2012 Holiday Spirits Gift Guide

Basil Hayden's

This 80 proof bourbon is aged 8 years and offers a dry, clean and brief finish. Basil Hayden's uses twice as much rye as most bourbons and also offers an enriched hint of peppermint that sets it apart from its competitors.

Don Julio 1942

Tequila has finally gotten the recognition it deserves in the last few years. As more and more premium tequilas hit the market, this fine spirit has joined the ranks of high-end scotches and bourbons. And if you have a tequila fan in your life, Don Julio's 1942 is about as high-end as you can get. Not only does it come in a very cool bottle and box, this is tequila you respect, sip and enjoy.

Find out more at: donjulio.com

Johnnie Walker Double Black

Smokier than the original Johnnie Walker, Double Black delivers an additional rich intensity of flavor. Select single malts of smoky aged whiskies and whiskies matured in deep charred oak barrels combine for a unique taste unlike any other in the Johnnie Walker portfolio. The result is a full-bodied flavor offering intsense smoke, dried fruit and creamy vanilla notes.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

Kilbeggan comes from the oldest distillery in the world. Over 250 years, the people in County Westmeath have mastered the process of blending the finest grain and malt whiskeys for a smooth, sweet taste and lovely malty finish.

Knob Creek Rye

This rye whiskey is made with a blend of the finest quality rye to create an extraordinarily smooth yet spicy finish.  This 100 proof drink works both neat or in all of your classic whiskey cocktails. The taste: a distinct rye spiciness with vanilla undertones from the strong aged woods Knob Creek uses to distill their drinks.

Beluga Noble Russian Vodka

Beluga Vodka is the number one super-premium spirits brand in Russia. From grains grown in the plains of Siberia and blended with silver purified water, this unique malt spirit is distilled in Russia's famous Mariinsky Distillery. Currently, Beluga has two distinct vodkas available in the U.S. - the Gold and the Classic Noble. Their classic Beluga Noble undergoes a 30-day maturation process and is triple distilled with a precise blend of honey, oat and milk thistle extract; offering an exquisitely smooth blend for sipping and mixing.

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Jura Superstition Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Jura carries the name of the place from which it hails. On an island in Scotland, just 7 miles wide and 30 miles long sits the distillery responsible for producing this body-warming single malt scotch whisky. There are 4 core expressions available in their classic bottlings, but Superstition - the Gold Winner at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition - has a unique style and character, with tastes of spice, honey, pine, and peat with a whisper of smoke.

Ketel One Vodka

Let's face it, what you want out of your vodka is essentially nothing. You want no overpowering flavor, no aftertaste, no notes that take away from the crisp purity that you'll get out of a quality vodka. And that's what you get with Ketel One.

Using copper pot still to take out all impurities, the Ketel One distillery uses an ages-old technique born in Holland to create one of the greatest vodkas on the market.

Find out more at: Ketelone.com

Laphroaig

Simply put, Laphroaig is one of the finest whiskies ever created. If you're a whiskey novice, work your way up to Laphroaig (I'd suggest starting with Dalwhinnie). It's one of the smokiest and peatiest whiskies and if that scares you off, then build up your whiskey palate before taking on this big, rich scotch.

The Triple Wood expression is slightly different than the classic Laphroaig. But everything these guys do is great.

But I highly suggest making that journey. Your mouth will thank me.

Lear more at: Laphroaig.com