<<

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

Groom for success The power closet The rapidly growing Tips and tricks to skin care market dress to impress November 2010 THE MODERN MAN

3TIPS

FOR LOOKING GREAT AND ACHIEVING SUCCESS OF CHANGE Maple Leafs captain blazes the trail for the men of today

PHOTO: MAPLE LEAF SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT 2 · NOVEMBER 2010 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

CHALLENGES TIP 1 BEING A MO- WE RECOMMEND DERN MAN IS ALL ABOUT The brotherhood of Movember ACHIEVING Coming together YOUR DESIRED to beat prostate LIFESTYLE cancer.

PAGE 5 “The Brotherhood has more than 300 members this year and they have already raised $12,000.”

Grooming trends p. 5 Men’s skin care isn’t all about the shave. The man’s drink p. 7 A beverage for every occasion.

The quintessential guy of our era is smashing the stereotypes of yesteryear with newly-minted ambition–and he looks sharp while he’s at it.

A higher state of evolution is upon us here’s no such thing sively more of us are fi nding that Out and about as the ideal man, but our happiness comes from being In Toronto in 2011, there will be no all guys have the po- better elsewhere: by being bet- shortage of options for men who tential to become ter at home with our families, in have time to spare. Attend—or better men. These front of the game with our friends, give—a guest lecture at the month- are the guys the or all alone, running early in the ly Trampoline Hall get-together at writers and editors morning. But one thing is consist- the Garrison (absolutely no exper- atT AskMen speak to; the ones who ent: Wherever modern men strive tise required). Judge a Monday- recognize an opportunity to im- to become better men, they spend night cook o at Food for Thought prove in their lives, and want to seize time doing so. Time that is becom- at the Drake. Catch the tail end of it. Having accomplished their self- ing scarcer and thus more valu- the Julian Schnabel and Henry improvement , these guys usu- able—particularly so today, as so Moore exhibits at the AGO. Or James Bassil ally shift their focus to another one. many things that once held value Editor-in-Chief spend your time by yourself, get- Why? Because that’s the kind of guys no longer do (How are your RRSPs Askmen.com ting a proper shave at Monsieur they are, and the process of positive recovering?). Barber Shop. evolution—of becoming a better So what does the modern man In examining and assembling man—is a never-ending one. want in 2011? He wants time—that “The process the trends that modern men are one thing none of us can buy. Well, fl ocking to, we focused on 2011’s The personal challenge maybe that’s not entirely true. of positive hottest commodity: time. We Pushing oneself through change is We can’t acquire time, but we can set out in search of high-quality a great way to get to know oneself. change our lifestyles in an e ort evolution—of be- menswear that will stand the test After a decade of trying out awk- to tack on some more onto the end. of it, anti-aging grooming pro- ward labels (ubersexual?), the mod- And we can manage our lives so as coming a better ducts that will defy it, and gad- ern man has found his fi t. He looks to squeeze in a bit more time he- getry that will save it. And we bro- at himself and recognizes what he re and there. And we can make the man—is a never- ke out a special section focusing on sees: a confi dent, well-rounded, ac- best use of the time that we do fi nd, men’s fashion trends that are sur- complished guy... who could be bet- by spending it doing the things we ending one.” facing in 2011 because however the ter. A lot of us are still focused on love and pursuing the experiences modern man chooses to spend his evolving in our careers, but progres- that we’ll remember. time, he wants to look good doing it. The homestead of today THE MODERN MAN After four years overlooking plus plug-ins for electric cars. 1ST EDITION, NOVEMBER 2010 highway traffic, Jani Tuomi “The modern man wants the Managing Director: Gustav Aspegren can’t wait to perch himself in [email protected] best in life and he’s willing to pay Editorial Manager: Jackie McDermott a new condominium with a for it,” says Riz Dhanji of Canderel [email protected] downtown view. Title Developer: David Shoemaker Stoneridge Equity Group Inc. “They [email protected] want to show their friends and Responsible for this issue: At 32, many of his friends live and family that they can live on their Publisher: Brandon Luckino work in the heart of the city and own in a nice, well designed space [email protected] Designer: Penelope Graham revel in their eclectic surround- and entertain as much as possible [email protected] ings. Now that his money is down to show o where they live.” Contributors: James Bassil, Sachin Bhola, Ben Bowers, Anthony Dominic, on a 700-sq., one-bedroom unit in To- Damien Lynch, Jonathan Sandals, Andrew ronto’s Harbourfront/Core area, the An emerging focus Seale, Suzanne Wintrob, Biotherm HIGH STYLE LIVING technology consultant can almost The court yard view at one of Minto’s condominiums. And that’s why male-focused Distributed within: touch the action. PHOTO: MINTO URBAN DEVELOPMENTS marketing is so important. Says Toronto Star, November 2010 This section was created by Mediaplanet Tuomi had a number of key con- “King West seems to be really fo- That said, developers are responding Jennifer O’Brien of Minto Urban and did not involve the Toronto Star or its do requirements. The builder had to cused on the 30-somethings, from to what men want. Hanging out Developments: “When you Editorial Departments. be reputable and the units expertly the restaurants to social areas,” he happens in spacious outdoor loun- understand the priorities of your designed. Energy e ciency was es- says. “[This] building fi ts that lifest- ges with waterfalls and fi replaces, customer, you can then reach sential since “it puts more money in yle with all the amenities so you can catering kitchens, games rooms and out to the places you know he is my pocket.” An outdoor terrace with live at home, keep yourself in shape, media rooms. Suites feature tech- visiting, the media he is reading guy-sized barbeque would help him and be really close to all the things nology to control lighting, heating, and get your message in front of entertain in style. And an oversized you need.” television and music. Buildings have him.” Mediaplanet’s business is to create new fi tness area for cardio, weights and green (garden) roofs. Garages boast customers for our advertisers by providing SUZANNE WINTROB readers with high-quality content yoga would keep him in shape. Building intuition car and bicycle sharing programs that motivates them to act. [email protected] A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NOVEMBER 2010 · 3 NEWS Give your man the gift of luxury

