It's not a matter of what I LIKE... It's what I can AFFORD!

**CDNSushi** · 13th February 15, 11:35 AM

Since repatriating back to Canada about a year and a half ago, and being terribly shocked and dismayed at whisky prices here (especially in B.C.), I have not been able to afford to buy the libations I was so used to being able to blindly pick up without a second thought while in Japan. Most single malts could be had for well under $50, and the selection was incredible. Yes, the Japanese do love their single malts, whether they be domestically produced (as some of you well know), or imported from Scotland.

Anyway... I just wanted to share my joy with you all... That after all this time I have finally been able to afford to buy a simple bottle of Aberlour 12. :-D Mind you, with no thanks to Canada for that. My wife and I took a brief hop down to the Olympic Peninsula, WA, for a few days of R&R. I purposely made our itinerary long enough to allow us to bring back some duty-free.

I know that Washingtonians moan about the excessive liquor tax, but believe me -- ain't got nuthin' on us folk up North. I picked this one up from the Rite-Aid in Port Angeles for just $37 plus change. And even with the 20.5% state tax on it AND the US->CDN exchange rate, I STILL saved at least $12-13... (And getting a $27 bottle of Maker's Mark went without saying).

So now, finally, I can put away my bottle of rotgut Ballantine's (which, as far as mixed whiskys go, actually gets pretty decent reviews though), and enjoy a wee dram of something a bit nicer.

We're movin' on up!

**Macman** · 13th February 15, 01:13 PM

I hear you about B.C.'s liquor prices, JD. I usually pick up a couple of bottles each time I go to Calgary to visit my daughter.

**ASinclair** · 13th February 15, 02:04 PM

Aberlour 12 is on my short list of favorite single malt whiskies.

int:

**David Dubh** · 13th February 15, 02:43 PM

I feel your pain CDNSushi! I moved to B.C. from Alberta 3 years ago. Fortunately a couple of my daughter's and my grandchildren still live in Alberta so I get back several times a year and always grab a bottle or two as well as wines
slainte David

**CMcG** · 13th February 15, 05:32 PM

My solution—apart from the wonders of cross-border shopping—is to buy domestic. Canadian whisky is often geared towards being a mixer, but there are an increasing number of fine, local, sipping drams to be had. On the more affordable end of the spectrum, I'm a big fan of the Alberta Springs 10 Year with its subtle-yet-spicy flavours, but I also really like the bolder, sweeter, and richer taste of Dark Horse. Both these benefit from an ice cube IMHO, perhaps because they have a much higher rye content than your average Canadian "rye" whisky, but YMMV.

**Destin_scot** · 13th February 15, 06:26 PM

Down in my part of the world, it is as much an issue of "What can I FIND" as it is "It's not a matter of what I LIKE... It's what I can AFFORD!"

I tasted a fine example of Rye Whiskey last year called: Angel's Envy Rye, (finished in used rum barrels), spicy, smooth, unquestionably one of the best rye whiskies I have tasted. But try to find it in a local liquor store...
easier to find gold on a Florida beach.

There are now a few micro-distilleries popping up in Florida, so maybe we'll have some good examples of local spirits before too long.

**notlob** · 13th February 15, 06:33 PM

since 2007 Scotch has been going through the roof, process I mean. As a Massachusetts native i've often spun over the border to NH to pick up some cheap malts at the state liquor stores, but even they have been going up. Highland Park 12, which used to be a reasonable $35+ is now creeping up to $48. Aberlour 12, yes a very good malt which used to go for $32 on sale, now $40. The average everyday malts ar egging up every year. Hate to say it but I'm going to have to focus on the blends, Teachers, Red Label and small batch bourbons (Weller) to appease my whisky needs.

**Chaps** · 13th February 15, 07:02 PM

Enjoy the Aberlour 12. I received a bottle as a gift and have greatly enjoyed it.

**Spartan Tartan** · 13th February 15, 07:38 PM

Abelour 12 is one of my favourites. By your description, it definitely is cheaper here. Glad you were able to pick some up. I guess I'll pour myself a glass and toast your find;-) Cheers!