In its first full year of operation, Spirited Zine was able to forge connections across the globe. From Scotland to Kentucky to France and beyond, editors had the opportunity to sample spirits from six continents. It gave us a unique view into the vast world of spirits that is only continuing to grow as the world shrinks. Hours upon hours were spent investigating, writing, and, of course, tasting. With all of that in mind, we put together our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.
Filled with 60 spirits, wine, books, and even glassware, the Spirited Zine 2020 Holiday Gift Guide was created to bring the best spirits to our readers’ doorsteps. We love every spirit listed in our guide and we think it will brighten up this Holiday season, which will look different than many in the past.
In good news for gift givers who won’t be able to interact with their loved ones, friends, family, clients, or whoever else this Holiday season, these bottles, glasses, books, etc, can be delivered to their door without putting anyone at risk, while still delivering that feeling of warmth we all crave at this time of year.
We wish you and yours a wonderful winter and look forward to making sure in 2021 that you never miss a drop. Without further ado, please find below the Spirited Zine 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.
*prices based on SRP, may vary by vendor
Glenfiddich 12 ($40)
When we talk about single malt, this is where it begins. Carefully matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks for at least 12 years, it is mellowed in oak marrying tuns to create its sweet and subtle oak flavors. If you’re looking to develop your palate, there is no better place to start.
Ardbeg Wee Beastie ($46)
This is the latest permanent expression to join the Ardbeg core range – and at just 5 years old, this feisty and intensely powerful smoky whisky is untamed by age. Considered the rawest and smokiest Ardbeg ever by whisky creators, the result is a tongue-tingling, beautiful smoky dram due to its intense aromas of cracked blacked pepper that mingles with sappy pine resin and a sharp tang of smoke.
Lagavulin 8 Years Old ($49.99)
With a magnificently full-on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect, this sweet, smoky and warming malt evokes charred, smoky flavors with minty, dark chocolate with a long, clean smooth finish. Best of all, it comes at a price where you simply just don’t find Lagavulin Whiskies these days.
Cragganmore 2020 Distillers Edition ($84.99)
This 2008 Cragganmore is double-matured in ex-bodega Port cask wood for succulence and rounded depth of flavor to enhance the complex smoky aromas and tastes of the beloved Cragganmore 12 Year Old. While this Speyside distillery might not be as well-known outside of Scotland, its top-notch 12 Year Old is revered and this special edition adds a touch of complexity.
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition ($84.99)
The distillery may be best known for their whiskies’ part in Johnnie Walker, but the Lowland brand has been going through a renaissance, thanks in part to a large investment from Diageo. This 2008 Glenkinchie is double-matured in ex-bodega Amontillado cask wood for a nuttiness that rounds and deepens the sweet, grassy and dry aromas and tastes of the iconic Glenkinchie 12 Year Old.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan ($89.99)
Named after a treacherous whirlpool near Islay and celebrated in Celtic legend, this raw full-bodied, high-proof expression mirrors the spirit of Ardbeg and why it isn’t made for the faint-hearted. The process entails starting with Ardbeg matured in New ‘Virgin’ French Oak casks then balanced with Ardbeg matured in ex-Bourbon American Oak casks, creating the most complex and smoky of all the Islay whiskies. The end result is a phenomenal deep, swirling whisky with big spicy flavors of cloves, cinnamon and licorice which enhances the existing herbal, floral characteristic of Ardbeg Ten Years Old. Ardbeg Corryvreckan won Best Single Malt Scotch and a total of five Gold Medals at the 2020 International Whisky Competition.
Glendronach Port Wood ($89.99)
The GlenDronach Port Wood has been matured in the Highland distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in Port pipes from the Douro Valley in Portugal. This extra maturation in Port casks imparts a deep cherry wood color and enriches the layers of fruit in The GlenDronach, with delightful waves of Victoria plum, brambles and sandalwood on the nose.
