Top quality finds from the Land of the Maple Leaf
Looking to lux it up while supporting Canadian makers? Our designers, distillers, creators and crafters are at your service. From bourbon-style whiskies to bespoke boots, here’s a mere drop in the maple syrup bucket to show you what’s being made at home. Why wait for Canada Day? Let’s show our growers, producers and talented makers some down-home support all year long, starting now.
Viberg
The first Viberg boots were made for farmers during the Great Depression. Now, they appear on fashion runways and the fortunate soles of those who appreciate the Viberg family’s unwavering commitment to quality. Their ability to maintain tradition while staying innovative has kept them best in class for good reason. www.viberg.com
Rocky Mountain Soap
Karina Birch and Cam Baty, along with their dedicated team of makers, create natural beauty and personal care products made from ingredients that won’t lead to the destruction of species, animal habitats, or the environment. Rather than focusing on how the end result looks, the team chooses ingredients based on how they want the products to smell, feel, and benefit a person’s skin, hair and body. Handcrafted with care in Canmore, Alberta.
Acadian Sturgeon Caviar
We’re going to do something very un-Canadian and openly boast about this one. We think the caviar from Acadian Sturgeon in New Brunswick is superior to any of the big three (beluga, ossetra and sevruga) from the Black and Caspian Seas. If you’re looking to indulge, you’d do well to order the variety pack to get the full Canadian caviar experience. The Acadian Wild is umami forward, nutty and buttery in flavour with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The Gold is milder with buttery notes and hints of sea salt, and the Emerald, which has the largest grains has a creamy, buttery flavour with notes of seaweed.
Canada Goose
What evolved from Metro Sportswear Ltd. in 1957 is now a recognized luxury performance line around the globe. Canada Goose’s iconic Expedition Parka was initially made for scientists at Antarctica’s McMurdo Station in the 1980s, and while that style is still available, a new lighter line of outerwear has become just as popular. The company’s inventory has expanded to include knitwear (made in Europe), but the core down-filled products are still manufactured in Canada at facilities across the country.
Escuminac Maple Syrup
How could we not? This is the Land of the Maple Leaf, after all, and we’ve got heaps of this liquid gold, but Escuminac is something deliciously special. This is pure, unblended, organic, award-winning maple syrup produced from century-old, single forest trees near Chaleur Bay in Quebec. Taste the difference terroir makes in the Extra Rare (light and smooth), Great Harvest (extra fine and rich), Late Harvest (dark with pronounced caramel flavour), and Very Dark (bold and intense). Magnifique!
Signal Hill Whisky
From St. John’s, Newfoundland, comes a bourbon-style whisky that’s made from premium Canadian barley and corn and the pristine waters that surround “The Rock.” Signal Hill whisky is layered with flavours developed through a three-barrel stage, non-chill filtering system. Expect a delicate blend of honey, vanilla, dried fruit and a hint of spice on the nose and a creamy, complex run of vanilla, caramel, dried raisins and plum on the palate.
Soma Mo
Born and raised in the Himalayan Mountains bordering China and Tibet, Soma Mo received a diploma degree in Jewelry Art and Design from Vancouver Community College but goes back to Tibet every year to continue learning techniques from a silver master. Soma’s pieces are unique creations that blend modern style with traditional materials using a variety of stones and semiprecious elements set in 99% grade silver.
Manitobah
What began as a trading post in 1990 by a young Métis entrepreneur, has blossomed into a global brand that directly benefits Indigenous communities across North America. Every product from this Winnipeg-based company is Indigenous-designed and honours the People’s craftsmanship and history. While mostly known for making moccasins and mukluks, the company has now branched into accessories like mitts, jewellery and outerwear. Their adorable pom-pommed trapper’s hat blends two iconic Canadian clothing items, the toque and the trapper’s cap. Grab it while you can.
Caramunchies
Canada lays claim to some pretty famous snacks—Hawkins Cheezies, Coffee Crisp and ketchup chips, to name a few—so when it comes to this category, we’re pretty confident with what we can do. Enter Caramunchies, an Alberta company that’s mastered the art of sweet and salty matrimony in every single one of their addictive crunchy options. Their seasonal flavours are highly anticipated and make great gifts, but that sweet heat in the Caramunchitos? That’s the stuff of dreams. You’re going to want to keep that one to yourself.
Monte & Coe
“Small batch” often refers to food or drink production, but at Monte & Coe it refers to their line of luxury everyday essentials produced in their Toronto and Montreal studios. These items are built to last the ages, and are crafted from the finest wool, vegetable-tanned leather and waxed cotton twill by artisans devoted to their craft.
Places To Be
See this month's local flavours, products, and services.
