The experience of diving into one distilled spirit for two days leaves many lasting impressions. It's an opportunity that allows one to not only appreciate what goes into the production, but to find the aspects and characteristics that are enjoyable and those which are not. Overall, my trip led me to a whisky, which although I've had before was one I was not fully acquainted with, which I found refreshing, versatile and complexly light. I would put Canadian Mist near the top of my list of bottles to keep in stock, simply for the fact that it can go anywhere in the spectrum of drinks, from warm to fizzy, and thick to light. Would I sip it as a whisky nightcap, probably not. I also did not particularly enjoy it with chocolate or cola, save those flavors for other spirits. Canadian Mist is impressive and a great whisky for those with a lighter palate, especially those who prefer white spirits (gin, rum, tequila, vodka).
On an endnote, every trip is not without it's side roads and mine often end up in, where else, bars and restaurants. While in Toronto we dined at the Canoe Restaurant high above the city with a beautiful view of Lake Ontario and an exquisite menu, although my attempts at enjoying a Manhattan before dinner proved futile as the bar was out of sweet vermouth (rather surprising, I thought). After dinner called for a Martini at the Library Bar in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. My research prior to the trip led me to this intimate oasis with it's high ceilings, leather lounge furniture and well-endowed bar that was touted as having the best Martinis in the city. I don't know what other bars in town were serving but the Library did create the best Dry Tanqueray No. 10 Martini stirred in a snifter with crushed ice I've had yet.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary trip for the purpose of reviewing the industry. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.