Oban 2020 Distillers Edition ($94.99)
Oban 2020 Distillers Edition is a limited edition Whisky that finds the 14 Year Old receiving a second maturation in Montilla Fino sherry casks. It bursts with bright flavors that develop into notes of butterscotch, toffee, and caramel witth a backbone of sea salt and smoky-sweet finish. This edition will only be around for short time and is one of the best drams we’ve had the pleasure of sipping this year.
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve ($105.00)
An indulgent smooth single malt matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and aged Tawny Port pipes. “Utterly individualistic, this noble spirit displays a multitude of exotic flavours – a complete revelation!” says iconic Master Distillery Richarad Paterson.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake ($120.00)
The limited edition Whisky is the result of Glenmorangie’s director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, experimenting with Tokaji dessert wine casks. According to Lumsden, Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake evokes the memories of when he would bake with his grandmother and pineapple upside down cake his daughter made him for his birthday. The brand teamed up with Dominque Ansel, who created a special “caketail” to go with the Whisky.
Jane Walker ($38.00)
The Jane Walker icon is the Johnnie Walker brand’s first female iteration of its iconic Striding Man logo. The delicious limited-edition whisky heroes Cardhu, a single malt at the heart of Johnnie Walker blends and a distillery that flourished under the leadership of Elizabeth Cumming, who played a significant role in Johnnie Walker history when she sold the Cardhu distillery to the Walker family in 1893. The Blended Malt Scotch Whisky from Master Blender Emma Walker is aged ten years. Well-rounded and smooth, it features notes of ripe orchard fruit and white peaches, which develop into hints of baked apple and sweet cream, with a lingering dark chocolate finish.
Sia Blended Scotch Whisky ($74.99)
Founded by the first American woman to ever create a Blended Scotch Whisky company, SIA Blended Scotch Whisky is marketed as “not your grandfather’s Scotch.” It features a blend of 50% Speyside, 40% Highland, and 10% Islay Whiskies. The palate features flavors of vanilla, caramel, citrus, honey, and a hint of smoke.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight ($350.00)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight refers to the eight famous producers that are used in the composition of the Whisky. Spirits from Oban, Blair Athol, Lagavulin, and Teaninich are mixed with stocks from the closed distilleries of Brora, Cambus, Port Dundas, and Carsebridge. All eight distilleries existed in 1820. This special edition was created specifically to celebrate the brand’s 200th anniversary.
Hatozaki Small Batch ($40.00)
Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky is a vatting of 100% malt whiskies which have been aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels. A rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish. A graceful dram, this Whisky is excellent for sipping or as the base in a highball.
Kikori Japanese Whisky ($50)
Founded by Ann Soh Woods, one of the first women to launch a Japanese whiskey brand, Kikori Japanese Whiskey is the first 100% rice-based Japanese whiskey in the United States. It’s a crisp, lively offering distilled from 100 percent Kumamoto rice with floral sweet notes. While certainly different in profile from your usual Japanese Whisky, it is an excellent lighter option that does wonders in cocktails.
Shibui 10 Year Old Whisky Single Grain ($170)
Bringing innovation to the Single Grain category, this rice Whisky delivers an age statements option that has caught the attention of craft whisky lovers and connoisseurs alike. The Shibui 10 Year Old Whisky Single Grain is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels for a minimum of 10 years.The result is a whisky that has more of that Japanese tropical fruit profile with wooded bourbon cask flavors.
High West American Prairie Bourbon ($35.00)
A carefully crafted blend of straight bourbons at least 2 years old, High West American Prarie Bourbon hails from Park City, Utah. It’s excellent and cocktails, but sturdy enough to stand on its own. The Whiskey supports the American Prairie Foundation, a group working to create the largest wildlife reserve in the lower 48 states. On the nose, it offers aromas of light caramel and sweet vanilla. It is rich and earthy on the palate with well-balanced flavors of candy corn, honey nougat, and sweet cornbread biscuits.
