Whiskey stores in Toronto?

[jpact]

Figure I'll bring some closure to this thread by telling you what I ended up buying. I went to the LCBO that was just a block or two to the east of Queen's Quay and Yonge. Overall I was impressed; it was a large well-stocked liquor store with a great wine department, good spirits selections, and a respectable selection of behind-the-glass high-end whiskies. The bourbon selection was very vanilla compared to what I'm used to getting in St. Louis.

Unfortunately they were out of the Green Spot and short of ordering 6+ bottles, I'd have to pay for a store to store transfer. Not quite worth it, especially considering that I already have a bottle of it in the bunker.

Anyway, I ended up buying a Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve, two 375ml plastic flasks of Alberta Premium (since this was all destined for checked luggage) and a 200ml bottle of icewine.

Interesting and rare-to-me stuff that I didn't buy included Alberta Springs 10 year-old, Glen Breton Canadian Single Malt, Locke's 8 year-old Irish Single Malt, Greenore Single Grain Irish, and AnCnoc 12 Year-old.

Finally, at the airport duty-free I picked up a Crown Royal Limited Edition and a Gibson's Finest 12 year-old. (Though I was awfully tempted by the Black Grouse, I'm hoping I can track it down locally.)

All in all, it was a very Canadian haul, and all whiskies that I have never tried nor can I buy them at home. Thanks again for your comments and advice. -Jim

[Jono]

I think the store bought volume was within the duty allowance..correct? And the airport duty free is duty free....so no duty payment on the total haul?

[jpact]

I suppose I pushed the envelope a bit. Best I can tell from some googling is that you are allowed to return from Canada with 1.0L of spirits duty-free. Anything above that could be taxed $2-$3/bottle. Funny thing about Pearson airport is that you go through US customs in Toronto before you even get to the duty-free shop. So I go through customs no-hassle with roughly double the allowance in my checked luggage, then send my luggage down to the plane, and then get to go shopping again. I was able to pick up 2 more bottles duty-free even though I was travelling alone. When I land in St. Louis I don't have to go through customs. I'm not really sure if there are any checks and balances in the system other than how much one is physically willing to carry.

http://gocanada.about.com/od/faqscro.../duty_free.htm

[Megawatt]

Figure I'll bring some closure to this thread by telling you what I ended up buying. I went to the LCBO that was just a block or two to the east of Queen's Quay and Yonge. Overall I was impressed; it was a large well-stocked liquor store with a great wine department, good spirits selections, and a respectable selection of behind-the-glass high-end whiskies. The bourbon selection was very vanilla compared to what I'm used to getting in St. Louis.

Unfortunately they were out of the Green Spot and short of ordering 6+ bottles, I'd have to pay for a store to store transfer. Not quite worth it, especially considering that I already have a bottle of it in the bunker.

Anyway, I ended up buying a Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve, two 375ml plastic flasks of Alberta Premium (since this was all destined for checked luggage) and a 200ml bottle of icewine.

Interesting and rare-to-me stuff that I didn't buy included Alberta Springs 10 year-old, Glen Breton Canadian Single Malt, Locke's 8 year-old Irish Single Malt, Greenore Single Grain Irish, and AnCnoc 12 Year-old.

Finally, at the airport duty-free I picked up a Crown Royal Limited Edition and a Gibson's Finest 12 year-old. (Though I was awfully tempted by the Black Grouse, I'm hoping I can track it down locally.)

All in all, it was a very Canadian haul, and all whiskies that I have never tried nor can I buy them at home. Thanks again for your comments and advice. -Jim

Nice, that Forty Creek Doubel Barrel is quite good. So is Alberta Premium, though after having the Limited Edition I'm not sure I could ever go back to the standard 5 year old.

I hope you like the Crown LE. One of my favourite Canadians to be sure. Gibson's 12 is no slouch either.

Sounds like they have a great selection there. I've had anCnoc 12; decent and peculiar, but I'm not sure I'd buy it again. Alberta Springs is nice for cheap stuff. Glen Breton is not worth it. I'd love to try Locke's or Greenore.