HOMBRE Holiday Gift Guide: SPIRITS
17 Dec 2018 by HOMBRE in Cuisine, Decorating, General, Gift Guide, Home, Pleasure, Products, Spirits
As you search for holiday gift ideas for family, friends and colleagues spirits are always a great option. Check out our selection of premium champagne, cognac, whisky, and tequila. There is something here sure solve your gift dilemmas – or raise the level of your own celebration.
CHAMPAGNE
Champagne Bollinger offers a versatile and unique portfolio that fits any holiday celebration.
Bollinger R.D. 2004
Champagne Bollinger recently celebrated the launch of the 25th vintage of R.D. 2004. Aged twice as long as most vintage wines, the Bollinger R.D. 2004 vintage revealed a beautiful aromatic potential and an extraordinary brilliance with a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, topped with a steely, “mineral-ly” finish. ($300/750mL bottle)
Bollinger Rosé, Non-Vintage
This unique Champagne demonstrates Bollinger’s technical, red wine-making skills and its Pinot Noir-forward expression is full of power, honeyed richness and structure. It offers great length with bright notes of wild berry, red currant and cherry with velvety fine bubbles. ($110/750mL bottle)
Bollinger Special Cuvée, Non-Vintage
A true icon among non-vintage Champagnes, Special Cuvée is the result of delicate blending between harvest grapes and a majority of reserve wines, including some aged in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollinger’s cellars. ($79/750mL bottle)
Moët & Chandon has been a pioneer of creating new celebratory customs. This pioneering spirit in the art of celebration has resulted most recently in a NEW Champagne Personalization Machine, which can transcribe either text or a handwritten message on a bottle. Moët Impérial, the House’s iconic champagne was created in 1869, and embodies Moët & Chandon’s unique style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate, and its elegant maturity. ($51.00)
Veuve Clicquot
Designed in celebration of Veuve Clicquot’s heritage and in tribute to the international mindset that characterizes Veuve Clicquot’s spirit, the Clicquot Arrow is a vibrant symbol of both direction and origin, making if the perfect gift for a Champagne loving enthusiast. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut has been the symbol of the House since 1772. A perfect balance between power and finesse, its complexity comes from the predominant presence of Pinot Noir and Reserve Wines. ($57.00)
Hennessy V.S Collector’s Edition by Vhils
Hennessy continues to celebrate the arts & those who ‘Never stop. Never settle.’ with the eighth annual V.S Limited Edition bottle collaboration.
The Hennessy V.S Collector’s Edition by Vhils is the most intricate and personal piece in Vhils’ multi-faceted collaboration with Hennessy V.S. His design brings graphic elements from the past back to the surface and lets the Cognac itself play a part of the piece.
Hennessy V.S Collector’s Edition by Vhils was created in a very limited edition of 100 unique, individually signed pieces and is available for purchase online on at Hennessy.com/US ($1,000.00 750ml)
Hennessy VSOP Privilege
Inspired by a cognac created in 1817 in response to a request from the future king of England, George IV, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège has built its reputation across nearly 2 centuries. Today Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège has become established as the world’s favorite VSOP Cognac, and is recognized for its harmonious and well-structured blend. If it’s good enough for the King of England, it’s good enough for any King or Queen in your life. ($59.99)
Courvoisier X.O.
Courvoisier X.O. Cognac is a very old blend of fine and well-matured cognacs. The blend is a selection by master blender, Patrice Pinet, of beautifully matured eaux-de-vie, aged from 11 to 25 years, to highlight the complexity and richness of cognac aromas. ($150)
L’Essence de Courvoisier
Rare cognac reserves from the early 1900s blend with cognacs from twentieth century innovations in distillation and barrel-making techniques to make up L’Essence de Courvoisier. A perfect harmony and balance of aromas, this is a full-bodied and a rich cognac offering a smoldering taste of liquorice, dried plum and apricot that lingers. An exquisite aroma of sandalwood and cigar leaves, followed by toffee, marzipan and honey, finishes with early summer blossom. ($3,500)
Courvoisier VSOP Holiday Gift Pack
Courvoisier Cognac has introduced a new gift pack in honor of the holiday season. The gift set features a 750 ml bottle of Courvoisier VS Cognac alongside two premium rocks glasses etched with the Courvoisier logo and is packaged in a sleek branded gift box.($37.99)
Cruzan Rum
Cruzan Hurricane Proof Rum has a clean and smooth flavor profile and is bottled at 137 proof, to acknowledge the wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane. As part of Cruzan’s continued dedication to contributing to the Island Spirit Fund (established earlier this year), Cruzan Rum will donate $1 per case of Hurricane Proof sold, meaning every bottle purchased will provide aid and support to communities in need in the USVI and beyond. ($19.99)
RumChata Holiday Gift Set
RumChata’s real dairy cream, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla blended perfectly with five times distilled Caribbean rum brings the most memorable flavors of the season to everyone’s palate. Perfect for party hosts, party guests, and gift shoppers, this holiday themed boxed gift set is ready for instant giving, and includes two exclusive Shot-À-Chata shot glasses. The Shot-A-Chata shot glass is split into two chambers allowing you to combine RumChata with any of their other favorite spirit, beer or even soft drink, all year-round. ($19.99 750ml bottle gift set )
Mount Gay Rum has launched the first edition of the Master Blender Collection with XO The Peat Smoke Expression, a unique and unconventional limited edition blend. To produce this unique batch of only 6,120 bottles (1,200 available in the US), Allen Smith has carefully selected and combined column and pot still rums, matured for 8 to 15 years in American oak barrels. The blend is then finished in peated whisky casks from the Isle of Islay, Scotland, for an additional 6 months resulting in a complex array of salty and smoky notes. ($250.)