Out of all the innovative electro- nics that have been released this year, tablets are top of mind. The look of luxury In the world of luxury, fashion labels The iPad may have been fi rst to mar- are now placing heavy emphasis on ket, but products like the 7-inch Sam- better experiences too. Concepts like sung Galaxy tab and the Blackberry Play- brand heritage and made in Amer- book prove Apple isn’t the only company ica craftsmanship are major selling capable of developing attractive devices points for boutique brands like Allen- in this new category. Despite Job’s vi- Edmonds and Alden shoes, Alxander sion of a world where everyday comput- Olch ties, J. W. Hulme Co. bags, or Band ing happens on time saving touch screens of Outsiders, Hamilton Shirts, and though, Apple set a new standard for port- Steve Alan clothing. Luxury travel has able laptops as well through their update similarly placed more focus on once in to the ultra-slim MacBook Air. Long-time a lifetime opportunities through pack- rival Microsoft has also been busy redefi n- ages like Abercrombie and Kent’s Ant- ing user interactions with mobile devices arctica expeditions, sailing the open and game systems. Its Windows Phone 7 seas with Sea Cloud Cruises, or living software, now available on sleek hand- the western high life at Triple Creek sets such as the Dell Venue Pro and HTC Ranch. Naturally, what could go bet- 7 Mozart, is a unique spin on the mobile ter with owning well-made products OS. Microsoft Kinect—a new accessory for and posh adventure vacations than the Xbox 360—similarly epitomizes a dif- drinking rare booze like The Glenliv- ferent take on motion based gaming, and et: 1973 Cellar Collection single-malt, unlike the Wii or PlayStation Move, al- Andy Warhol x Dom Pérignon, or Dal- lows gamers to ditch clunky controllers more Trinitas 64 Year Old whisky? If altogether in favor of just using their bod- your answer is documenting it all with ies. Not to be caught fl at-footed, Google set the Leica M9 Titanium or M9 Ostrich its sights on the living room via its new leather limited edition, then you’d be Google TV platform. Using devices like right. the Logitech Revue set top box or Sony’s Internet TV, users can quickly search for content or the web right on their TV – ef- BEN BOWERS fectively ending the need to keep a laptop Askmen.com couch-side. [email protected] Men’s skin care goes beyond the surface A growing market women and, subse- The selective men’s skincare quently, 1 market corresponds to $23.6 men re- million (2009 data), compared to turn them- the women’s skincare market, selves to which reported sales of $3.7 replenish billion. their sup- The market is growing plies. 2 rapidly, but it remains mod- In the Men skin particularity est. Men are taking care of them- 5 beginning, after-shave treat- ■ The skin is subject to daily ag- selves and their appearance, but ments and deodorants were the ■ Men’s skin is between 16 to 22 gressors like shaving and needs there is still an opportunity for fi rst bestsellers, but today, the mar- percent thicker than that of wo- the protection of soothing and more education at this level. ket has become nearly as sophisti- men. It contains more collagen regenerative active ingredients. In 1990, only four percent of percent reported regular use. cated as that for women. The cat- and therefore wrinkles later. Due 3 men used skincare products In 43 percent of cases, the in- egory experiencing the strongest to the presence of more sebaceous on a regular basis, while in 2006, 28 4 itial purchase is made by growth is anti-aging. glands, it tends to be more oily. Courtesy of Biotherm 4 · NOVEMBER 2010 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