Hudson Whiskey Bright Lights Big Bourbon ($45.99)
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is a bold, grain-forward, no-holds-barred straight Bourbon Whiskey. Distilled from New York corn and aged in new charred American oak barrels, with notes of rich vanilla and lightly salted caramel on the finish, it’s a bright offering that is as good sipped neat as it is in cocktails.
Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch ($399.95)
If you’re not a Bourbon drinker, the Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch just might change your mind. The new bottling is the latest release from the Lawrenceburg, KY-based distillery since its Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, took home the award for Distiller/Blender of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky America awards this past February. If you thought that might mean Elliott would rest on his laurels, guess again. While its SRP was $150 upon release, it’s hard to find it for anywhere near that price just a couple months down the line.
Bulleit Rye ($39.00)
Since its release in 2011, Bulleit Rye has quickly become one of the most beloved Rye Whiskeys on the market and has picked up almost every award imaginable, including double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in two different years. It possesses rich oaky aromas and is exceptionally smooth, with hints of vanilla, honey, and spice. The finish is crisp and clean, with long, lingering flavors.
Tullamore Dew Caribbean Cask ($28.00)
Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish finds the brand’s triple blend Irish whiskey finished in the finest first fill XO rum casks. It pays tribute to the role of Irish Immigrants in the development of rum in the Caribbean in the 17th Century: Irish heart and Caribbean soul. The XO rum casks deliver sweet tropical flavors, bringing delicious caramel and banana notes with hints of dates and raisins to the Whiskey.
Grace O’Malley ($37.00)
Proud to be the first Irish whiskey named after a woman, Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey is dedicated to the legendary 16th Century Irish Pirate Queen. As a fast-growing Irish spirits company, Grace O’Malley excites the senses with their premium blended whiskey, boasting one of the highest malt contents in the blended whiskey category at 46% and providing for a smooth complexity never before tasted. Each of Grace O’Malley’s fine spirits are distilled at The Great Northern Distillery. It is in this center of whiskey excellence that Grace O’Malley’s Master Blender, Paul Caris, together with Master Distillers of The Great Northern Distillery, bring the magic to Grace O’Malley Whiskey from distilling to blending and cask management.
Lambay Whiskey Single Malt ($50.00)
Lambay’s first offering of Single Malt is deep in flavor, thanks to extended aging in Cognac casks. It’s one of the finer examples of Irish Whiskey we’ve had the opportunity to try this year. Also, it won’t be around for much longer. Unintentionally, the Whiskey turned out to be a limited release because it was so successful that the batch of aged single malt they originally bought for the Whiskey has now come to its end. So if you want to get your hands on some, it’s best to move quickly.
Starward Solera ($75.00)
Starward Solera is a twice-distilled single malt whisky, fermented with brewer’s yeast for an extra flavorful craft finish. Matured in carefully selected Apera casks, an Australian fortified wine similar to Sherry, the Starward distillery recoopers, shaves and chars these barrels before filling them. The end result is a remarkably fruity and beautifully composed whisky, with a taste of the original cask found in every bottle.
Kavalan Soloist Vinho Barrique ($250)
Back in 2015, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique turned the Whisky world on its head when it was named the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at Whisky Magazine’s 2015 World Whiskies Awards. The medals have continued to flow in ever since, and most recently it was named Best of the Best at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2020. Coming in at Cask Strength 58.6% ABV, the Solist Vinho Barrique can seem intimidating. It is, however, a welcoming and warm tipple that awards patience and willingness to try something new.
Watershed Distillery Four Peel Gin ($29.99)
Distilled with four citrus peels and warm spices, Four Peel Gin is Ohio’s #1 selling Ohio-made gin. This versatile, bold new age gin is perfect for holiday gifting or sipping. Fall of 2020 marks Four Peel’s 10th year on shelves. Distilled from corn and fruit, it’s made of eight botanicals, including juniper, four citrus peels, cassia, Jamaica pepper, and coriander.
