The holiday season is that time of year when — in the middle of your own holiday rush — you have to be prepared with host gifts, spare gifts and gifts for those people who have everything. That’s when great bottles of spirits come in handy. A quick choice to bring along to a party, or wrapped up with mixers, garnishes and glasses, spirits can be a great way to turn a tough gifting moment into something extraodinary.
So whether you want to gift a statement-making bar cart bottle or a luxurious spirit for sipping on the rocks, we have several ideas that will definitely make you the favorite gift giver this year.
Malfy Con Limone Gin: It’s cold outside, but this bottle takes you to beautiful coastal Italy, where the smell of lemon trees meets the freshness of the seaside. Not only is Malfy Con Limone amazing for gin + tonics, it’s versatile enough to be used in a number of impressive cocktails. The bottle, too, is something to behold, and perfect for being shown off on a bar cart.
Finlandia Wildberry and Rose: There are tons of vodkas on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Cue Finlandia’s Wildberry and Rose flavored vodka. This bright, refreshing take on the spirit is perfect for creating cocktails all year: A berry fizz for the holidays or a butterfly collins for the warmer months.
Aberlour 12 YO: This whisky has a depth of flavor and character that speaks for itself. Aberlour 12 YO is double-cask matured in Oloroso Sherry casks and American Oak barrels; American Oak casks add sweet notes of vanilla and toasted coconut while the Oloroso Sherry butts impart a fruitier, spicier richness and dark amber color.
Vamonos Riendo Mezcal: A brand you may not have heard of, Vamonos Riendo is definitely making waves in the spirits world. Positioned as a premium brand, Vamonos Riendo is a mountain mezcal designed to incorporate ancient techniques and artistry from the Oaxacan communities. With scents of honey, and an herbal aroma with a subtle black oak smokiness, it is citrus-forward on the palate with caramel on the finish. And, the bottle is reminiscent of stained glass, reflective of the reason for the season.
Tamworth Garden Damson Plum Gin: If you need a more stunning rendition of seasonal flavors in a spirit, there is really nothing better than this plum gin from Tamworth. This spirit combines damson plums with juniper, bitter orange, anise hyssop, and hops to create a tartly sweet and herbaceous spirit, which sits at a low proof for perfect sipping.
Goslings Old Rum: Have a rum sipper to grab a gift for? You can’t pass up Goslings Old Rum. Complex, layered and aged to perfection, this rum tastes like luxury in a bottle. Best served neat or with an ice cube, it is a great after-dinner beverage.
Frey Ranch Bourbon: First off, this bottle should be a bar cart mainstay. Frey Ranch tells a story without having to take a sip: The yellow label was inspired by the color of corn, but the shape of it was designed to imitate the shape of a belt that was passed down through generations. But this bourbon, made in Nevada, is all about the grains and allowing them to shine.
Papa’s Pilar Sherry-Finished Rum: A blend of nine different, hand-selected rums from five sources — the Dominican Republic, Panama, Venezuela, Barbados and Florida — that undergoes Papa’s Pilar’s proprietary solera, with time in Bourbon barrels, Port wine casks and Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, and an extended period in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks
Jefferson’s Ocean 24: Looking for a different type of whisky? Pick up a bottle of Jefferson’s Ocean 24. Aged at sea, the constant motion of the water, tropical humidity and high heat encountered during the Voyage 24 experiment has resulted in a bourbon that delivers caramelization and enhanced tones of vanilla extracted from the wood give it a sweet taste, mellow pallet and laid back finish.
Bimini Overproofed Gin: Want to make an epic gin-and-tonic? Bimini’s Overproofed Gin is exactly what you need. More botanical oils than the brand’s standard gin, the juniper is front-and-center on the palate, while the finish is smooth and rounded. A stunning navy and silver bottle makes this easy to give, too – all it needs is a bow.
Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey: This Irish Whiskey is a real treat, as it is aged in Irish Oak. The most quintessentially Irish style of whiskey, pot still, is first matured in ex-bourbon casks, then in Irish Oak felled in the mountains around the distillery. Softer and sweeter than the brand’s other options, the spices come through for a beautiful finish on the palate.
Tequila Partida Roble Fino Reposado Cristalino: Partida’s Roble Fino Reposado Cristalino is hailed as the first ever Reposado Cristalino to be finished in ex-single malt, sherry seasoned casks. Following its double-aging in ex-bourbon and ex-single malt, sherry seasoned casks, the Reposado Cristalino is naturally filtered to remove all color while retaining its defined body and complex flavors achieved through its extensive double-maturation process. With notes of dried fruits, cooked agave and toasted oak, vanilla and almonds, this 40% ABV tequila’s flavors explode upon the first sip.
Boulard V.S.O.P. Rye Cask Finish: The limited edition Boulard V.S.O.P. Rye Cask Finish challenges conventional thinking and represents the skill, innovativeness, and never-ending pursuit of flavor that has driven Boulard Master distillers over the years. A hand crafted, 100% natural product, with double distillation. Inspired by a long tradition of innovation, the V.S.O.P. is a blend of Calvados Pays d’Auge from its cellars in Normandy, aged in oak casks, then further rested in American Rye Whiskey casks. Excellent neat or in your favorite cocktail. The aromatic notes are a mixture of vanilla, nuts and fresh baked bread. The mouth feel delivers the taste of brioche, spices, grain and a range of fresh and dried fruit.
Broken Shed Vodka: Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the country’s natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs.
Ilegal Mezcal: Handcrafted, but make it boozy. That’s where Ilegal comes in. A mouthful of agave and a hint of smoke makes this complex mezcal a conversation starter. This sipper makes a perfect mezcal Negroni (and lots of other delicious cocktails), too. And, if you’re getting in the spirit of the season, Ilegal also gives back: Its HQ in Greenpoint, Brooklyn partners with small businesses and artists to display and sell their goods, and has a community fridge. Plus, all profits from their merchandise go to their charity partners – Team Brownsville, Los Patojos School and No Us Without You.
