Barrel Whisky (Canada), $44.99

Bearface’s new full-bodied, Southern-style whisky is made from a blend of sweet corn, rye and barley whiskies, which have been distilled and aged independently before blending. The Bear-bon blend sees extended aging in charred oak barrels, which have been scorched to order by a Quebec cooperage. This process creates cracks in the wood that allow the spirit to sink deeper into the staves, resulting in a richer taste. Like its American namesake, Bear-bon offers a familiar corn sweetness and oak-derived mix of vanilla and caramel notes as part of its soft character. This has 45.2 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.

Civil Pours Jalapeño Margarita (Canada), $34.95

Toronto-based Civil Pours creates bartender-quality cocktails that are available in bottle or on draught for restaurant partners, such as Cactus Club and King Taps. The portfolio has expanded from a classic Old Fashioned to a cheers-worthy daiquiri, gimlet and espresso martini. The flavourful Jalapeño Margarita, created by using a chili-pepper distillate that offers the star ingredient’s herbaceous notes without the heat, is part of their growing range at LCBO outlets. This has 17 per cent ABV. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, civilpours.com