Need the right gift at the last minute? It’s hard to go wrong with alcohol.
Whether you’re lifting someone’s spirits, hosting a late-night holiday party, or planning a holiday brunch, real beer, wine, or spirits can brighten the occasion. But it is not easy to find the right bottle for the occasion.
Tastes vary, and the choices can sometimes be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of some options you shouldn’t miss, although not all of them are particularly cheap.
For wine lovers
Orin Swift Papillon – This Napa Valley Red it goes well with almost anything, although it’s quite pleasant on its own. You’ll pick up notes of blackberry, cedar and allspice, with enough tannins to give it weight, but not enough to overpower the grapes. Aged 13 months in French oak, it’s a steal at $90.
Atwater Vineyards Dry Riesling – AND a hidden gem from upstate New Yorkthis Riesling has notes of melon, green apple and citrus, with just a kiss of oak. It’s only $27 a bottle and is the perfect addition to spicy food or a hearty salad.
For lovers of alcoholic beverages
Whistlepig The Badonkadonk 25 year old single malt whisky – Unquestionably one of the most unique alcoholic beverages you will find, this ridiculously old offer from WhistlePig is a Single Malt, which is finished in Alexander Valley silver oak Cabernet casks. Not cheap, anyway. Prices start at $2,000. That said, it’s possibly the smoothest, best-tasting single malt we’ve ever tasted—yes, including those from Scotland.
Azul Tequila Class Day of the Dead 2024: Music “You always know.” Tequila Blue Class by its distinctive decanter, but the annual Dia De Muertos offering manages to stand out even more. Each year with a different theme, 2024 focused on the music of the Mexican holiday. The bottle is a work of art, but more importantly, so is the tequila. Aged for 26 months in American whiskey casks and one of two Scotch casks, it’s a smoky, nuanced tequila that’s perfect for sipping. However, like the offer of the Whistle, it is a great gift. Prices start at $1,500.
For beer lovers
Bourbon County Brand Stout – Released on Black Friday, this collection of aged stouts in bourbon is the OG of aged beers. Every year there is a mix of traditional offerings (the base stout, which is full of chocolate and oak elements) and new ones. Among the new varieties to look for this year is BCS Rare, a double barrel aged rye stout aged in King of Kentucky barrels. And the Macaroon Stout is a surprisingly good deal, made with over 15,000 lb.s of toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs and ginger juice. Availability of selected beers is widespread, although some have limited distribution. Prices vary depending on the variety you choose.
Firestone Walker’s 2025 Brewmaster’s Collective – You’ve got a beer lover on your list who wants something a little rarer, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is it offers its Brewmaster’s Collective for the fifth year. For $399, you’ll get 21 small barrel-aged beers over the course of a year, along with four extremely rare offerings.