135 East Gin ($33.00)
“Following extensive research into over 50 different options, I selected five new Japanese botanicals like yuzu and sansho pepper to bring a distinctive Oriental flavour to 135°EAST. I also decided to add a touch of my Junmai sake to the blend as not only is rice at the heart of Japan’s cuisine and history, but Junmai sake is made from Yamadanishki rice, known as the king of rice,” explains Master distiller and blender Kimio Yonezawa about 135 East Gin. It is truly one of the most aromatic offerings in the Gin world. Unique and beautiful like a blossoming flower.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin ($37.00)
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin comes from The Shed Distillery in County Leitrim in the north of Ireland. Brainchild of P.J. Rigney, who once worked as executive director of Baileys, the Gin and its 12 botanicals act as a record of its creator’s travels. It receives its name from the slow dried Chinese gunpowder tea that is one of its key ingredients. It’s a spirit that’s about bringing together uncommon ingredients to make something unique and of the highest quality.
Hendrick’s Orbium ($39.99)
Hendrick’s is already a favorite among Gin aficionados, but the English brand managed to outdo themselves with the limited edition Orbium. Featuring wormwood and lotus blossom, this spirit adds subtle, but brilliant complexity to everything from martinis and gin & tonics to more ingredient-heavy cocktails.
Tod & Vixen’s Gin ($47.99)
Created by three of the world’s most iconic bartenders, Tod & Vixen’s Gin comes from The Vale Fox Distillery in New York’s Hudson Valley. Frankly, it is an incredible base for cocktails. We find it to be one of the finest options we have ever used to make a Martini, especially if you enjoy yours with a 4:1 Gin to Vermouth ratio with a lemon twist, like we do.
Chateau du Breuil 15 Ans d’Age ($65)
The Château du Breuil 15 ans d’Age is a rich and voluptuous blending of Calvados. It was rated the best Calvados at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition and scored a 99/100. Speaking about the brandy, the judges noted, “A bolder style of XO with some toffee and nougat joining the baked and caramelised apples and vanilla pods. Very elegant with a luxuriously silky texture and a long-lasting smooth finish.”
Martell VSOP Matured In Red Barrels ($47.99)
A balanced cognac, marked by an oaky taste, its time spent aging in a barrel infuses it with complex aromas along with notes of caramelized dried fruits and prunes. This tone adds a number of rich qualities to a cocktail. Martell is quickly becoming known as one of the most intriguing Cognac houses and the VSOP offers a wonderful entrance point with an exceptional price tag.
Braastad VS ($49.99)
Braastad VS is blended from specially selected Cognacs mainly from Bons Bois and the Fins Bois region. The blend even includes Cognacs that have been matured for 12 years in small Limousine oak casks in Cognac Tiffon’s private cellars in Jarnac. On the nose, aromas of oak and almonds are accompanied by white flowers and rose. The creamy palate finds new oak, along with notes of clementine and citrus.
Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège x UVA ($60.00)
United Visual Artists (UVA), the London-based artist collective, created a limited edition offering inspired by the V.S.O.P blending process. UVA reflected on the concept of “time blending” as a form of creation and a metaphor for the harmonious combination of eaux-de-vie in the Cognac-making process, each belonging to a specific time in history. The limited edition design captures the essence of UVA’s “Harmonics” kinetic light installation for Hennessy, which reflects on dynamics of immateriality, light and time. The “time capsule” packaging and limited edition V.S.O.P decanter are designed to manipulate light and the viewer’s perception – a dynamic visual experience for holiday gifting.
Camus Cognac XO Borderies Single Estate ($150)
Camus Borderies XO Family Reserve is a Single-Estate Cognac produced exclusively from the Camus family’s private vineyards. All the wines come from this magnificent estate, the largest in the Borderies area, with vineyards surrounded by forests and naturally preserved areas. Borderies is the Cognac’s smallest appellation, but produces its most expressive and aromatic Brandies.
