Greetings Whisky Lovers (or very lost people looking for Celtic gifts),
Rather than issue a single list of likely gifts for the whisky enthusiast in your life, I solicited our Glorious Godfathers for a small selection to combine into one list. I gave simple Guidelines:
• One or two bottles
• One whisky-related item
• One non-whisky item
If nothing else, this proved to be a very interesting sociological study. I will call out that no one followed the guidelines as given, and one has yet to respond; if he does I’ll add to the list.
*Note The links are to the parent company whenever possible. Many items are available at Amazon.com, large liquor stores, or other online retailers, but I tried not to link to 3rd party retailers if I could avoid it.*
Jason:
One or two (or three) bottles:
- High End”This is not a luxury whisky” or the Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary edition from Compass Box: http://ift.tt/1dzJr23
- “Munitions Grade”
Go low-cost and accessible but still quality with Cardhu’s 12yr Single Malt Scotch: http://ift.tt/1PZD5iy
- Local to the US
My own whiskey: http://ift.tt/1PZD5iA
One (or more) whisky-related product:
- Get in before Dec 15th for the Norlan Whisky Glass: http://ift.tt/1kPyYKu
- If you miss the Norlan kickstarter after Dec 15th, try the Glencairn Canadian Whiskey Glass: http://ift.tt/1OssdIt
- Or how about Whisky Guy Rob’s book: Distilling Rob- http://ift.tt/1OssdIu
And maybe even one (or more) totally non-whisky thing:
- Why not grab a limited edition bottle of “Santa Clause Died” pimenta sauce from small batch craft producers, De Cabrón Chillis: http://ift.tt/1PAKwwy
- Or some men’s shaving (and other) essentials from Portland Razor Co. sold by Wildwood & Company: http://ift.tt/1PZD5yZ
Raz
Bottles:
- Premium range bottle: Brenne 10 limited
Full disclosure, I’ve not had it yet but I’m going to stand on what I know of Allison and recommend it anyway. Coming in at a mere $100, price wise it’s not really all that premium if you are used to scotch price points, but this is, technically a “non-scotch.” Just go with it and save the coins while living the high life. http://ift.tt/1OssfQv
- Middle range bottle: Aberlour A’bunadh
This is a damn find dram. Even at only $70 it will impress just about anyone, and make a fine gift for your boss or father in law, without breaking the bank. http://ift.tt/1OssgDT
- Lower range bottle: “Just Don’t.”
$20-35 bottles of whisky are for gett’n yer drunk on (preferably alone) not gifting.See below for budget conscious ideas.
Whisky Related Items:
- For the literate set I’d recommend The Whisky Bible like I usually do because, well “Jim” (and because Jay already pimped Distilling Rob) At $15-25 depending on where you find it, it’s a steal: http://whiskybible.com/
- Another option for the mixologist, budding or otherwise, on your list would be some proper bitters. For this I’d recommend some “Aromatic Coffee” bitters for their next Manhattan. At $16-20 bucks it won’t break the bank but is top notch as far as quality goes. Consider adding some “tools of the trade” to fluff up this budget friendly gift idea: The Mixing Glass Co. http://ift.tt/1OssfQA
Non-Whiskey:
As for a non booze related gift, why are you hanging out with this person? That’s the question.
My own
Bottles
- Pig’s Nose –
I love this dram. It’s soft, smooth and gentle – and aptly named if you’ve ever petted a pig’s nose. The price won’t break the bank either.
http://ift.tt/1PZD8el - Teeling Small Batch
This was a big hit at our tasting this past year. The rum cask aging really adds some new dimensions to your average Irish dram.
http://ift.tt/1HYSjh6
Whisky Related Items:
- Rare Whiskey Glasses – Set of two
I saw these glasses in an advert, and was so taken with them I had to include them in this list.
http://ift.tt/1PZD8en
- The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail, with Recipes and Lore
http://ift.tt/1PZD5zg
Non Whisky
Yes, it is corny, but your own time. Invite people to your home; cook them a meal, or share a drink and conversation. When the days are short and cold and dark, we are faced with our own mortality and crave human contact to counteract that. Give in to that craving; spend time with close friends and family.
Cheers!
from The 3 Drunken Celts http://ift.tt/1OssgE0