Winter is here! If you are like me, you’re probably still finishing up your holiday shopping and are looking for those last minute items. Spirits are a great gift to give this time of year because not only does the right bottle look great on a home bar, but you can find many unique spirits at varying price points to fit every palate and budget. Whether you know very little about spirits or you’re a novice, I guarantee there is something on this list that will wow

Whisky/Whiskey, Scotch, and Bourbon

Root Out Root Beer Flavored Whisky: This Root Beer Flavored Whisky is a blend of the finest root beer flavoring with a smooth Canadian blended whisky that is aged for four years in American Oak barrels from bourbon generating a rich, root beer flavor with a hint of vanilla. Enjoy this one neat or on the rocks, as well as in a cocktail! $25.99

Chivas Regal 12: This well-known spirit is a blend of many different malt and grain Scotch whiskies, matured for at least 12 years. This rich, smooth blend combines style with substance and tradition. $28.00

Jameson Caskmates: is a one-of-a-kind whiskey was created out of the passion for craft, quality and neighborhood collaboration. Finished in stout seasoned barrels, Jameson Caskmates combines the triple distilled smoothness of Jameson Original with the richness of stout beer, adding notes of coffee, cocoa, and hops for a truly unique finish. $29.99

The Glenlivet 12: The delicate and complex character of the 12 Year Old derives from the height and width of stills at The Glenlivet Distillery. This expression is matured in a mixture of cask types, including American and European Oak. Maturation in American oak imparts vanilla notes and gives the whisky its distinct smoothness. $52.99

Redbreast 12 Year Old: This one is full of aroma and flavor. Redbreast whiskeys benefit from a strong contribution from distillates which have matured in Oloroso sherry casks, giving them their trademark Christmas cake character. This makes a great gift for clients and aficionados. $60.00

Jameson The Blender’s Dog: celebrates the role of Jameson Head Blender, Billy Leighton; a tribute to his craft and the fine art of blending. A master at matching whiskeys across ages and characters, Billy is tasked with uniting the crafts supplied by distiller and cooper to create harmonious, perfectly balanced whiskeys. Named after Billy’s go-to instrument, a ‘dog’, used to collect whiskey samples from the casks, The Blender’s Dog pays homage to Billy’s ability to bring together complementary spirits from Midleton’s extensive range of maturing stock. The second of three in The Whiskey Makers Series to launch in the U.S., The Blender’s Dog focuses on the art of marrying whiskeys. $69.99

Chivas Regal Ultis: This very special spirit captures the true essence of the brand and pays tribute to its past, present, and tradition. Using five of the brand’s most precious signature single Malts from Speyside, Scotland, Ultis unites distilleries located across the corners of Speyside, a region famed for its microclimate ideal for Whisky-making. The modern blend of Chivas Regal Ultis represents the style and diversity of Speyside and its character which is at the heart of Chivas Regal. Chivas Regal Ultis raises a glass to the five generations of Master Blenders and honors their dedication and blending expertise. Their five signature Malts unite to embody the mix of modern and classic luxury, which ultimately makes Chivas Regal Ultis so distinct. $200.00

 

Tequila/ Mezcal

Olmeca Altos Añejo: Altos Añejo embodies the perfect blend of the fun and vibrant side of tequila with the intrinsic appeal of the craft and credentials of bourbon. Aged in oak barrels for 18 months, Añejo has a well-balanced and rounded aroma with notes of dried fruit and almonds. Woody notes vanilla and chocolate flavors make it a prized addition to the family. $34.99

Código 1530 Rosa: This tequila begins with the purity of the Blanco, then is rested for 1 month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The result is a refined spirit with a natural color as beautiful as its taste. The Rosa has rested just long enough in our fine Cabernet barrels to enrich the natural agave juice, without overpowering its delicate floral notes. $61.99

Alacrán Reposado Tequila: This smooth tequila uses 100% Weber Blue agave from 7-10 years old harvested in the highlands of Los Altos in Jalisco. It is matured for 4 months in American Oak barrels from bourbon generating a rich, caramel and oak flavor with a hint of vanilla. Ensuring the quality of the product, each bottle is hand labeled and numbered. $49.99


