Need to Bring up a Bottle? Here Are My LCBO Holiday Picks.

Whether you’re going up to a friend’s for family member’s cottage or house, you may find yourself in the LCBO searching for the perfect something to bring up.

6 min readNov 30, 2016

I’ve made life easier for you by giving you my personally tested list of favourite beers, wines, liquors, and spirits just in time for the holidays. You’ll notice a few Canadian mentions in here as well.

COLLINGWOOD ($34.95)

This has been a favourite whiskey of mine for years. I’ve tried cheaper whiskeys, much more expensive whiskeys, and still it has been difficult to find a whiskey more smooth and enjoyable as this one. It goes down easy and has a subtle sweet note at the end. While I recommend having this one on the rocks, it’s perfectly fine to mix this one as a rye ginger as well (although I don’t think you’ll need to). I’ve seen this sold out many times in the Georgian Bay area’s LCBOs, so hurry!

LCBO: Grains primarily sourced from Ontario farms and water from Georgian Bay are used to create this whisky that pours a brilliant gold. Expect aromas of maple syrup, toasted cereal grain and caramel with complex flavours of roasted nuts and caramel balanced by citrus and a touch of spice followed by a warm mellow finish.

GIBSON’S FINEST VENERABLE 18 YEARS OLD WHISKY ($74.45)

I just discovered this one this year, and I wish I found it much sooner. While not as sweet at Collingwood, just as smooth with a very warm finish and aged for much longer — well worth the higher price tag. Be sure to get the 18 year old, not the 12 (it’s not the same). This one has been sold out in all LCBOs around the city for months, and has JUST been restocked in time for the holidays, so better pick one up sooner than later. This whisky is made in small batches, so when it’s gone, it’s gone for a while until the next batch is ready.

LCBO: Deep amber colour; vanilla and dried apricot aromas; smooth and mellow palate with a warm finish.

JAGERMEISTER SPICE ($27.70)

This herbal liquor has become a recent favourite for us. Never were much Jager drinkers, but after trying this new one, I can’t help but tell others about it. It’s a more subtle Jagermeister with a blend of cinnamon and vanilla in it. Not to sweet, not too strong- it’s just right in a glass of ice. Wanna mix it up? I recommend Coca-Cola (the classic original).

LCBO: Medium amber colour with an orange hue; intense aromas of orange peel, candied ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and clove; on the palate it is sweet with flavours that echo the aromas.

STONEWALL LIGHT ($1.35)

As a Torontonians, I are proud recommend this Toronto brewed pale ale beer to everyone I know. It is the easiest beer to drink and enjoy. So casual, so light, with just enough flavour. Anyone could enjoy this (even the non-beer drinkers). Stonewall has done a great job with this light beer. You can only get it at the LCBO, and it can be a mission finding a location that hasn’t sold out of it so try using LCBO’s online inventory search tool first before making the trip. But I promise, it will be worth it.

LCBO: Clear pale straw colour; aromas of citrus and toasted grains; light in body, with a balanced and refreshing character; flavours of crisp apple, lime citrus and toasted grains.

KILKENNY TRADITIONAL CREAM ALE ($10.95)

A completely different beer from Stonewall, but man is this a smooth one. Anyone looking for a true Irish cream ale, this is the one to get. Unfortunately only comes in a tall can, so have a beer glass ready to pour in. Kilkenny is a beer you can truly sit down with and enjoy at an easy pace.

LCBO: Bright amber colour; soft grain and malt aromas; medium- body; rich malt flavour and touch of bitter hops on the finish

XAVIER 100% CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2012 ($16.95)

This french Grenache Blend red wine is full-bodied, smooth, and delicious. It’s received a 91 point score and I don’t think you can do better at this price point. This wine is a vintage so you’ll have to look under Rhône, France in the Vintages section for this one. Great with meat, pasta, or on its own. This our “go to” wine.

LCBO: Even better than the straight Côtes du Rhône, the 2012 Côtes du Rhône 100% is almost a kitchen-sink blend, with 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault, Carignan and Marselan. Aged 12 months in 80% concrete tank and 20% in barrel, it dishes out plenty of black raspberry, raspberry, crushed flowers and ample minerality on the nose. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that has beautiful concentration, a layered, balanced feel and ample length. It’s another rocking Southern Rhône from this team. Score — 91. (Jeb Dunnuck, robertparker.com, Sept. 25, 2014)

HONORO VERA GARNACHA DO CALATAYUD ($13.00)

Released earlier this year, this new Spanish red wine tastes as good as the bottle looks. It’s lighter than our previously mentioned wine. It’s medium bodied with fruity notes. I’ve brought this bottle to many gatherings and it has always been a hit. It’s an easy wine for anyone’s palate, however, you’ll probably want to write this one down — not as easy to remember. Just look for the good looking bottle.

LCBO: Deep ruby in colour this fragrant red offers aromas of blackberry, plum, and mulberry tea. The palate is dry and medium-bodied with balanced acid and tannins; look for flavours of ripe strawberry, blueberry, earth and savoury herbs followed by a long and spicy finish.

TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA ($34.95)

I don’t work for Tito’s, make commission off Tito’s sales, or have any affiliation with the maker, but for some reason I have this urge to tell everyone I know about this amazingly pure and smooth vodka. It’s handmade in Texas (out of all places), with corn rather than potato like every other vodka out there. Have it as a straight shot and it’ll go down smooth. Mix it with soda water and a splash of cranberry, and the sweet notes of this vodka will come through beautifully. It’ll convert any “Grey Goose” lover over and over again — trust us, I’ve seen it happen. This is our “go to” vodka. I’ve also seen this one sold out many times, so check online first.

LCBO: Perfect for mixing in exotic cocktails this vodka offers aromas of tropical fruit and citrus; the palate is medium bodied and smooth with flavours of guava, passion fruit, and citrus followed by a soft finish.