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monticelllo/iStockPhoto / Getty Images
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My own foray into swapping out American booze for Canadian alternatives began last week with a pair of whiskies I’ll tell you about shortly. But first, let’s hear from readers of this newsletter on the domestic wine and liquor they’re buying instead of U.S. imports: |
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– ”I’m moving away from Tito’s Vodka, made in Austin, TX, to Georgian Bay Vodka in Collingwood, Ont.” |
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– ”I have switched from buying Tito’s to buying Top Shelf Vodka made in Perth, Ont. It’s very good for a vodka martini or on the rocks.” |
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– ”I used to buy Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a far superior product distilled in Canada called BRBN Whiskey produced by a craft distillery in British Columbia.” Note: That distillery is Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery |
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– ”California Chardonnay – no more! Instead, buying a far better premium Chardonnay from a local Ontario winery: Crew Flagship Chardonnay.” |
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Other liquor products highlighted by readers include: |
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– Sortilege Maple Whisky from Quebec |
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– Crown Royal whisky – “Northern Harvest is the best” |
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– B.C.’s Dubh Glas Distillery – “One of many fine Canadian whisky producers. Also, try their gin.” |
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And, finally, a counter argument for boycotting California wine from a reader who is a big fan. He argued that avoiding wines from the state amounts to “self-flagellation,” and would be counter-productive because California solidly supports the Democrats. |
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The two whiskies I tried: |
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– Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon Whisky: A bourbon-style product that hits you more like a quality Canadian whisky than a traditional bourbon, even though it’s made with 60 per cent corn. Lingers nicely on the tongue with flavours of caramel and dried fruit. |
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– The aforementioned BRBN from Okanagan Spirists Craft Distillery: Described as a bourbon-style corn whisky. Light on the nose, with a smooth, approachable flavour that will suit newcomers to corn whisky. |
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And, finally, a list of made in Canada liquors with some surprising names included. Malibu? Who knew? |
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Stay tuned for more swap ideas – Buy Canada, Bye America. |
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Callout We are looking for participants for the Paycheque Project, our series that looks at how much money people make, and how they spend and save – or not. Here are one or two recent examples. We’re interested in featuring a wide range of financial stories and situations, and participants don’t have to use their real names. Stress Test is a judgement-free zone. Reach out to writer Saira Peesker at saira@peesker.ca or Globe editor Roma Luciw for more info. |
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Subscribe to Carrick on Money Are you reading this newsletter on the web or did someone forward the e-mail version to you? If so, you can sign up for Carrick on Money here. |
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| A late launch into adulthoodA well-researched look at why so many young adults are living at home with their parents instead of on their own. What elevates this story is how it looks at the impact on parents as well as their kids. | | |
| He can’t stand driving his TeslaA Quebec man sends a message to Elon Musk, wingman-in-chief for U.S. president Donald Trump. He’s selling his two Tesla cars and cancelling an order for a Cybertruck. | | |
| Interprovincial. Trade. Barriers. The three most boring words in economic policy are suddenly an urgent issue. Interprovincial trade barriers are rules that prevent goods and services from flowing freely between provinces. Eliminating these trade barriers is now considered a priority as we face the threat of U.S. tariffs. Let’s get our house in order to be more economically resilient. Here’s a good account of what these barriers are, and how they cost consumers. While we’re on the topic of tariffs and trade, here’s a look at how Canadian Tim Horton’s actually is. | | |
| Buy ETFs for freeExchange-traded funds are an increasingly popular choice with investors because of their low fees, transparency and versatility. One drawback is that some online brokers charge a commission to buy and sell them. This list covers brokers and trading apps that allow you to at least buy ETFs at no cost. Now, for a look at some top bond ETFs for investors who want to diversify their portfolios, and a critique of a popular type of ETF designed for income-hungry investors. |
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Question How would you guide someone on how to divide assets in their will. Example: I’m on my second marriage. Two children from previous marriage. I got a cancer diagnosis at 73, which wasn’t expected. Home paid off, $1.25-million in investments, $100,000 in bank, plus pensions. My wife is 68. Home in my name, I’d like her to remain there and live comfortably with assets, and leave something for the kids. | | |
Rob says My guidance is this: Find a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and consult on how best to set up your will, including executor and powers of attorney. To help find a lawyer, try the Canadian Bar Association’s Find-A-Lawyer search engine. It’s possible to screen for lawyers specializing in wills, estates and trusts. |
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Do you have a question for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can’t answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity. |
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Buy Canadian: A consumer’s guide to patriotic shopping | | |
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