INSPIRATION TIP 2 FIND FULFILLMENT THROUGH CHARITY INITIATIVES

2

1. - 2. Dion Phaneuf greets fans at the Merry Go Round Children’s Founda- tion event.

PHOTO: MERRY GO ROUND

3. Phaneuf signs auto- graphs at Skate for Easter Seals Kids.

1 PHOTO: GRAIG ABEL 3 Question: How does Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf lead today’s men in the quest to stay fi t, motivated and connected? Answer: He splits his time between his personal ambitions and extensive charity work. Captain of change

LEADER TO LEADER red his composure after the trade, telling QMI dation. so show o his cooking chops on November press agency: “It was a shock when it happe- But it didn’t stop there; the next few 23rd at Brassaii for the Toronto Maple Leafs Tossing and turning in a blender is ned, but it’s the best thing that ever happened weeks were punctuated with charity work. Have a Heart Dinner, in support of the MLSE 1980s vanity, a dash of the 1990’s to me.” He showed his support for the Merry Go Team Up Foundation. lost generation and a pinch of the Phaneuf quickly rolled up his jersey sleeves Round Children’s Foundation and its Kids, 21st century’s love of digitalization— and set to work. Cops and Computers program by And he’s got class… The “modern man” hovers between “Dion started changing the culture within attending the annual mixer last Of course earning $6.5 million a year and social media profiles and unabashed seconds of getting in the dressing room,” said March. playing in hockey’s biggest market has a few curiosity towards the world he lives Toronto Maple Leafs’ President and General His devotion to the commu- perks. Phaneuf, who, according to a write-up in. Manager during a press confe- nity in a few short weeks ear- in the Toronto Star has an a nity for expen- rence. “This is a guy who saw a leadership ned him the March 2010 Toron- sive watches, also balances a relationship But the true movers and shakers are those who vacuum and leaped in and fi lled it.” to Maple Leafs ESQ Community with Canadian actress . The work towards building a better society. MVP. couple is often attached at the hip for char- Image-conscious, healthy, in-the-know, so- Man of the people With a new season, the tire- ity events. cially and environmentally responsible—the- Five days after his debut with less player looked for He also loves music, telling George Strom- se are the traits that describe the modern man. the team, Phaneuf laced new ways to give back. bolopoulous during an appearance on his Take Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion up and hit the ice with his September saw show that he often mans the iPod station in Phaneuf for example. new teammates for the To- Phaneuf hit the links the dressing room. The 25-year-old is young, fi t and motivated. ronto Maple Leafs Skate with 63 other Leafs Despite a recent injury that has left the “I think the best way to lead is you defi nite- for Easter Seals Kids. The past, present and captain temporarily side-lined, Phaneuf will ly want to be the guy who’s working the har- annual event gave fans future for the Le- continue his role as a community leader and dest—day in and day out,” Phaneuf told the a chance to skate with afs & Legends Cha- a prime example of the modern man. press at the start of the season. players and alumni for rity Golf Classic. All After an unexpected trade uprooted him a minimum pledge of proceeds from the from , which he’d called home since he $125, with proceeds sold-out tourna- signed with the Flames in 2005, the benefi ting Easter Seals ment went to the native was forced to whittle out a niche in his and the Maple Leafs MLSE Team Up new community. Sports and Entertain- Foundation. ANDREW SEALE But the six-foot-three defenseman recove- ment’s Team Up Foun- Phaneuf will al- [email protected]

