Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! For those of you who are short on cash, or ideas and are dreading the thought of another hearts, flowers and chocolate day, here are some helpful ideas:



Phillips Brewing Longboat Chocolate Porter- Chocolate and beer, together at last. This beer is a nice example of how chocolate complements the typical flavours of porter, (rich coffee, chocolate, cocoa and smoky malt) but is not overwhelming. Available in a convenient "shareable" size of 650 ml, this beer is also only $4.50, meaning that you could actually get two, and not have to share.



Canoe Brewing Habit Espresso Stout $5.75- Also available in a 650 ml bottle, this beer has aromas of chocolate covered coffee beans- so strong that when you take the first sip it is almost expected to have the sweet crunch that an actual coffee bean has. Deliciously rich, and smooth with great coffee and chocolate flavour, this would also make a great shareable beer.



Young's Double Chocolate Stout- $3.50 for 500 ml. This one is a little too small to share, but it has lots and lots of chocolate flavour- perfect for those who don't really like the taste of beer, but do love chocolate.



Now, for those who are looking for something fun to do with their chocolate/coffee beers, many places suggest pouring half the beer into a glass and then pouring an ounce of a raspberry liqueur over it, making a chocolate raspberry concoction. We suggest the Elephant Island Framboise 375ml for $19.90 (as it tastes like they jammed fresh raspberries in the bottle, this is also delicious over ice cream, or in sparkling wine), but you could also use raspberry or strawberry vodka, or even Cassis- we have the Boudier 750 ml bottle for $39.99. Cassis is the traditional ingredient in a Kir Royale, made of sparkling wine with an ounce of Cassis poured into it.

If that seems too difficult, then Lost Coast Brewing has solved the problem with their Raspberry Brown, which is the Downtown Brown infused with real raspberries. All of the yummy dark richness of the Downtown Brown is still present, but it finishes with a subtle hint of raspberry. Available in the 650 ml bottle!


If beer isn't your thing, then why not try a sparkling wine.
Fresita Sparkling Strawberry is available in two sizes- 200ml or 750 ml. It originated as a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat blend with hand-picked Patagonia strawberries added to it. The result is a very strawberry bubbly concoction that isn't overly sweet.

We also have the Canella Sparkling Strawberry, which is Prosecco with real strawberry pulp added to it. The result is awesome! And only $17.90 for a 750 ml bottle.

If strawberries are not your favourite flavour, Canella also makes the Bellini, with Prosecco and white peach pulp. White peaches have a more intense yet delicate flavour than regular peaches, and this Bellini makes you wish that they always tasted so good. $17.90 for 750 ml.

There are also a couple of Moscatos worth mentioning. Moscato is an Italian sparkling, on the sweeter side but with low alcohol content. Sometimes described as "pop for grown-ups", Moscatos have aromas of cotton candy, strawberry and grapes, and the flavours are usually of strawberry, cherry, grapes with a hint of orange blossom. These pair extremely well with fruity desserts, but are also fun to drink by themselves. We suggest either the Mionetto Il Muscato (look for the blue label and crown cap) or the Petalo Il Vino D'amore with the rose label.

If you'd rather make cocktails, then consider some of the Van Gogh flavoured vodkas- think Raspberry, Espresso, Double Espresso, Dutch Chocolate or Pomegranate.
There are also 50 ml bottles of Double Espresso, which would make a great cocktail mixed with the 50 ml bottles of Absolut Raspberry.

Ask in-store for cocktail ideas, or for the staff recommendations for great wines, beer or spirits. We'd be happy to make your Valentine's something special!