Liqueurs are an often-overlooked category of spirits, overshadowed by whatever “base spirit” is currently fashionable. They’re the ingredients that give texture and refinement to cocktails; they’re your aperitifs and nightcaps. What is a Manhattan or Negroni without vermouth? Boring. That’s what. Entries this year ran from ol’ Apple Betty and Butterscotch Schnapps to a really tasty Black Currant liqueur from Krang Spirits from right here in Cochrane. Sometimes a little too sweet, this one has a great bitterness to it that reminded me of picking a berry right off the bush. I truly hope to sample more from them soon. Darren Fabian
BEST IN CLASS
Krang Spirits
Black Currant Krang
Alberta, Canada
$28 CSPC 960060
JUDGES SELECTION
Nonino Amaro Quinessentia
Italy
$45 CSPC 707179
Korlat Aronia Chokeberry
Croatia
$28-31 CSPC 795166
Gabriel Boudier
Creme de Cassis de Dijon
France
$35 CSPC 502740
Cabot Trail Whiskey Liqueur
Canada
$27-29 CSPC 755851
Drambuie
United Kingdom
$34 CSPC 1867
Hansen Distillery
Ring of Fire Rye Spirit
Alberta, Canada
$40 (Distillery)
McGuinness Butterscotch Liqueur
Canada
$20-23 CSPC 785743
Back 40 Distillery Ol’ Apple Betty
Alberta, Canada
$37-40 CSPC 790534
