Christmas in July is coming a month early for those who’ve spent the past few months dreaming about the BC Liquor Stores Summer Spirit Release.

(Confused? Not about the release, but Christmas in July? Go here, and don’t forget that nothing says Happy Holidays like fake tinsel, canned snow, and Alton Brown Aged Eggnog.).

Back to the BC Liquor Stores Summer Spirit Release, the magic day this year is three days before the official arrival of shorts-and-sandals season, which technically makes it a Spring Spirit event. But that’s nitpicking.

The Summer Spirit Release launches on June 18, with doors at participating stores opening at 8 a.m.

BC Liquor Stores describes the roll-out as follows: “a collection of unique and special edition products, hand-picked by BCL’s spirits category manager, Adele Shaw. There is something for every enthusiast, including single cask American whiskeys, sought-after bourbons, highly rated single malts, top-quality tequilas, refreshing gins and single cask Jamaican rums.”

Highlights include, for those expecting a particularly healthy Christmas bonus this year, Bowmore 30 Year Old ($2,700) where cooked red berries and chocolate eclair notes build up to a finish of cigar ash.

Those who’ve mastered the art of making cash from chaos—Johnny Rotten, Billie Joe Armstrong, and the one guy from the Ramones who’s not dead—will want to take note of Ardbeg Ardcore ($189.99). Billed as coming from a distillery with “more ups and downs than a pogoing punk”, the whisky is described as a “dram that wears its heart on its sleeve—it’s black heart.” If that doesn’t work, how about notes of charcoal and sweet smoke that’s like “biting on a spiky ball”?

Rum aficionados have reason to get excited about the Plantation Rum Jamaica 1998 Bardstown Bourbon Barrel, which is redolent of coconut, mango, cedar, and candied ginger for $189.99

For those who haven’t won LottoMax, joined the rock’n’roll platinum club, or can’t afford the better part of a month’s rent, there are plenty of affordable Summer Release options.

Storywood Speyside 7 Reposado ($74.99) has been lauded for an agave profile that’s rounded out by the suggestion of grilled pineapple and warm caramel.

Closer to home, Ontario-based Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers has moved West into the British Columbia market with its wonderfully nuanced Dillon’s Rye Whisky ($49.99) with notes of tart gooseberries, vanilla-laced caramel, and fresh cracked pepper.

And for bourbon lovers, Weller 12 Year Old ($79.99) will bring to mind forever-festive candied pecans, orange rind, and creamy toffee.

Merry Christmas, pass the eggnog, and cue up It's a Wonderful Life. And don't forget that if you're hellbent on making a snowman to celebrate, the parking lot of your local ice rink is a great one-top destination. Just look for the Zamboni exit.

For full details on the BC Liquor Stores Summer Spirit Release, go here.