Mezcal Alacrán Huichol Limited Edition bottle: The bottle contains Mezcal Alacrán, a Double Gold Medal Winner awarded by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Mezcal Alacran is made with 100% espadin agave, 46% ABV. It tastes smooth and smoky with a hint of ripe fruit flavor. On the bottle, the Huichol decorative beadwork consists of brightly colored beads fastened with wax and resin. Every bottle is different. $350.00

 

Rum

South Bay Rum: This is a premium rum. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic from molasses, South Bay Rum is rich in aroma, delicious in flavor and has a deep red mahogany color. On the nose, South Bay Rum offers hints of vanilla, ripe fruits, sherry, caramel, and toffee. Each sip begins with buttered rum candy with nutmeg and spices, followed by caramel and creamy vanilla flavors. $29.00

The Real McCoy Rum 5 year: This is another premium rum from Barbados that’s smooth, spice driven, and has a bourbon barrel oak notes. On the palate, it’s smooth with coconut and tobacco notes. This rum is great on its own but also in cocktails! $33.99

The Real McCoy Rum 12 year: Authentically barrel aged for 12 full years, this rum rivals some of the best spirits in the world! This one is ideal for those who enjoy their rums neat or on the rocks. Its extremely smooth and complex with plenty of spice, cocoa, and caramel. $44.99

Plantation Rum 20th Anniversary: Originally created as a one-off special gift to celebrate Maison Ferrand Proprietor and Master Distiller Alexandre Gabriel’s 20th anniversary, Plantation 20th Anniversary XO is a complex blend of very old rums. Distilled and aged in Barbados (the birthplace of rum) before traveling to France for extra aging in old Cognac casks, this expression features spicy notes of vanilla and dark chocolate followed by flavors of ripe banana, sugar cane, and roasted coconut. $45

                                                             

Cognac/Armagnac 

Delamain Grande Champagne Cognac: A blend of long-aged XO Grande Champagne cognacs, Delamain Pale & Dry benefits from a lengthy two-year marriage period in cask after assemblage before being bottled, resulting in a beautifully smooth roundness and flavor integration on the palate. This honestly makes a wonderful gift for those looking to give something high end, special, and truly spectacular. $93

Larressingle Armagnac:  Refined and elegant, with a rich smoky bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit. Flavors of plum and notes of vanilla can be detected on the full and spicy, lingering mellow finish. Enjoy this with a nice cigar or box of chocolate covered cherries and caramels… you will have yourself a wonderful holiday pairing! $53

 

Sake, Gin, & Liqueurs

Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur: This is a pear liqueur that makes every single top spirits list every year. I just absolutely love this sweet and complex pear liqueur that adds an extra something special to cocktails and desserts. You can easily pour this over poached pears and ice cream, or you can mix it into your favorite cocktails and holiday punches for a sweet addition that will wow your crowd! The bottle is also shaped like a pear, and is perfect for those who enjoy saving bottles to display after they are finished… plus it looks so great on the bar; absolutely a conversation starter. $35

Haikara Yuzu Sake: 125 years of traditional Japanese history. Find the place where Japanese culture and history intersect with western sensibility and style and you will find Haikara. The Japanese term ‘Haikara’ literally translates to “High Collar” in English, a reference to the collared shirts worn by westerners, but it means “Fashionably Western”. This sake embodies the spirit of Japan and the West coming together. The Yuzu flavor is a perfect addition to a cocktail, however, you can also simply enjoy it on the rocks. $34.99

Citadelle Gin Réserve: This is the only gin in the world distilled in Cognac pot stills over an open flame. Citadelle Gin Reserve is the world’s first solera-aged gin, which provides depth, consistency and a great richness of aromatics. The result is amazingly fragrant and vibrant with beautiful juniper aromatics in the forefront supported by delicate notes of angelica, coriander, and citrus with a touch of baking spices. $35

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!