christmas gift guide: whisky lovers

For the Scotch, whisky and bourbon-obsessed:

1. Vinturi Spirit Aerator – enhances the flavor, bouquet, and finish of spirits by speeding up the breathing process and instantly aerating in the time it takes to pour a shot.
2. Riedel Single Malt Whisky Glasses – just like different glass shapes help highlight the notes in different wines, the elegant creaminess of top quality single malt whisky is especially pronounced in these glasses.
3. Whisky Advent Calendar – behind each of the 24 windows lies a different 3cl sample dram of delicious whisky.
4. Stag Glass Decanter – whisky lovers will enjoy displaying their liquid gold in this pewter and hand-blown glass decanter.
5. Sphere Ice Mold – these huge slow-melting ice balls chill drinks without watering them down too quickly.

1. Macallan 18 Year – a consistently great scotch whisky; it gets its smooth flavor from the sherry casks in which it is aged.
2. Highland Park 12 Year – from Scotland’s most northerly distillery, with creamy honey, plenty of citrus and green notes.
3. Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project – and experimental release of bourbons aged in an assortment of casks and settings, meant to be tasted side-by-side. (more info on the project here)
4. Blanton’s Special Reserve – a great ‘beginner’s bourbon’, it has sweeter taste profile with aromas of dry citrus, raisin and light vanilla.
5. Lagavulin 16 Year – with the massive peat-smoke that’s typical of southern Islay, but also offering richness and a dryness. (Favored by Ron Swanson, who thinks “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets.”)
6. Jefferson Reserve – a classic summery, light and supple bourbon which offers good, clean delivery, pleasant sweetness, hints of cigar leaf, pepper and toffee.

********************************************************************

Check out the rest of the Christmas Gift Guides:
Wine Lovers
Cooks & Hostesses
Athletes
Dog Lovers
Bibliophiles
Ladies – 11/21/13
Gentlemen – 11/22/13
Everyone – 11/25/13
Stocking Stuffers – 11/26/13