Hennessy X.O Limited Edition by Frank Gehry ($200)
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hennessy’s XO Cognac, Frank Gehry created a limited edition bottle for the holiday season. Presented in a golden case with plexiglass, the gold and rich amber coated Hennessy X.O bottle shines through, creating a sophisticated present of utmost originality.
Prunier Tres Vieille Grand Champagne XO Cognac ($275.00)
While Prunier might not be as famous stateside as Hennessy or Remy Martin, its Cognac remains some of the finest anywhere. Their Tres Vieille Grand Campagne XO might be their best offering and is one of the finest brandies we’ve ever had the opportunity to try. It’s rich and complex, yet elegant, with notes of leather, white pepper and tarte Tatin.
Torres 15 ($40.00)
Torres 15 Reserva Privada delivers everything you could want from a Brandy and more. Soft, smooth, bright and still full, with a little bite at the end, the grape-based spirit from the iconic Spanish house reminds us that it isn’t just the French who are creating Brandy worth discussing. It is supposed to make a heck of an old fashioned, but it’s so good on its own that we may never find out.
Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva ($50)
Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva is the brand’s classic Sherry Brandy, matured for an average of 15 years in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. On the nose it is clean, elegant and well-rounded with hints of the Sherry. On the palate it is beautifully balanced, warming and smooth while it has a very long finish where all the subtle nuances come together leaving a lasting impression of personality with hints of raisin and prune.
Montelobos Espadin ($43.00)
Montelobos is an unaged joven Mezcal, crafted from meticulously cultivated organic agave Espadin, which is roasted underground and small batch distilled to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smoke. On the nose, the Mezcal offers aromas of deep earth, fresh cut grass, honey, citrus, and smoke. The palate is well balanced with flavors of cooked and green maguey, nuts, herbs, and smoke.
Pierde Almas Espadin ($62.99)
The Pierde Almas Espadin offers a bright and floral nose with a bit of smoke, along with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. It’s smooth on the palate with strong agave flavor that leads to notes of fruit, including banana, apple and orange peel. The finish lingers with agave, good minerality and smoke.
Koch Tobala ($69.99)
Produced from wild tobalá, this Mezcal is crafted by Master Mescalero Pedro Hernández. It offers aromas of ocean air, coconut milk, and tropical fruit. The palate possesses slight smoke along with more fruit, wood, clay, and cocoa nibs. It is a truly delicious offering from one of the finest producers in Mezcal and an excellent stepping stool into the world of high-end agave spirits outside of Tequila.
Espolon Blanco ($25.99)
Espolòn Blanco is the purest expression of Espolòn Tequila. It is double distilled using a combination of pot and column distillation. This process yields a perfectly smooth and balanced taste profile. The Tequila has quickly become a favorite among bartenders and it’s perfect for mixing cocktails. On the nose, it’s delicate with aromas of sweet agave, tropical fruit, lemon zest and a hint of pepper. The palate is soft with bright agave flavor, notes of pepper, vanilla bean, grilled pineapple and spice.
Espanita Reposado ($33.99)
Espanita Reposado is unlike any other due to its creation that produces a harmonious balance between subtle oaky and vanilla undertones acquired from wood and robust, earthy Agave flavors. It is aged for six months in slightly charred American white oak barrels that come directly from Bourbon manufacturers in Kentucky. By reusing these barrels, the result is a smoother tequila with delicious bourbon-driven notes.
CaliFino Anejo ($59.99)
Aged 24 to 36 months in a lightly toasted, American White Oak Barrel, CaliFino Tequila Anejo uses only the heart of the Piña and took home Best Anejo at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition. On the nose, there are Deep agave aromas with hints of citrus and caramel. The palate features deep hints of baked agave and sweet fruits. The finish is warm and full bodied with deep toasted oak notes and a creamy texture.
