The Chilled Gift Guide – Spirits, Wines, Beer, and Do It Yourself Gifts
By Chilled Magazine
Don’t just give the usual bottle with a bow. Personalize it based on your pals’ interests.
From wine geek to spirit connoisseur, beer lover to the Do-It-Yourself-er, the Chilled gift guide Part 2 has some distinctive gifts to make you memorable to your friends.
For Those You Want to Impress: Limited Release and Luxury Spirits
Moët & Chandon Nectar Rosé Marcelo Burlon, fine retailers; $59.99, $179.99, $499.99
Embellished with an exotic tiger print and Burlon’s futuristic touch, these bottles will be appreciated long after the bubbly is gone. Available in copper, gold, and white.
Redemption Barrel-Proof Rye, 7 Year, 8 Year, 10 Year – $79.99, $89.99, $129.99 – fine retailers
The Redemption rye barrel-proof selections were released in October and are available in very limited quantities.
Redemption Aged Barrel Proof Straight Rye: 7 Years; 480 bottles, $79.99 SRP. Herbal essence, with subtle hints of pear and peach followed by cinnamon. The spicy finish is bold and warming, against a touch of fresh vanilla and nutmeg.
Redemption Aged Barrel Proof Straight Rye: 8 Years; 3,120 bottles, $89.99 SRP. Toasted bread, woody spices and honeyed nuts. The spicy finish is bold and warming, against a subtle touch of fresh vanilla, cream and citrus.
Redemption Aged Barrel Proof Straight Rye: 10 Years; 1,200 bottles, $129.99 SRP. Spicy rye, caramel, and oak finish with hints of vanilla and more spiced, oaky notes.
Compass Box Flaming Heart Whisky, Fifteenth Anniversary Limited Edition, $139 – online and other fine retailers
Bottled in July 2015, there are 12,060 bottles available of this whisky with notes of spice, sweetness and smoke. The original Flaming Heart was released in 2006 and there have been four bottling so far. This bottling celebrates Compass Box’s launch in 2000. Comprised of: 27.1% 30 year old Caol Ila, 24.1% 20 year old Clynelish, 10.3% 7 year old Teaninich aged in new French oak, and 38.5% 14 year old Caol Ila. Exquisitely rendered.
Hennessy X.O., $200 – fine retailers
Hennessy X.O “The Original” was developed in 1870 as a complex new style of Cognac. Candied fruit and light spicy nose create a flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Enjoy it neat, on ice or with a splash of still or sparkling water.
For Friends Homesick for Chicago
FEW Spirits “Anguish and Regret”, $29.99 – fine retailers
This love-it-hate it spirit hails from Chicago and few folks outside of the city know it. It was originally called Malört, but the folks at Jeppson’s (who make the original Malört brand) got their lawyers involved and FEW had to remove the name. Similar to a very bitter Chartreuse (no sugar added here), this spirit is made with a Moroccan ras el hanout blend, including cinnamon, ginger, peppercorns and other spices. Not for the faint of heart.
For Gin Lovers Who Have Tasted Everything
Ungava Gin Holiday Gift Set, $32.99 – fine retailers
Imported from Canada, Ungava gin is made from six rare Arctic botanicals hand picked by the Inuit tribe. The assortment includes wild rose hips, Labrador tea, cloudberry, crowberry, Nordic juniper, and a proprietary Arctic blend. The result is a distinctive yellow color and original flavor profile.
For Adventure-Seeking Liqueur Lovers
Sukkah Hill Liqueurs, $26.99-32.99
Sukkah has created two elegant and original products. Etrog (76 proof, $32.99, 375 ml) has a light, citrus character from the heirloom Etrog fruit. Besamim (74 proof, $26.99, 375 ml) offers aromatic spices including cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and others. Higher proof makes these liqueurs ideal cocktail mixers, as well as intriguing gifts for liqueur connoisseurs.
For Wine Lovers Looking for a Surprise
Aaron Burr Malus Baccata Cider, $140 – fine retailers
A rare cult cider from cult cider maker Aaron Burr. Only 32 cases of this vintage were released. Made from wild crabapples, the cider is dry, bright, and tannic. With a red wine-like finish, wine lovers will enjoy this distinctive take on cider.
Reasonably Priced Gifting Wines
Clicquot En Route Limited Edition Mailbox, $50 – fine retailers
A bottle of classic Veuve Clicquot nestled in the winning design from Veuve Clicquot’s 2014 Re-Creation Competition.
Carlos Serres Onomastica Reserva 2004, $29.99 – fine retailers
85% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 5% mazuelo. The deep ruby color offers deep red fruits and a smoky finish with notes of chocolate. Elegant and focused with lots of mature fruit. Drink 2015-2020.
Muga Reserva 2011, $23.99 – fine retailers
65% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Dried red fruits and spices are balanced by gentle tannins. Drink now.
For the Beer Baron in Your Life
Chocolate Maple Porter Beer Kit, $50
Chocolate and maple create a stunningly rich porter beer. Beer enthusiasts should jump at the chance to brew this up.
For the Exercise-Loving Beer Fanatic
Four Peaks Brewing & State Bicycle Co. Transporter Bicycle, $579
The Transporter includes a coaster brake for easy stopping, chain guard to protect clothing, mustache handlebars, a bottle opener attached to the frame, front and rear fenders, and a basket on the front with beverage holder. The back pannier can hold a 65 ounce growler and the top tube sports a six-pack kit leather frame cinch.
For the Do-It-Yourself-er
Old School Bitters Kit, $28
Bartenders are making their own bitters. Why shouldn’t you and your crafty friends? This kit complete with root, floral, and citrus mixes. Invent your own specialty bitters with the included infuser ball, funnel, glass dropper bottle, Paragon bottle, 8 ounce Boston round bottle, and a burlap bag with recipe cards, plus cocktail picks.
Homemade Gin Kit, $49.95 – online as well as Williams-Sonoma and Barnes & Noble
Make your own gin with various blends (for additional costs) including smoky, spiced, and barrel-aging. For the holidays, a hopped grapefruit blend has been released.