Shortage

The shortage of single malt whisky is on the rise. An emerging middle class in Asia has developed a taste for “the water of life,” and this demand has compromised the ability of Scotch distilleries to supply all markets. There was bound to be a huge market correction and over the last five years, several iconic labels have seen nearly a 50 per cent increase in price.

The distilleries have ramped up production to cater to future demand but these highly complex whiskies are aged in barrels for sixteen to eighteen years prior to bottling. It will be at least twenty years before these single malts are ready to be presented to market. It is akin to those who plant trees, knowing full well only their grandchildren will sit in their shade. Meanwhile, the demand for hugely expensive spirits remains strong.

The wineries of Prince Edward County face a similar dilemma. A late killer frost last spring devastated our vineyards, in some locations. Grape crops were well below expectations, meaning less County wine was produced in 2015 than previously. It may even be the case that the vines were so stressed last year, 2016 will be a recovery year for the canes—and the harvest will again be disappointing. The joys of single crop farming. For the moment, however, the effect of this shortage is not apparent, since wineries are still releasing their 2014 red wines, which were just recently bottled after barrel aging.

Next year’s releases will be made with County fruit, along with—by necessity— grapes grown in other regions of Ontario. In many cases, County wines will continue to display the V.Q.A. brand, only without our local P.E.C. designation.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
I was fortunate to taste two seasonal rosé wines newly released from Sandbanks Winery this week.

Their 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé hits notes of forest strawberries on the palate, with a cran/raspberry finish. This rosé is best suited as accompaniment to a meal. On the other hand, the Sandbanks 2015 Rosé is crafted to be an approachable summer sipper—displaying all the best notes of the Vidal, Gamay Noir and Muscat Blanc varietals from which it is blended. Both wines are a super value at $12.95 and are available at the winery located on Loyalist Parkway west of Wellington.

This Thursday is St. Patrick’s Day. And, if you like Guinness . . . well then, County Road Beer has an American Dry Stout that is guaranteed to hit the spot. It is presently available at the brewery, on Closson Road.