I wrote a second half to the post after you commented, some about vodka but mostly about customs. I did stroll around the local LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario; the provincial government has a pretty-much monopoly on alcohol sales here, so that's what the stores are called) yesterday to see what I could see.

Given that I live alone and don't entertain much, and socially I've been conditioned that alcohol is for socializing --- the thought of telling I bought a bottle to drink alone feels a lot like telling about masturbation :).