A collection of rare spirits is being released at BCL this month

If there’s anything we’ve missed over the past few months it’s socializing with friends and having things – social gatherings, weekends away, and celebrations – to look forward to.

The fact that BC Liquor Stores recently announced that they will be releasing a collection of extremely rare spirits on July 11 somehow combines all of our post-quarantine longings and has us looking forward to sharing a glass of something special with close friends and family.

It feels like the perfect way to celebrate the end of a period of uncertainty and the beginning of brighter summer days filled with happy moments that require savouring.

These sought-after spirits are part of BC Liquor Stores Summer Spirits Release and are ideal if you’re looking to splurge on a special bottle of your favourite liquor (tequila on ice anyone?). The highly anticipated whiskies are available for pre-order online from July 2 to July 5 and available for pick up from July 11 to 19.

Those who pre-order or go online can enter an online draw for the chance to purchase some extremely rare spirits.

So, if you’re on the lookout for something unique for your collection, looking to elevate your favourite cocktail, or have an occasion to celebrate, get in on the novelty of this limited collection.

To truly whet your appetites, we’ve put together a shortlist of teasers to provide you with a taste of the upcoming release.

Michter’s Celebration Whiskey

This blend is the product of a careful selection of whiskey from six extraordinary barrels — two Kentucky Straight Bourbon and four Kentucky Straight Rye — which were aged for anywhere from 10 to over 30 years. Its most notable flavours are dark chocolate truffle with hints of savoury and spice. It also has notes of citrus and cinnamon with a maple syrup finish. This rare selection will be part of the online draw with limited quantities available.

Prospero Anejo Tequila

An intriguing sipping tequila with a complex mix of savoury and sweet. You can expect a golden hue with scents of jalapeños, oregano, and coconut, while mild jalapeño heat and dried herb notes hit your taste buds.

Double Eagle Very Rare

As you may have already guessed, this 20-year-old Bourbon whiskey is extremely limited. So limited, in fact, that it is only available by draw. This mature Bourbon has been aged for upwards of two decades in an oak barrel, giving it a surprisingly balanced taste with hints of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, spice, and citrus.

OFC Bourbon 

This 25-year old bourbon gets its namesake from the historic Old Fashioned Copper, which is the original name of the Buffalo Trace Distillery where this coveted concoction comes to life. When drinking this bourbon, your palate will rejoice with flavours of caramel, vanilla, and cocoa – with a lingering coffee and maple syrup finish. 

Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old 

This traditional oak-aged sherry is a classic that will take you back to another era with a taste has been described as “virtually faultless.”

Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George

This prestigious bottle has been enhanced with rare and mature malts for true excellence. Upon it hitting your palate, you’ll notice notes of Highland toffee, dried banana, salted caramel, and, unexpectedly, hints of seashells from rock pools and crispy-skinned oily fish barbecuing over a fire. All to say, this whiskey has a lot going on.

Mister Sam Sazerac

A blend of Canadian and American whiskeys, this first-time release is coveted among collectors because its barrel strength blend makes for a complex and robust mouthful. It will warm your palate with rich and fruity hints of prunes, dates, figs, chocolate-covered cherries, and spice.

Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate 15 Year Old 

Crafted from their own Cadboll Estate barley and grown in the fields of the Scottish Highlands, this 15-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is oaky and smooth. It’s also characterized by an intense aroma of peanut brittle and crème brulée with rich tastes of honey, pears, apricots, and menthol. 

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These exclusive spirits are open for pre-order from July 2 to July 5 and are available in-stores between July 11 and 19.

Don’t forget to enter the online draw for the opportunity to purchase some very coveted spirits. Anyone of legal drinking age can participate.

Visit the BC Liquor Store website for more information on their Summer Spirit Release.

And, as always, please remember that drinks are best enjoyed when they’re enjoyed responsibly.