5 Things to Know About Scotch Whisky

Nothing mixes better with scotch than spirited discussion. Next time you’re sipping scotch with the guys, have these fast facts at the ready to surprise, educate and entertain. Because after all, the joy of sharing a drink with friends is not only about the drink itself, but the art of conversation.

• The word whisky derives from a Gaelic word that means “water of life.”

• The “angel’s share” is the small percentage of whisky that evaporates each year as it ages in the barrel.

• Officially, scotch comes only from Scotland. And only scotch whisky is spelled without the “e,” if you ask the Scotch. But tell that to many Canadians who spell whisky without the “e” as well.

• Adding a splash of water isn’t a bad thing. It opens up the whisky, enhancing the aromas and flavors. Twenty percent or less is a good amount, and it should always be distilled spring water, never tap.

• By law, scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years in an oak cask.

For more tips on the perfect way to enjoy scotch – including tastings at exclusive, invite-only events – be sure to visit our Facebook page.

Meat meets its match

Why not kick your BBQ game up a notch with a fantastic homemade marinade made with Chivas? This simple recipe, which calls for ingredients even bachelors will likely have on hand, is a can’t-miss. Be sure to raise a toast to us when your dinner guests are raving.

Steak Marinated in Scotch Whisky

1/3 c. Scotch whisky
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. soy sauce
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped
4 New York strip sirloin steaks

In a container large enough to hold the steaks, combine all ingredients for marinade. Place steaks in marinade and leave in refrigerator overnight. Remove steaks from marinade and grill as desired.

Ready to Face the World

Given the abuse guys heap daily onto their mugs – shaving, of course, but also pollution, sun, stress and everyday grime – it’s amazing it has taken them so long to get on board with regular skin care regimes. Or maybe product manufacturers have been slow to target this obviously needy market. Whatever the case, daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing isn’t just for women anymore and several keys brands offer a menu of products (delivered in guy-friendly packaging) that put soft, healthy skin within easy reach.

For instance, Dermalogica offers superior go-to skin staples like Soothing Shave Cream, Post Shave Balm and Daily Defense sunblock to help keep dark spots and wrinkles at bay. Similarly, drug stores brands such as Nivea tender multiple goodies (shave and after-shave, body wash) at a wallet-friendly price point. If confidence is the sexiest trait a guy can possess, then looking good (and smelling good) should be top priorities. Grooming aids can only help.

An App to Savour

Toronto Life Magazine - arguably best known for its authoritative and extensive database of restaurant reviews sorted by easy-to-use criteria such as cuisine type, locale, price range and the like – issued a Best Restaurants App making all that info instantly accessible for discerning foodies on the go.

In addition to some 400 star-rated reviews, users can also set the app to provide recommendations based on specific criteria (a patio, for example) while your iPhone’s GPS allows the app to tell you which suggested restaurants are close by. Perfect for spontaneous outings like dates or business meetings where quality counts.

For the Love of Pizza

Toronto is officially mad for gourmet pizzas. So it makes perfect sense that wildly successful Italian-based chain Piola selected this moment in time to add a Canadian location to its global roster of restaurants stretching from Brazil to Turkey to Honduras. The thin crust pies are divine, of course, but what also distinguishes the West Queen West spot is its weekday happy hour, which finds bar patrons enjoying fabulous free appetizers as part of a tradition dubbed “l’aperitivo Italiano,” roughly translated into: “snacks so fantastic you’ll be utterly unable to resist tucking into an entire meal.” The drinks (and the new patio) are pretty swish, too.