Duty Free options - specifically Toronto, London

[Smithford]

If you're interested in Blanton's Gold, you might be in luck depending on when you'll be in Toronto. There's a release scheduled for September 27th here. We're getting 40 cases, which isn't a lot, but should guarantee pretty good distribution around Toronto. C$100/bottle.

[bmajazz]

Curious about the London offerings at the Whisky Exchange-- has anyone brought their own bottle to fill with the barrels they offer in the store? What should I consider? Hard question since I'm sure it changes. I'm sure they will offer advice and maybe even a small sample of each!

As to Toronto, I have enjoyed some very dusty 1984 Candian Club Classic 12. Has anyone enjoyed that, and can you offer a comparable contemporary choice? Maybe the CC 20? I don't want to spend a fortune!

[Rutter]

UK Bourbon offerings are pretty poor at best, I've given up looking at the airport, its mostly special edition bottles of regular JD, or Makers Mark. Plenty of scotch on offer but nothing that exciting, if you are in London The whisky exchange is one place but there are better options available as I find them a little pricey and their stock in store is less than online.

[paddockjudge]

You nailed it bmajazz!!! I have a bottle of 1981 CC 12 YO on the go right now and I would say the CC 20 YO is right in your wheelhouse. For a stellar Canadian Rye whiskey, yes, whiskey with an "e" - try Masterson's 10 YO at C$75...Canadian make and American bottler.

[bmajazz]

One of the things I'm looking at picking up is the

[h=1]Havana Club Selección de Maestros[/h]But.. I can't find it at the LCBO site. Maybe they have it? I can look before I head to London, but I'd rather take it across the border, exchange rates and all. The London stuff looks pretty expensive given where the US dollar is right now.

I still find the CC 12 from the early 80's around here from time to time, so I may just live with that!

[tanstaafl2]

One of the things I'm looking at picking up is the

Havana Club Selección de Maestros

But.. I can't find it at the LCBO site. Maybe they have it? I can look before I head to London, but I'd rather take it across the border, exchange rates and all. The London stuff looks pretty expensive given where the US dollar is right now.

I tried it when I was in Cuba and it was nice but probably not $75+ worth which is probably what it costs in London unless you just want the novelty of a Cuban rum. They used to have a barrel proof rum that this replaced which I much preferred. I would probably look for the seven year old myself which is half the cost but about as good to me. It was dirt cheap in Cuba, maybe $15-20 tops, but will obviously cost more here. Down side is 80 proof instead of 90 proof.

I really liked the 15yo but it was ridiculously expensive at $150 a bottle even in Cuba. Had a few pours at a bar instead!

[Smithford]

If you like Rum, there are some nice older El Dorados available. I'm not sure how the prices compare to yours. The 7 year old is the oldest Havana Club I've seen here.

[bmajazz]

I owe you guys a debt of gratitude. I picked up some Wiser's Legacy, as well as some Havana Club 7 yr (decanted). I'm looking forward to the Wiser's, love the packaging, and gather it is the real value in their lineup. Plus, it's a bit more aggressive than the typical Canadian Whisky, and that ought to appeal to this bourbon/rye lover.

Next: London in November! Lots of choices there.