Tequila Partida Anejo Cristalino ($59.99)
Silky and delicate with a transparent, full body and light yellow shimmers, Partida Añejo Cristalino offers sweet and woody aromas stemming from its prolonged aging process. After the intense, natural fragrance of vanilla and toasted America oak, a second layer emerges with dry fruits such as raisins, quince and figs. Flavors of butterscotch, agave, vanilla, citrus and banana encapsulate the palate before a gentle, pleasantly dry finish completes the complex tasting experience.
Don Julio 1942 ($125.00)
This is the final variant that Don Julio Gonzalez created in his life-long career in collaboration with current Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa and is the unique tribute to passion and reward. Aged in American white oak barrels for a minimum of 2 1/2 years, it possesses an astonishing flavor profile featuring caramel, toffee and vanilla and has a full-bodied creaminess with a sweet agave-laced finished.
Gran Centenario Leyenda ($150)
This special blend was crafted in 1857 by Lazar Gallardo, the first Tequila Master Distiller in history, and appropriately translates to ‘legend’ – a reflection of both the character of liquid and spirit of Gran Centenario. Combining Blue Agave with an average aging process of four years in French Limousin oak barrels, Leyenda has remained one of Tequila’s best kept secrets.
Broken Shed Vodka ($25.00)
New Zealand-based Broken Shed Vodka is triple distilled out of fresh water from both the Northern and Southern islands and as a bonus, includes natural whey protein in its ingredients. Broken Shed proudly turns down additives, including sugars and other sweeteners, and is both gluten and GMO free.
Chopin Wheat Vodka ($25.99)
Chopin Wheat Vodka is the lightest and sweetest spirit in Chopin’s range of Vodkas. It’s a delicate offering that’s perfect for sipping, or as a base for light summer cocktails. Made from 100% golden Polish wheat and distilled in a copper column-still, the Vodka offers light floral aromas with a hint of almond. The palate is light with notes of wheat and leads to a clean finish.
Ciroc White Grape ($33.99)
Returning for a limited time only, Ciroc White Crape brings a touch of luxury with its rich, flavorful taste of crisp citrus notes and hints of tropical fruit. The five times distilled Vodka is made from fine French grapes and a distinct blend of white grape and other natural flavors. It offers crisp citrus notes and a silky texture that shines when used in cocktails.
Chase Vodka ($38.00)
Chase Potato Vodka can be thought of as the single malt of English potato vodkas as it is grown, harvested, mashed, fermented and distilled all on the same family farm in Herefordshire, West Midlands. The triple-distillation process employs a copper pot that is the tallest in Europe, measuring over 70 feet tall, allowing Chase Potato Vodka to serve excellently as a foundation for classic and contemporary cocktails.
Carbonadi ($70.00)
Carbonadi Vodka hails from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, and its name refers to the specific filtration process that gives this spirit a unique level of smoothness. Carbonados are black diamonds, which are surprisingly absorbent and remove impurities from the vodka. In this case, the liquor has already been distilled five times before being filtered through the Carbonados.
Don Q Reserva 7 ($24.99)
Just released in August, the new expression from Puerto Rico’s number-one Rum distillery finds the brand expanding their highly curated Serrallés Collection of aged Rums. Bright amber in color, the Rum greets the nose with refined notes of oak, dark caramel and spices, characteristic of its long aging. Its robust body is reminiscent of chocolate, toasted almonds, raisins and apricot.
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva ($40.00)
We’ve been drinking the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva for years and it remains the staple dark rum in our liquor cabinet. Whether you prefer to sip your Rum neat, on the rocks, or like to mix it in a cocktail, this Rum is the kind of do-everything offering that you’ll want on your shelf. We like it best as the base of a classic daquiri, where it provides more depth than the usual clear offering and blends perfectly with simple syrup and lime.
Chateau de Breuil Trinidad 3/5 Ans ($44.00)
Distilled by Angostura, but imported, refined and bottled by Chateau du Breuil, Rum Explorer Trinidad manages to walk the tightrope between bright and deep, using each temperament to elevate the other. It’s a highly acrobatic maneuver and one that speaks to attention to quality and craft. If you’re not much of a Rum person, but are wanting to give another a go due to the spirit’s current spike in popularity, then we recommend you give this one a try.
