If you’re looking for gifts in the last home stretch before Christmas, fine spirits are perfect for the Holiday season. These lovely bottles should enhance your celebrations and family gatherings. And if you’re lucky the bottles might be opened when you are around.
With the cold weather, the Holidays and New Year festivities just around the corner, here are some spirit suggestions to heat up your season celebrations. Your friends and family members should enjoy these fine high quality spirits.
Here is a selection high quality spirits, in some cases a tad more expensive, but let’s not forget, tis the Holiday season!
Tequila Silver, Patron, Mexico 40% alc. 10689981 79,50$
The « Silver » mention annouces a Tequila that has not been aged in oak barrels. This upscale Tequila displays spicy and vegetal aromas. Serve it cool or even chilled, to enhance the velvety oily texture. The fan of Grappa will surely enjoy this lovely Tequila. Note : 93/100
Ketel One Vodka Distillerie Nolet, Netherlands 40% alc. 456095 33,50 $
Because of its aroma and taste characteristics, vodka benefits from being served chilled. It reduces the alcohol burn while enhancing the velvety caressing texture. This excellent vodka from the Netherlands should be served neat and chilled. Obviuosly, it will be perfect in your favorite cocktails. Note : 90/100
For an original dry martini :
Ungava Gin, Domaine Pinnacle, Québec 43,1% alc. 11156764 35,25$
This very original Gin stands out with its yellow color and the use of 6 artic plants from northern Quebec to flavour it. Its intense nose displays floral, herbaceous and spicy scents. A typical bitter finish enhances its fresh extreme flavors. The dry gin afficionado will get a kick out of this one! Note : 92/100
Three whiskies for smoked salmon :
Bushmills 10 year Single Malt Irish Whiskey 40% alc. 131870 44,25$
The fan of Scotch Whisky will be charmed by the rich and complex nose of this surprising Irish Single malt. The only obvious difference : not as smoky as Scotch. Velvety texture, soft and round with a lovely ligering finish. Charming nose displaying woody, floral and caramel aromas. Refined yet flavorful. Score : 92/100
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon USA 45,2% alc. 10323111 48,75$
The USA is reputed for its full bodied whiskies aged in new american oak. Woodford has been distilling fine whiskies since1812. Like most Bourbons corn is the main cereal, but in this intense whiskey a high percentage of rye (18%) adds an obvious spicy character. Complex nose displaying woody, spicy and caramel scents. Fans of delicate or light whiskies abstain! Score : 94/100
Bowmore 12 year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 40% Alc. 330803 62,50$
The whiskies from the island of Islay are known for their assertive character. Full bodied whiskies with aromas of seaweed, smoke with typical medicinal scents of iodine and «bandaids». Surprise your whisky enthusiast with this full flavoured intense Single Malt Scotch whisky. Splash it with a few drops of distilled water to reduce the heat and highlight its intense nose. Score : 92/100
Plantation 20e anniversaire Old Reserve Dark Rum, Pierre Ferrand Barbados 40% alc. 11659863 74,75$
This excellent rum from Barbados shows lovely complexity. Deeply coloured, with hints of cola, caramel, vanilla and warm spices. Round, full and soft, with a touch of sweetness. Rich and flavourful, it should be serve neat or slightly refreshed with a dash of distilled water. Score : 93/100
NICK HAMILTON
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