Canadian Whisky Week 2026

Sips Across the Sea - Episode #11

Ahead of Canadian Whisky Week, Sips Across the Sea turns its focus westward as Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup taste two expressions from Macaloney’s Island Distillery. Along the way, David rediscovers a classic Canadian whisky drink—the overlooked forerunner to the Bramble—uncovering how Canadian styles and serves quietly shaped modern cocktail culture.

Enjoy this episode and join in the celebration by posting your favorite tipple of Canadian whisky bes sure to tag @cadwhiskyweek.

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

• Macaloney’s Distillery An Aba Canadian Lighted Peated Single Malt Whisky 46% ABV

• Macaloney’s Distillery An Loy Canadian Single Malt Whisky 46% ABV

• Canadian Club 1858 Blended Canadian Whisky 40% ABV

Cocktail recipe mentioned in this episode include:

Canadian Blackberry Fix

• 50ml (1 ½0z) blended Canadian whisky

• 25ml (¾oz) lemon juice

• 15ml (½oz) simple syrup

• 10-15ml (¼-½oz) crème de mûre

  Add first three ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks or old fashioned glass over crushed ice and float 10-15ml crème de mûre on top.

The Harvey Wallbanger

Sips Across the Sea - Episode #9

In this episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup explor the origins, mythology, and varriations on the Harvey Wallbanger. They debunk some common missconcemptions, dive into its predicesor, the Italian Screwdriver, and explore how different formulations of Galliano affect the flavor of this classic 70s cocktail. Join us for this spirits discussion on the pros and cons of this infamous family of cocktails.

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

• Galliano L'Autentico 42.3% ABV

• Galliano Ristretto Espresso Liqueur 30% ABV

• Galliano Amaretto 28% ABV

• Galliano L’Aperitivo 24% ABV

Cocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:

Italian Screwdriver (Original)

• 1 1/4 oz vodka

• 1/2 oz Galliano L’Autentico liqueur

• 3 oz orange juice

  Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and give a quick stir. Pour into a Collins or Highball glass.

Italian Screwdriver (Modern)

• 1 1/4 oz vodka

• 1/2 oz amaretto

• 3 ½oz orange juice

  Add ice to a Collins or Highball glass. Pour in vodka and orange juice and stir. Float Galliano on top and serve.

Harvey Wallbanger

• 1 ¼oz vodka

• 3 ½oz orange juice

• ½oz Galliano L’Autentico liqueur

  Add ice to a Collins or Highball glass. Pour in vodka and orange juice and stir. Float Galliano on top and serve.

Golden Caddilac

• 1oz Galliano

• 1oz white crème de cacao

• 1oz heavy (double) cream

  Combine ingredents in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a chilled coup or cocktail glass.

Slow Screw

• 1 ½oz Sloe gin

• 1 ½oz Vodka

• 3oz Orange juice

  Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and give a quick stir. Pour into a Collins or Highball glass.

Freddy Fudpucker

• 1 ¼oz blanco tequila

• 3 ½oz orange juice

• ½oz Galliano L’Autentico liqueur

  Add ice to a Collins or Highball glass. Pour in vodka and orange juice and stir. Float Galliano on top and serve.

Locations, Resources, and Media mentioned in this episode include:

The Brass Lamp 1617 Contra Costa Highway Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (now Pho Saigon City 2)

Poor Red’s 6221 Pleasant Valley Road El Dorado, CA 95623

Simonson, Robert. “The Hidden History of the Harvey Wallbanger.” Off The Presses, December 18, 2012.

Disco Cocktails: More than 50 classic & kitsch drinks from the 70s & 80s by David T. Smith, Keli Rivers September 10, 2024.

Benchmark Bourbon Vertical Tasting

Sips Across the Sea - Episode #7

Join Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup as they do a vertical tasting of Benchmark Bourbon from the standard McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 to the Benchmark Full Proof and chat about how age and proof can have a dramatic affect on the flavor of whiskey.

Serve yourself a pour of bourbon or fix up a bourbon and wather and enjoy.

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

• McAfee's Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon 40% ABV

• Benchmark Top Floor Kentucky Straight Bourbon 43% ABV

• Benchmark Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon 45% ABV

• Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon 50% ABV

• Benchmark Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon 62.5% ABV

• Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon 40% ABV

• Old Grand-Dad Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon 50% ABV

• Benchmark Egg Nog Bourbon 15% ABV