All the Right Notes

Musically Inclined Beer, Spirits, and Wine

As a nation, we have a rich culture of musical talent that is pride-worthy, and is also epically re-listenable, whether you do a deep dive into the classics like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, or fastforward to some newer crews like Shawn Mendes, Arcade Fire, The Weeknd, and Broken Social Scene. Alas, the dewy days of summer music festivals have passed into the twilight of memory for another year, as the nip in the cool air clouds our foggy breath and bright hoar frost tips our fading lawns at the end of the season up here in the Bay. But fear not, music fans, as the anticipation of next year’s lineup is right around the corner, whether you are tarrying out to Shambhala in Salmo, heading down to North by Northeast in Toronto, popping over to the Winnipeg Folk Festival, or venturing out to Osheaga in Montreal. More of an armchair listener and want to put on the soft, warm sound of a vinyl in the cozy, comfort of your own home? By all means, kick up your feet, drop the needle on your favourite track—and, for an added bonus, pour out a musically inspired bevvie, in collaboration with a cool Canadian artist, while you sing or sway along to your favourite tune. Collaboration, by definition, is the act of working with someone to create something, and whether in small or large part, there are some spectacular Canadian artists out there who have lent their ideas or ethos to some really remarkable beverages. So, sit back, relax, and plan the festival stages you’ll visit next year (or just enjoy the needle drop in the moment) with a thoughtfully crafted Canadian drink in hand.