Review: Wild Cinnamon Whisky Liqueur

Highwood Distillers is a Canadian spirits manufacturer in the town of High River, Alberta, which is situated 40 minutes south of Calgary, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Recently, I visited this distillery, and watched first hand as they turned the local prairie grains into whisky, vodka. and gin. They make their spirits one batch at a time in a family style atmosphere which could not help but make me a fan.

Recently I received a sample of their Wild Cinnamon Whisky Liqueur. The spirit represents a fusion of Canadian Whisky and aromatic cinnamon. No artificial flavours or additives (except caramel for colour) have been used in the production of this whisky liqueur which is bottled at 36 % alcohol by volume.

Here is an excerpt from my resulting review:

“… When I pour the liquid from the bottle into my glass and bring it to my nose, what I smell first and foremost is cinnamon. In fact the aroma is very reminiscent of those little red cinnamon heart candies which are all the rage on Valentines Day. Under this obvious cinnamon scent are some indications of whisky, but these whisky accents are only that, accents upon a strong cinnamon presence… “

Here is a link to the full review:

Enjoy the review and my wonderful cocktail that follows, the Buzz Saw.

Cheers Everyone!

Review: Patrón XO Cafe

Patrón XO Cafe is a blend of the premium Patrón Silver Tequila and the natural essence of fine coffee. According to the Patron website, the taste of this agave coffee spirit is dry, rather than sweet, with notes of chocolate and vanilla. It is suggested that the spirit is meant not only for sipping, but also as a premium cocktail ingredient, or as a delectable dessert topping.

I received a sample of the Patrón XO Cafe from Diamond Estates Wine and Spirits, who are the local distributor Patron Spirits.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“…The initial flavour is rich with coffee and vanilla, underlain with agave. The flavour is sweet rather than dry, and there is a nice peppery bite which is working well with the overall flavour. As I sip I begin to sense that the sweetness is similar to cane syrup and the mouth-feel has that syrupy texture as well…”

Here is a link to my full review:

As well, I have included a nice recipe from the Patron website with the review which they call, Dark Spell.

Please enjoy the recipe and the review!

Cheers!