10 Essential Holiday Spirits

by Natasha Wolff | November 21, 2013 6:30 pm

No matter if you’re shopping for an avowed aficionado or grabbing a Hail Mary gift for the guy who has everything, it’s hard to go wrong with a nice bottle of something. You might be a dinner party guest with a penchant for showing gratitude with booze (or a even a host with a a top-shelf to stock). With so many options to choose from, sometimes picking out the best wine or spirit to slap a bow onto can be daunting. Luckily we’ve done the legwork for you. Behold, DuJour‘s guide to the best spirituous gifts for the season.

David Yurman Patron

No bottle of tequila is complete without a gunmetal-and-24-karat-gold bottle stopper by Evan Yurman, design director for David Yurman men’s and timepiece collections. The two-toned sword features elaborate metal carvings inspired by 18th century Japanese Samurai swords—a reflection of Yurman’s love for unique artwork and artifacts. $60; patrontequila.com[1].

Hibiki 12 Year

Whiskey drinkers all over the world are singing the praises of Japanese imports, specifically Suntory’s Hibiki. It’s sweet and smooth on the palate—a perfect entry point into the newly thriving world of Japanese whisky. $68, suntory.com[2].

Numanthia Five-Liter Collector’s Edition

All the premium Spanish red that winemaker Numanthia is known for, but in an impressive five-liter collector’s edition, with a box designed by French artist Zoé Ouvrire. $600, numanthia.com[3].

Ultimat Vodka

The high-end vodka, already coveted by connoisseurs, gets in the mood this season with custom calligraphy at some of the nation’s finer liquor retailers for a personalized present. $40, ultimatvodka.com[4].

Dom Perignon Vintage 2004 Champagne

A distinguished, classic champagne that is in itself cause for celebration. Save this bottle for a special occasion—perhaps New Years Eve. $159, domperignon.com[5].

elit by Stolichnaya: pristine water series: The New Zealand Edition

Only 300 bottles of this super premium vodka—which comes in a specially designed crystal bottle—are available, meaning discerning drinkers will have this at the top of their Christmas lists. $3,000, elitbystoli.com[6].

Chandon Holiday Sparkler

This holiday season, the beloved California sparking wine Chandon releases its first limited-edition holiday bottle, decorated with snowflakes and filled with a bubbly batch of holiday cheer. $24, chandon.com[7].

Lock Stock & Barrel Rye

This limited run, 13-year straight rye whiskey is double distilled from 100 percent rye and aged in oak barrels. Its robust flavor contains spicy notes of tobacco and toffee and is best served over a large ice cube, preferably next to a roaring fire. $120, lockstockandbarrelspirits.com[8].

The Balvenie Tun 1401, Batch 9

A limited edition Scotch blended by malt master David Stewart to display some of the best of the qualities Balvenie is known for. Expect a sweet, spicy taste from this blend of some of the company’s best spirits. $250, thebalvenie.com[9].

Antica Terra Erratica Rosé

Rose isn’t just for summer anymore. This intense pink wine, which is served at Eleven Madison Park and The French Laundry, is a favorite with food—a perfect bottle to bring if you’re invited to dinner or if you want to be. $50, anticaterra.com[10].

MORE:

The 2013 Luxury Gift Guide
Dilemma DuJour: Happy Holidays[11]
How to Throw a Fabulous Thanksgiving Feast[12]

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