Where Ottawa Magazine Holiday 2017 | Page 18

Stephen Flood, riviera Food and drink tasting notes by katie shapiro 18 where holiday 2017 Gin, vodka, rum, and tequila may not commonly be enjoyed on their own, but with the consumption of premium spirits on the rise in canada, that seems to be changing. but what makes a spirit achieve “top-shelf” status anyway? there are no strict standards or bench- marks, but premium spirits should be sippable, made from quality ingredients, and full of flavour. these spirits aren’t meant to be thrown down your throat; they’re silky and bold and they stand alone. (oh, and premium doesn’t have to mean unaffordable.) Where / What / When