Linda’s Valentine’s Day Picks
Magnum Cream Liqueur
This is a very decadent cream liqueur, made from a blend of Dutch cream and whisky from the Benriach Distillery in the Speyside region. Excellent for adding rich, chocolatey flavours to your coffee or as a sweet treat over ice.
It is contained in a unique, stainless-steel flask, which is designed to be reusable (think water bottle) and recyclable. It also keeps the liqueur nicely chilled, with no need for ice.
This product would make a great gift for Valentine’s Day! Available exclusively at Notables, where gift wrapping is always available.
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc
Elegant, restrained, and complex- just a few words used to describe this wine.
The colour is pale straw with a hint of green and gold. Aromas of citrus blossom, wildflowers, crushed ripe herbs and ripe pineapple. On the palate you get juicy melon and peach complemented by hints of flavourful herbs and florals. So many layers here, finishing with minerality, citrus, and ripe stone fruit.
This organic and vegan wine pairs well with Roasted Figs with Goat Cheese, Honey and Pepper
Gran Centenario Anejo
Made in small batches since 1857, this bottle adorned with “The Angel of Independence,” is the perfect partner for your Valentine’s Day Cocktail list. Made with 100% blue agave and aged in NEW French Limousin oak barrels for 36months, gives this Anejo Tequila a brilliant amber colour with flecks of gold. On the nose you get aromas of clove, distinct oak, white pepper, caramel and cinnamon. Initial taste includes cooked agave characteristics followed by a smooth slightly buttery mouthfeel, leaving a well-rounded and pleasant earthy finish. Wonderful on its own or try it this cocktail.
Red Velvet is a simple twist on a traditional Manhattan with only 3 ingredients – all available at Notables Liquor.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- 2 oz Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
- 1 oz Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth
- 1 oz Noroi Aperitivo
HOW TO MAKE IT:
- Stir all ingredients for 18-20 seconds in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a new glass.
- Zest and orange peel and express oils over top of drink.
- Garnish with a large cube of ice and dehydrated orange wheel.
Crown Royal Noble Collection Winter Wheat Whisky
This Manitoba-made Crown Royal was named Canadian Whisky of the Year in 2022!
This oak aged Canadian whisky has a unique mash bill of red winter wheat, corn, and malted barley.
The nose opens with sweet praline, banana bread, prunes, dried apricot, toasted oak, and an incredible spicy richness. The palate starts with bright fruit, toffee, rich dried fruit, spice, and oak, with a nice touch of oak tannin. Terrific complexity here, taking you into a long finish – buttery smooth, dried stone fruit, sweet grain, tobacco, cinnamon, and toasted oak.
Sartori Recioto Della Valpolicella
Valentine’s day has me thinking about everything sweet and this Recioto is on the list of top sweet wines to try!
This wine hails from Valpolicella wine region around Verona, Italy, the same region famous for its bold, dry Amarone wines. Originally however, Valpolicella was known for its Recioto.
Recioto della Valpolicella (“Retch-ee-oh-toe”) uses the same passito process as Amarone where grapes are dried on straw mats resulting in flavourful and concentrated high sugar juice. The major difference between Amarone and Recioto is that the fermentation stops before the sugars have all fermented resulting in luscious
warm, smooth, and sweet wine, it has notes of dried fruit, figs, prunes, and chocolate with fine sweet tannins.
A great treat for Valentines Day celebrations.
Pairs well with friends, cozy fireplaces, and this chocolate, fruit, and cheese board!
Suggested Ingredients
Brie, Gorgonzola Cheese, Cows aged Cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano , Goat Cheese, Rosemary Crackers, Fig and Olive Crisps( I use panache brand), Dark Chocolate bar, Milk Chocolate bar, Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Marcona Almonds.
Directions
Arrange on platter or wooden cheese board. Enjoy!
Beatties Potato Vodka
Beattie’s Distillers is a farm to glass distillery located in Alliston, Ontario. This Potato Vodka is made from 100% potatoes grown on their farm and is distilled on a 42-plate column still. Deliciously smooth, small batch, artisanal vodka crafted using just the heart of the potato, this elegant vodka is silky smooth announcing fine flavors of white pepper, almond, and caramel.
Great for sipping on its own, and wonderful in this take on the “Dirty Martini”
What you will need:
- Ice
- 2 oz Beatties Potato Vodka
- ¾ oz Lillet Blanc
- 3 Green Olives, plus ¼ oz brine from the jar
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the vodka, Lillet and olive brine and stir well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the olives.
Try it with a side PEI Fries and Ketchup!