Bayou Rum is a high-end rum craft distilled from locally grown sugarcane in Lacassine, Louisiana, USA. The signature ‘sugarhouse’ recipe uses a blend of 100% natural, unrefined Louisiana sugarcane and molasses. Every batch of Bayou Rum is distilled in copper pots and bottled by hand. Matured in rye barrels for 2.5 years for a more spicy, dry and complex flavor profile. ($29.99)
Bayou Spiced Rum is infused with a complex yet delicate spice blend inspired by the Creole baking traditions Louisiana is famous for. Bayou Rum is rested for up to 30 days with a special blend of creole baking spices, which imparts both flavor and an amber color. ($29.99)
TEQUILA
Reserva de la Familia is perfect for the tequila connoisseur, a tradition from the Jose Cuervo family, which celebrates a 200 year old legacy. Before 1995, this extra añejo tequila, which is distilled from the estate’s reserves, was only saved for friends and family, a ritual that’s existed since 1795. Each year’s edition is housed in a wooden box adorned with artwork by a Mexican artist, selected by the Cuervo family. In addition to the decorative box, the entire packaging process, from the application of the unique label design to the classic wax seal with the Jose Cuervo family crest, is done entirely by hand.
The tequila is aged in French and American oak barrels for a minimum of three years, stored in the Cuervo family’s private cellar and then combined with tequila from the family reserves as old as 30 years. ( $150 for 750ml.)
1800 Tequila Milenio
1800 Milenio is a super premium extra-aged tequila, finished in French Cognac barrels making it “tequila for the whisky drinker.” Milenio comes from 250 years of family traditions and eleven generations of Expert Tequileros and represents the best of avant-garde aging and distillation techniques. It’s Premium extra-aged Añejo tequila, matured for forty months in American Oak barrels. Surprisingly balanced, soft and unique flavor with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and caramel. ($225.00)
DON JULIO 1942
Aged for a minimum of two and a half years in American white-oak barrels, Don Julio 1942 pays tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey. Distinguished and refined, this special Añejo is produced in small batches and reflects Don Julio González’s life-long passion for making the highest quality tequila. Its sweet and complex aroma complements an equally intriguing range of flavors including hints of warm oak, pepper and cinnamon. Extraordinarily smooth, with astonishing depth, it is best enjoyed neat in a snifter. ($125.00)
Hornitos Cristalino Tequila is a 100% blue agave tequila that’s aged and uniquely filtered to produce an incredibly smooth and crystal-clear añejo tequila. Hornitos Tequila took its shot at producing the premium category’s first cristalino tequila so its fans can have the finest ultra-smooth tequila this holiday season. ($29.99)
Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila is triple aged to create a complex tequila with whiskey characteristics, making it unlike anything else in the tequila category. This unique spirit is not only perfect for tequila and whiskey lovers alike but also for the person on your list who is always looking for ways to break tradition. ($29.99)
VODKA
Belvedere Vodka, the super premium vodka that stands for taste and character, has announced its global partnership with award-winning visual artist, musician, and activist Laolu Senbanjo, including a striking limited-edition bottle. With an artistic vision to reveal the beauty within each of his subjects, the new limited-edition bottle visually brings to life Senbanjo’s interpretation of the complexity, nuance and character of the Belvedere liquid. The bottle will support (RED) campaign’s fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Africa. ($40.00)
EFFEN Vodka
EFFEN Cucumber Vodka features the smooth taste and unique bottle design of all EFFEN flavors, with essence of freshly harvested vine-ripe cucumbers. This flavored vodka creates a refreshing take on traditional cocktails. ($29.99)
WHISKEY/ WHISKY/ BOURBON
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
The ultimate luxury and rare Scotch whisky blend with a smooth taste and custom engraving available.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label sets the standard, a blend of the rarest malts from hand-selected casks across Scotland.
You can immortalize your father’s most treasured life lessons and meaningful moments with a personalized, engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. You can order your customized engraved bottle online here for home delivery. ($225.)