Vila Das Rainhas Ginja D’Obidos ($18.00)
This cherry liqueur is the taste of Lisbon, Portugal. It served across the city by the shot from small caverns carved out of staircases or other restaurants. This Ginja comes from just up the coast in Obidos. In the short time we’ve had Vila Das Rainhas Ginja D’Obidos in our hands, it has already become a favorite tipple of neighbors, friends, and loved ones. It is something that must be shared.
Disaronno Velvet ($30.00)
Incredibly smooth, Disaronno Velvet at 17% ABV boasts the floral character of almonds with nuances of chocolate and is more than just a Bailey’s replacement. It is beautifully spiced and provides a perfect sweet night cap that reminds one of the Italian Alps.
Prunier Pineau des Charentes White ($30.00)
If you don’t know Pineau, we recommend you fix that immediately. It is a regional aperitif made from grape must in Cognac. The white variety has hues of blonde and amber, along with the sweet smell of honey. It’s smooth and delicate and a true treat for any Francophile.
Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso ($40.00)
If you’re looking for a new Vermouth to push your Negroni to the next level, look no further than Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso. Complex spiced, wood, and root aromas open to smooth vanilla, dried fruit (especially fig) and floral wormwood signature. On the palate, dried fig opens to notes of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon, along with flavors of roots, licorice, and vanilla. It is mouth-warming, with a long bittersweet finish, typical of Piedmont wormwood.
Sip: 100 Gin Cocktails with just three ingredients ($19.99)
Take cocktails back to basics with SIP and a bottle of Sipsmith Gin. From summer sippers to winter warmers, time-honored classics to new twists, these 100 gin cocktails are all made with just three ingredients. While reading, you’ll find expert mixing tips, drink history and stories worth pondering over a Martini or two. Delicious cocktails range from classics such as the Negroni and Martini to drinks for sipping during special occasions, whether it’s an Earl Grey Sour for a nightcap, or a new take such as a Gin Espresso Martini.
A Long Stride: The Story of the World’s No. 1 Scotch Whisky ($25.00)
A Long Stride is the first in-depth account of the history behind the world’s most popular Scotch Whisky brand, which traces its history back to a small grocery store in Kilmarnock, Scotland in 1820. The book tells the story of how John Walker and a succession of ingenious and progressive business leaders embraced their Scottish roots to walk confidently on an international stage.
Glencairn Gin Goblet ($13)
The Glencairn Gin Goblet features a lip and a curve design made for easy drinking and aroma enhancement. Furthermore, it enhances the drinking experience by needing less ice and has a stem to keep warm hands away from the Gin. Of course, it’s also made from crystal, which enhances the clarity of the drink and makes it the perfect weight in your hand.
Blade Runner Double Old Fashioned Glass ($189 for two)
You can now enjoy some Johnny Walker Black Label out of your very own Blade Runner old fashioned glass. They’re the same Whisky tumblers Harrison Ford’s character Rick Decard drank out of in Ridley Scott’s film. And while we can’t tell you if androids really dream of electric sheep, we can tell you that Spirited has been dreaming about these glasses for some time.
Cinzano Prosecco ($18.00)
High quality D.O.C prosecco made with a blend of Glera, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay grapes from Veneto region of Italy. It has a sweet scent and a soft touch in the mouth and as such, it is perfect as an Aperitivo for everyday enjoyment on its own or in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz. Also, easy to pair with seafood, white meat and vegetables, even when citrus fruits are used in preparation.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut ($58)
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne epitomises the heritage of Maison Perrier-Jouët. Perpetuating the House’s tradition of brut champagnes. It is a harmonious cuvée in which the luminous notes of Chardonnay are perfectly complemented by Champagne’s two red grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
