Black Fly's Bite On Summer Drinks.

Black Fly’s Bite On Summer Drinks

By on June 29, 2016

Ah, summer…The season synonymous with trips to the family cottage, dips in the backyard pool, sun kissed bodies and quenching that summer thirst with the ultimate Canadian beverage!

Black Fly coolers have not only garnered international recognition with their beverages, but they are continuing to make history with their locally produced products.

With the reputation of being a ‘girly drink’, coolers have come a long way since its debut a couple of decades ago. However, consumer reports indicate that coolers are predominantly purchased by women as men tend to avoid them due to their fruity and overtly sweet flavours that unfortunately end in many cases with an all-too sobering pounding headache.

Coolers have suffered the ‘sweet’ stigma and in some cases rightfully so; that they can’t be consumed very often or in large amounts due to their high sugar content and if we are being brutally honest, the simple fact that most coolers just don’t provide the ‘punch or kick’ that many are looking for when purchasing an alcoholic beverage. However, times are changing and taste buds are evolving, especially with exposure to new products.

And with that, I introduce to you, Black Fly. Black Fly Beverage Company, Ontario’s first micro-distillery was founded in 2005 by husband & wife Rob Kelly and Cathy Siskind-Kelly after being awarded the first Distillery License granted in Ontario in over 100 years.

Just some of Black Fly’s beverages.

“The vision was to create MORE NATURAL and LESS SWEET premium spirit beverages using quality ingredients and innovative packaging. Like the iconic Canadian insect after which the company is named, Black Fly started small with determination to fly under the radar and deliver a mighty bite. Since that time, Black Fly has successfully developed and launched a lineup of unique premium spirit beverages that speak to what today’s consumers are looking for…innovative “NOT TOO SWEET” quality drinks.”

“In crafting new Black Fly mixed drinks, we always look to deliver authentic, classic flavours in the Black Fly style, which means we use quality ingredients, real juices, real spirits and always deliver what we promise – not too sweet, refreshing, ready-to-drink mixed drinks that are delicious all year round, – Cathy Siskind-Kelly, Co-Founder of Black Fly.

Like many start-up companies, Black Fly outgrew its original establishment as orders and demands grew for their unique locally produced products. Originally housed in an historic bank building in the heart of downtown London, Ontario, Black Fly Beverage Company moved its operation in May of 2008 to a state-of-the-art production facility located in the city’s leading industrial quarter.

Ten years after receiving the first distillery licence awarded in Ontario in 100 years, Black Fly Beverage Company has defied the odds of an Ontario start-up taking market share from the world’s biggest global brands. Having already captured 6% of the LCBO’s 240 million dollar ready-to-drink (RTD) market, and expanding distribution to nine Canadian provinces, three territories and four U.S. states, today Black Fly continues to innovate.

Being selective in liquor products, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much research and development went into both the flavour profiles and the packaging that Black Fly uses. When they say these products are not too sweet – they literally mean it. The beverages are sweetened with cane sugar as opposed to the standard high fructose corn syrup and it must be mentioned that for a typical ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage, the average sugar scale is normally between 9-16 grams per 100ml, whereas Black Fly coolers range between 4-7 grams.

Products

The entire line-up of Black Fly’s mixed drinks include:

• Gin Tom Collins
• Vodka Cranberry
• Tequila Margarita
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Vodka Grapefruit
• Vodka Sour Grape
• Vodka Sour Raspberry
• Whiskey Sour
• Vodka Citrus
• Rum Punch
• Spiced Rum Mulled Cider
• Rum Mojito
• Vodka Blueberry

Bottles

Aside from the fact that Black Fly’s 400mL bottles offer approximately 20% more volume than the typical 330mL bottles, the simple fact that you can actually throw these bad boys in the freezer and have your very own slushy libation is sheer genius! Think of your favorite flavour and now within a short matter of time you can have your very own slushy to cool you down during the hot summer months. No blenders, no ice to be bought and most importantly no precious time is lost making your drinks.

Their custom designed bottles are lightweight, non-breakable, BPA free, recyclable and re-sealable PET1 bottles that are quick to chill, convenient to enjoy straight from the bottle. PLUS, ice cubes fit right through the wide mouth tops; need I say more?!

The inspiration for the Black Fly name, the quality ingredients and real pure juices, Black Fly flavours, the unique packaging & lightweight non-breakable & convenient re-sealable bottles came from our roots in Northern Ontario cottage country and our love of the Canadian outdoors and Canadian values.

With their striving success, Black Fly has appeared on the successful Food Network show, Food Factory showing how their “all natural products” become their flavourful coolers.

Nothing pleases me more than to support a product that I enjoy and knowing that it’s locally made and one in which it “strives to work with as many local suppliers and trade partners as possible in an effort to support Ontario and Canadian businesses, celebrate Canadian talent, and reduce our environmental footprint by shopping LOCAL.”

Having the arduous task of being poolside, enjoying the hot summer temperature that Mother Nature provided me, I took it upon myself to try the various flavours that Black Fly offers.

And the verdict…Refreshing and delicious! But don’t take my word for it. Go out and enjoy their unique thirst quenching flavours!

Cheers to Black Fly!


The perfect marriage - garlic escargots and @moetchandon Ice Imperial Champagne 🍾 🥂😍😍

If you haven't had the pleasure of tasting this incredibly refreshing Champagne, then I'd suggest you do it and do it now!! You'll thank me for it😉😋

What is unique about this Champagne is the fact that it was created to be served over ice, hence its name - Ice Imperial. It is the perfect accompaniment to any dish or simply alone...sheer perfection!!

Here's to more 'occasions' or 'simply because' 😉

Cheers🥂

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #champagne #champagnelover #icechampagne #moet #moetchandon #anyoccasion #justbecause #escargot #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario
"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70

It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole. 

This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor. 
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑‍🍳

Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine 

A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩

#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef
The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩

Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.

● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️

Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel! 

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Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
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