Give your suit a power-up with bold colours, refined fabrics and tricked out accessories. Dress to impress In his pursuit of self-impro- a much-needed push of the refresh six buttons, slim vement, it’s no accident that button. Today’s version of power and a lot of struc- the modern man admits his dressing still serves to provide the ture) double- need to look better. Yes, we man with a sense of authority—you breasted blazer said need. know, the kind that shows the bos- option in char- ses you mean business—and style. coal. Remember when you suited up for We can’t stress how central fi t is Power dres- that job interview earlier this year, here. Though men’s body types vary, sing involves an- and found yourself questioning its you’ll probably want to size down, as choring strong fi t, how to match your tie with your most North American men tend to suiting with ac- shirt, and the manliness of your, air on the larger size of the fi t conti- cents of bold co- well, man bag? We do. Projecting a nuum. Choose a higher arm hole, ha- lors. A dress shirt successful image is the di erence ve the arms and waist taken in (tai- in purple will do between getting that job and not lor required), aim for a lapel width of the trick when moving in life. Thus, the two to two-and-a-half inches, favor paired under your modern man no longer looks at fash- two-button suits over three, and ma- charcoal suit. To ion as vain or as an afterthought, but ke sure you get a clean break on your further anchor rather sees it as a sartorial vehicle to pants. Did we mention you’ll need a your look, consi- achieve his broader goals. tailor? der a pair of pur- Enter power dressing. A major ple-accented dress socks. Whi- Dad’s-Christmas-gift category, with a new pair of shoes, the mo- theme in menswear for Fall 2010 Power shopping le we have your attention on the but don’t underestimate the dern man recognizes the invest- (and looking ahead) is a return to Step one in building a power ward- foot area, consider upgrading your art of mastering ties. Try a gray ment he’s making, not just finan- building a power wardrobe. We took robe is the suit. Contrary to popular shoe game with patent leather; a herringbone tie in 100 percent cially, but in the time it takes to a liking to this trend, and not just be- belief, navy is preferred over black classic lace-up feels fresh, or rock English wool (don’t forget that craft an image of himself that he cause it has the word “power” in it. in business dressing, because it can electric blue brogues if you’re fee- just as suiting gets heavier in feels sure about—and that’s self- Stemming from the ‘80s (think Mi- be worn year-round and its cut is ling bold. cold-weather months, so should improvement we believe in. chael Douglas and Charlie Sheen slimmer and shorter than the aver- the fabric of your tie). in Wall Street), we’re relieved to re- age o -the-rack suit. For a timely al- Pulling together Whether you’re buying a new SACHIN BHOLA port that this trend benefi ted from ternative, invest in a modern (read: Ties often get grouped into the suit or just refining your look Askmen.com [email protected] A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NOVEMBER 2010 · 5

