Age is only a number when it comes to celebrating All Hallows’ Eve. Of course nowadays I’m less about the candy and more about a liquid treat and Oct. 31 is the perfect day for a Bloody Mary or two.
A few years ago I made a pilgrimage to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris — the place where vodka first met tomato juice back in 1921 — to learn more about the classic cocktail. The secret is the spirit. Harry’s bartender prefers Russia’s Stolichnaya Vodka ($23.58 – $26.48) because of its rustic texture. Since it’s almost Halloween, I think Crystal Head Vodka ($51.00 – $74.95) from Newfoundland would be more appropriate.
Conceived in the mind of Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd; it shows off a sophisticated, lightly sweet flavour that just happens to come wrapped in one spooky skull-shaped bottle. (Though not listed by the LCBO, Ontario readers can place private case orders by contacting Diamond Estates at 416-488-4922, ext. 10).
– Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