The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
Released this year, The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve makes the perfect gift for the whisky aficionado in your life. Much like classics such as The Dalmore King Alexander III and 18 Year, Portwood Reserve reinforces the distillery’s reputation for curating exquisite casks. ($99)
Jura Seven Wood
Jura Seven Wood is inspired by the tenacity and ingenuity of the people of Jura and is a testament to the skill of whisky makers and the island community. Seven Wood is initially matured in first-fill American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels. It is then further enhanced by six hand selected French Oak casks – Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles & Les Bertranges casks. ($75)
Shackleton Whisky
Sure to excite the adventurer on your list, Shackleton Whisky is a recreation of the Mackinlay’s blend that accompanied explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton on his 1907 expedition to the Antarctic. In true form, the liquid was found trapped under the ice nearly a century later only to be analyzed and repurposed by Master Blender Richard Paterson. ($35)
Laphroaig Select Scotch Whisky is a blend that brings the world’s favorite Laphroaig expressions together. The result is an exquisite new Laphroaig expression with an additional layer of complexity and depth. More approachable than the average Laphroaig, Select is the perfect introduction for aspiring Scotch drinkers. ($54.99)
Laphroaig Lore
As its name suggests, Laphroaig Lore was created by distillery manager, John Campbell, to honor the passing of knowledge, skill and tradition from generation to generation of Laphroaig distillery managers and custodians. Rich and deep with distinctive smoke, peat and seaside minerality, the expression is unmistakably Laphroaig and the richest of all Laphroaig expressions. ($149.99)
Oban is a refined single malt meant to be enjoyed by all thanks to its iconic mild-yet-peaty character. Enjoy the Oban 14 Year Old ($62.) or Oban Little Bay ($60.)
Mortlach’s three new bottlings embody rich and complex tasting profiles that perfectly complement the ambiance of autumn. Sit down to Christmas dinner with a glass of Mortlach 12 Year Old Wee Witchie ($43.), Mortlach 16 Year Old Distiller’s Dram ($175.) or Mortlach 20 Year Old Cowie’s Blue Seal ($200) for the perfect celebratory tipple.
Johnnie Walker Red Label provides the perfect blend for cocktails. Whether mixed with soda or Ginger Ale, Red Label is sure to capture the holiday spirit.
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy is famous for its particular honeyed notes, which derive from the patient process of longer fermentation, allowing for more flavor development. It is then distilled in copper pot stills, handmade by the same family for over a century, and aged to perfection in oak Casks. ($62.)
Small Batch Bourbon Collection
Basil Hayden’s 10 Year Old Bourbon, a special, extra-aged seasonal offering that features the brand’s trademark high-rye bourbon recipe, aged longer in American Oak barrels to offer an additional layer of complexity to an already distinctive whiskey. ($59.99)
Booker’s “Kitchen Table” Batch 2018-04 is the fourth and final batch in the Booker’s Bourbon 2018 Collection, named in tribute to one of Booker Noe’s favorite places in his home. This Booker’s batch offers a beautiful, deep chestnut color, robust flavor profile and balanced finish that does not overpower your taste buds. ($69.99-$79.99)
Knob Creek Twice Barreled Rye features the highly awarded Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey, secondarily finished in new, level 4 charred American Oak barrels. The expression presents the signature rich and savory notes of our straight rye whiskey, mingled with the harmonious robust oak and a touch of sweetness from the double barreling process. ($44.99)
ACCESSORIES & GLASSWARE
The new Spinning Whiskey & Spirits Glass from The Grommet are designed to spin in place without toppling users’ drinks. The spinning action helps aerate whiskey, which opens flavor and aroma, creating an eye-catching effect with a purpose. ($21.99)
RumChata MINICHATAS Holiday Coffee Mug
The RumChata MiniChatas Holiday Coffee Mug is the perfect gift for the coffee lover on your holiday list. The festive holiday 20 ounce ceramic mug comes filled with 8 – 25ml peel-top cups filled with real, 100% award-winning RumChata inside. ($9.99)
For those who love Spirits, Wine & Iced Coffee – HyperChiller
The HyperChiller rapidly chills drinks: coffee, wine, spirits and more in one minute or less, without ever touching ice. With its simple multi-chamber design, the beverage is exposed to the equivalent of over 30 large ice cubes, but protected by two layers of food grade stainless steel — so there’s zero dilution in the process of cooling. Just leave it in your freezer, then take it out, pour your beverage in (coffee, wine, spirits etc.) and the HyperChiller will rapidly chill it in just one minute. Compatible with all brewing methods and even fits directly into most full-size single cup brewers. ($29.99) Available on Amazon and at https://hyperchiller.com/
This Bamboo Tequila Tasting Set from GreatUsefulStuff.com transforms into an instant tasting station and includes six ceramic cups, a knife to slice lime or orange wedges and a bamboo cutting board–just add salt and tequila or mezcal. ($50.)