Spirits

All it took was one and a quarter miles of corn fields in every direction, boreal water sourced from almost 300 feet underground, and a splash of crazy, and Pierre Mantha had everything he needed to start a new career by launching an artisanal distillery—the first in Outaouais—built just a few steps from the Gatineau airport. The secret to his success? A range of top-shelf spirits made with the choicest of raw ingredients.

Discover fine spirits thanks to our taste tags, small format bottles and SAQ par l’ITHQ workshops.

In a different era, it was an aperitif stalwart, but nowadays crème de menthe has fallen by the spirit wayside. Yet there is no better time than the present to reacquaint yourself with this unique spirit — especially now that there’s a made-in-Quebec brand to sample!

Quebec micro-distillery made gin is on the rise! Here are a few gins worth sampling – whether on the rocks or in a cocktail.

Is the universe of whisky a mystery to you? Want to learn how to enjoy a glass the right way? Whisky expert and ITHQ SAQ workshop host Nicolas Bourque tells you everything you need to know about drinking the amber elixir that is scotch.

What are the essentials for creating a bar at home? Mixologist Maxime Boivin helps explain the three families of cocktails spirits and points out the tools that you need from the SAQ. Get ready to simplify and organize your at-home bar!

Have you got some litchi liqueur in your bar at home? Here are several ideas on what to do with it . . . besides making a litchi martini!

The story of absinthe is one filled with legends, fantastic tales, contradictions and mysteries. More than any other alcoholic drink, absinthe has been at the heart of controversy and has been the subject of quite a lot of speculation—for good reasons, and for some not so very good reasons.

Italy produces several excellent types of wine, but only one spirit: the legendary grappa. Transparent or lightly golden when refined, this elixir, the pride of Italians, comes to the table at the end of the meal to be enjoyed by those who love finesse and elegance.

We love it! A very trendy recipe with a very North American flair, this recipe is simple to make in the oven or on the BBQ.

Being slightly sweet, rum is a great introduction to the world of spirits, especially if the burning caused by whiskies and cognacs seems a bit too intense. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying this sometimes underestimated spirit.

Should we be putting ice in our whisky? Or is this practically treason? Here’s some advice for getting the best flavour experience from your tipple.