5 MO-CREATING TIPS A fresh start Start Movember with a good, clean shave. Rinse 1 skin with warm water to open pores. Apply a layer of your favourite shave preparation to lock in heat and moisture. Soften up 2 Men with especially coarse or curly hair may 2 experience ingrown hair. Try gently exfoliating the area to remove dead skin and dab acne medication to soften it. Apply a warm, moist cloth for a few min- utes to bring hair to the surface. Make it yours Once you’ve passed the awkward growth stage, 3 choose a moustache that A GROWING CAUSE suits your style. Visit www. Bubba Nicholson models SchickMoPic.ca to upload a pic- his Mo with his pooch pal, Mr.G. ture of yourself and personalize PHOTO: MOVEMBER the Mo to match your face. Stubble shame Breast cancer may have the pink ribbon, but prostate cancer You may want to schedule 4 “Schick” days (Mo-related has the fabulous Mo. sick days) to avoid an un- wanted preview and let it fi ll out a bit. Or use conference calls and online meetings. Keep it clean Nothing screams amateur A cancer-beating brotherhood 5 moustache man like HOW WE MADE IT Nicholson went home after his team fraternity. They christened them- course. lunch crumbs on your mate broke the news and Googled selves “Theta Omega Mo” with the newfound lip growth. Visit a bath- Growing for a good cause prostate cancer. One of the things tag line the “brotherhood of bad L.A. MoBro room after each meal. Usually when Bubba Nicholson and that jumped out at him online was facial hair”. Many of the guys have Last year, Nicholson moved to L.A. his young rugby union team mates Movember. the logo tattooed on them as well, to be nearer to his girlfriend. With Courtesy of Schick Hydro from Burlington Ont. were in the Every November, thousands of men Nicholson says. memories of his former team mate showers after a game or practice, around the world grow a Mo (slang They decided to raise funds while fresh in his head, he closed his DAMIEN LYNCH the banter revolved around girls and for moustache in Australia, where growing their own Mos, and col- marketing consultancy and began [email protected] drink. That changed in 2007 when the movement began in 2003) to lected a few thousand dollars for volunteering for the Movember one of the team revealed he had raise awareness and funds for men’s the Movember Foundation. The Foundation there. He is now a full been diagnosed with prostate can- health—specifi cally prostate can- next year around 60 men from the time employee. The ultimate cer at the age of 36. cer—through the Movember Foun- club got involved, raising $10,000. Despite the anguish of prostate guy’s road trip After two years the team mate fi nal- dation, a non-profi t organization This number swelled to $16,000 in cancer sufferers, awareness is ly beat the cancer. Sadly, he then lost that runs the global men’s health in- 2009, courtesy of 160 mo-growing growing. In 2009, global partici- Pick a destination his life in an unrelated incident. The itiative. dudes. “The Brotherhood has more pation of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas Take your time. Whether whole episode changed Nicholson’s Funds raised through Movem- than 300 members this year and climbed to 255,755, with over one it’s a cross county trip own life. ber’s Canadian campaign go direct- they have already raised $12,000. million donors raising $47 mil- 1 coast to coast, or a quick ”We were used to talking about ly to Prostate Cancer Canada to fund Just as crucially, all participants lion. Last year’s Canadian cam- weekend jaunt, sometimes the everything from parties, to sex, to vital research into better screening are encouraged to visit their lo- paign was the second largest in fastest route isn’t always the best. mothers-in-law,” Nicholson recalls. and treatment options and to run cal doctor and get a full physical the world after Australia, with Maybe there’s a great restaurant “We say that we are brothers and support services for men surviving done,” Nicholson says. 35,156 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas that’ll be worth the extra hour out fi ght for each other on and o the prostate cancer. Men who grow moustaches for raising $7.8 million for Prostate of the way, or a roadside attrac- fi eld. But we are not comfortable Movember are called Mo Bros and Cancer Canada. tion that’s hilarious: (e.g. visiting talking about the one