The Expert Corner: New Fall Favourites

The fall season is here, and for many of us, this time of year is well-loved. The crisp chill in the air brings respite from the heat and sweat of the summer. The leaves begin to change colour from green to a myriad of oranges, reds, and browns, transforming the streets and forests into Mother Nature’s palette. Students head back to their classrooms, and scratchy sweaters are dug out from the backs of closets to their rightful place as the foundation of any fall outfit. This transitional time is a delight for the senses, and with the changing of the seasons comes the release of some of our fall favourites.

Credit: Phillips Brewing Facebook

Phillips Crooked Tooth - Nitro Pumpkin Ale 7% ABV

Located in Victoria, Island-favourite Phillips Brewing has released its annual Crooked Tooth Nitro Pumpkin Ale. Don’t let the grim reaper adorning the can scare you away – this beer is a tasty, yet strong brew. The addition of nitrogen gives the beer a well-rounded and smooth mouthfeel while being gently spiced with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

We recommend pouring this beer into a glass and enjoying it with your favourite Halloween movies, but be warned - the typical beer rules do not apply to this brew. While pouring, hold the can straight up and down so that the nitrogen can work its magic and create a perfect foamy head.

Credit: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse Facebook

Sea Cider – Witch’s Broom 9.9% ABV

Sitting upon the Saanich Peninsula, Sea Cider is a ten-acre orchard and farm that produces some of the best ciders on the Island. Their newest seasonal release, Witch’s Broom, captures the rich flavours of fall with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger, and a splash of oak-aged gin in each bottle makes this cider sip almost like a cocktail. Certified organic and made with heritage apples, Sea Cider approaches its fermentation process with intention, ensuring that the natural sugars, acidity, and tannins are captured in each bottle.

Beyond being an award winner, Witch’s Broom is making a difference. As part of Sea Cider’s Canadian Invasion Series, the aptly named cider is raising awareness about Scotch Broom, an invasive plant that threatens the West Coast. A portion of the proceeds supports removal efforts of Scotch Broom and other invasive plants in sensitive ecological areas.

Sap56 Whisky — 30.8% ABV

Fall is so much more than pumpkin spice, and Sap56 captures the innate coziness of the season with the sweet warmth of maple syrup. Notes of toasty maple, burnt sugar, chicory, and black coffee make this whisky great on its own or used in traditional cocktails, like an old-fashioned, for an autumnal kick.

What’s nice about this Canadian barrel-aged whisky is that it’s made with pure maple syrup and has 50% less sugar than typical flavoured whiskies. Fun fact: the “56” in Sap56 actually comes from the number of days that it takes to harvest maple syrup!

Treat yourself to these flavourful finds and more at Mid Island Liquor locations across the Island.

Written by our Expert, Laura — Fall Lover and Mid Island Liquor Store Manager