thing that can The brotherhood of bad they become walking, talking bill- the world’s biggest praire dog). take our lives from us—our health. ” facial hair boards raising awareness around Maybe on your way there’s the op- Nicholson and 30 club mates decid- men’s health. The women who sup- DAMIEN LYNCH portunity to stop over for a night The Movember Foundation ed to form their own fundraising port them are dubbed Mo Sistas, of [email protected] by a college town with a hot, uh, music scene. Destinations can help you pick the best time to leave. Sometimes it’s better to leave later, you’ll miss Grooming trends the tra c and can cruise in record time. Other times a day drive is There is one real constant Cross Black Touch have made stay- worth the sights, so be sure to plot among the male stars who ing hydrated easy and stylish for desk the spots you don’t want to miss. have dominated entertain- jockeys, and no-holds-barred workout ment since the early 1990s— programs like P90X have become li- George Clooney, Brad Pitt, fe-changing tools for guys who were Make a trip playlist Matt Damon, and the rest of brainwashed into thinking that trim, Music is crucial to a suc- the modern Rat Pack—they chiseled physiques were the product cessful roadtrip. It’s the look just as good now as they of Photoshop. 2 music you listen to on did when they made it on this trip that when you hear it their first magazine covers. Stopping the clock again in a year or two will remind Anti-aging products may be the hot, you of all the things that usually This is a that has not been lost new trend in grooming, but men’s stay in Vegas. A good idea is to on the increasingly time-pressed, markets have also seen a resurgence download a new album to listen age-conscious modern man. in the level of attention men pay to to, and don’t be afraid to hit that European men may have been hip facial hair (after all, aside from death repeat button. Recommended is to anti-aging products for some ti- and taxes, shaving is the only certain Brothers (deluxe edition) by the me, but the North American male is thing in a man’s life). Powered by the Black Keys. “I’m gonna be (500 now rapidly adopting the grooming an embrace of traditionalism, as well Miles) by the Proclaimers is also and lifestyle habits that will help him as the notion that guys should truly commonly referred in most cir- look 32 for the rest of his life. This me- be enjoying the time they take to han- cles as the greatest road trip song ans men are not only investing in cos- dle the unavoidable tasks of life, using of all time. metic-based products—like the Matt- old-school premium shaving tools, hew Fox-endorsed L’Oreal Eye Roller like The Art of Shaving Power Shave (a manly version of “eye cream”), Cli- Set, have become a daily ritual for men Get some cameras nique Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15 (a who opt for 2010’s hottest facial hair Sometimes your remem- manly version of “moisturizer”) and style: Clean-shaven. If you’re asking bering muscles can get a Gillette Fusion Pro Series Thermal Fa- yourself, “Clean-shaven? What about 3 little ...hazy. Hand out a ce Scrub (a manly version of “exfoli- these mustaches I’ve been seeing all black and white disposable camera ant”)—but also the health & fi tness ge- over Toronto?” Well, those would— to everybody on the trip. Then, col- ar that go hand-in-hand with fi ghting hopefully—be the work of Movember: lect them all after the trip and get the sands of time, a trend not lost on A month-long drive to raise money them developed. The great thing businesses looking to tap into the lu- for prostate cancer research, in which about disposable cameras is that crative male pocketbook. Companies guys take donations in order to grow they’re hard to break, inexpensive, like Bayer have released male-targe- crimes of fashion on their upper lips. and on occasion a real photo blows ted One A Day Multivitamins in order away the ones you take on your to supplement the diets of time-pres- phone. As a plus, no one can tag it. sed guys who may have missed their JONATHAN SANDALS daily nutrient quota, cool reusable Askmen.com ANTHONY DOMINIC water bottles like the SIGG 1.0L Swiss [email protected] [email protected] A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NOVEMBER 2010 · 7 NEWS TIP 3 Craft beer: The PUSH YOUR new brew of choiceCOMFORT ZONE DON’T MISS!

Beer may be the quintes- “We’re not necessarily looking to sential male beverage, but push the boundaries, but we do ap- today’s modern man expects preciate brewers whose passion for much more zest in his glass beer shines through,” says Toronto than the frothy yellow ale his beer enthusiast Andy Holloway, 44. Grandpa guzzled. “That passion might show up in the form of something a bit more experi- mental, such as crossing a German wit with an American hoppy ale, or The man’s just making a standard beer, like a lager, uncommonly well.” drink for every NEWS IN BRIEF Great tastes, pleasant aromas and alluring hues—that’s what guys li- occasion Searching for suds? ke Holloway are after. And that’s just what Canada’s craft breweries are Business meeting ■ Looking for your favourite craft delivering with all-natural creamy Forget all that “I’ll have what brew? Ontario Craft Brewer’s new beers hinting of co ee, citrus, spices he’s having” nonsense. Get a free app for iPhones and GPS-en- and other intriguing fl avours. Orga- beer if you like. But make it a good abled handhelds makes it easy nic beer, guaranteed to be free of her- family dinner.” recipes for the sophisticated male one. And don’t look at the menu. to source more than 150 varie- bicides and pesticides, is also a draw And like fi ne wine, modern men buyer. Still, that doesn’t mean odd is ties. Search by brand or brewery for health-conscious gentlemen. are matching beer to food. Amber be- in. First impression and your smartphone will point er and citrusy pale ale pair well with “Beer is like guy comfort food,” This is tricky as it represents you to the closest retail store. A Mixing it up chicken wings, chili and curry, says says Manning. “It can’t be so strange your personality, so don’t Blackberry version of OCB Be- “No guy will have one beer in his Manning, while roasted beers com- that you go back to your regular beer. stretch—but a premium tequila er Locater will be available soon. fridge,” says Joel Manning, Mill Street plement caramelized grilled meat. It needs to have a balance to it, made on the rocks may do the trick. Info: www.ontariocraftbrewers. Brewery’s brewmaster. “He’ll have up of fl avours that are familiar.” com half a dozen beers and will buy dif- New horizons Special celebration ferent beers depending on the occa- To meet demand, brewmasters are SUZANNE WINTROB There is the obvious—Cristal sion—a football game, poker night or constantly experimenting with new [email protected] Rose Magnum—but another interesting option is the $115 dol- lar bottle of Samuel Adams Utopia (Yes, it’s a $115 beer!) Utopia is a strong, rich, dark beer that, unlike The art of nosing whisky most beers, is un-carbonated and Ask any whisky expert and whisky in the glass: through both your nose and mouth. tap water can muddy the fl avours and is served room temperature in a they will tell you there are no aromas present. snifter glass. The recommended hard, fast rules about how to ■ Step 1) Bring the liquid to ■ Step 3) Taste the whisky: pour is two-ounces, and meant to enjoy a glass of Single Malt, room temperature: Once you’ve noted the aromas, take Try and begin developing a be savored like vintage port or a blended Scotch whisky or Whisky is best appreciated at a sip of the liquid and let it drift over whisky vocabulary. fi ne cognac. Canadian whisky—it really room temperature. The warmth your entire palate. Note the mouth- Often there are common notes does come down to personal draws the aromas out of the liquid feel of the liquid—is it sharp or crea- amongst certain whiskies. Gibson’s After work drink in the preference. and makes them more identifi- my, is it full-bodied or thin? By taking Finest Sterling for example has aro- financial district able whereas chilled whisky can be another sip you can also evaluate the mas of fresh cut oak and hints of van- A cognac or a single malt But, when you‘re ready to delve into “closed o ” and withholds aromas. primary tastes in the liquid—sweet; illa on the palate, with a crisp fi nish. scotch on the rocks says dis- the liquid you are about to consume, acidic/sour; salty, dry/bitter? Gibson’s Finest 12 Year Old has a hearty tinguished and successful. there are some best practices that will ■ Step 2) Use your senses: After you’ve swallowed the whisky vanilla aroma with a pronounced van- enhance your enjoyment and under- Begin fi rst by studying the appear- make note of the aftertaste and fi nish. illa taste, a smooth texture and clean, The holiday drink standing of what’s in your glass. ance of the whisky. The hue will tell Does the fl avour linger on your pa- enduring oak fi nish. Both variants The quintessential eggnog A whisky tasting is referred to as you a lot about the maturation pro- late? Do you taste additional notes or have been created by the same produ- with a little Canadian a “nosing” because fl avour is predo- cess of the particular liquid. Note fl avours? cer but each exhibits unique aromas whisky, vanilla syrup and nutmeg minantly determined by our sense of the colour, clarity and brightness, and fl avours. thrown in for good measure. smell. While taste buds can detect on- all of which will change based on ■ Step 4) Add some water: Experiment and try a variety of types ly four distinct sensations (sweet, sal- which specifi c whisky you are nos- Once you’ve done all this with and ages to determine what you like ty, sour and bitter), the olfactory cells ing. To determine aroma, fi rst nose straight whisky, add a few small drops best, and then decide how you want to can perceive 32 primary aromas and the whisky “neat” which means of water and repeat the process. You consume your whisky. There are best- these are used to build an individual’s without any water or ice added. will fi nd the whisky quite changed practice guidelines but at the end of the sensory experiences. Every whisky Swirl the warmed liquid around in and should be able to glean more from day, it all comes down to how you prefer presents a variety of aromas so the no- your glass and, if you want to nose your nosing experience when the wa- to enjoy your dram! se of the liquid becomes one of its most like a true expert, cover the glass ter is used to open up the liquid. It is distinguishing features. with the palm of one hand and important to always use distilled or There are some simple steps that give it a fi rm shake. Put your nose bottled water, preferably at room tem- Courtesy of William Scott & Sons ANTHONY DOMINIC can easily be followed when nosing a right into the glass and breathe perature, when adding to a whisky, as [email protected] [email protected]