Last week I discussed how easy it is to give Christmas gifts to people who love food.  If you’re shopping for someone who likes beverages, its even easier. Gifts can be books, glassware, beverage experiences and, of course, the beverages themselves. I’m not talking about a bottle of wine or liquor as an easy way out. I’m thinking of a carefully chosen, off the beaten path bottle that will bring pleasure and excitement along with great flavor and an interesting story.

Boutique distilleries are making hand-crafted small-batch spirits locally and across the country. Whiskey is popular, including bourbon, rye and corn.  Moonshine, made with corn from traditional recipes, is having a revival.  Vodkas from organic ingredients or with a wide range of natural flavorings are popular.  Artisanal gins, each with its unique recipe of aromatics, is a growing category.  Cocktails are back in style, and these are the essential ingredients.

Stop by World of Beverage on Main Ave and ask for Manager Craig. He has extensive tasting experience and can suggest some small production spirits from local sources.  On a tour of the shelves, he recommended some of his favorites including Onyx Moonshine made in Connecticut (either Premium or Apple Honey Infused); Greylock Gin from Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield MA; and Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin from Brooklyn. Further afield, he liked the hand-crafted Single Malt Whiskey and three distinctive gins from St. George Spirits in California. Hudson Distillery in Gardiner, NY is featured at Bevmax on Westport Ave. For a high quality local effort, spirit specialist Red suggests a sampler of their four Hudson Valley whiskeys – New York Corn Whiskey, Manhattan Rye, Baby Bourbon and Four Grain Bourbon. 10 year old Whistle Pig Straight Rye and E. H. Taylor Small batch bourbon are also on her list of gifts to give.

Cognac is a personal favorite of mine. Distilled from wine in France, it has an enticing wine based aroma with the complex flavors and warming qualities of an aged spirit. The sky’s the limit on Cognac spending, but there are lots of good ones below $50.00 and a few great ones below $100.00. Some affordable yet interesting examples include Pierre Ferrand and Kelt Tour du Monde VSOP, along with the well known brands like Remy Martin, Hennessy, and Courvoisier. For a really special gift, splurge on an exotic Fine Champagne Cognac in a custom bottle.

There are a number of ways to make a memorable wine gift.  One important bottle is always a treat. A group of wines with a common theme makes for interesting drinking. For example a collection of Washington State Cabernets, Monterey Pinot Noirs, Riesling from around the world, or a mix of American and French wines of the same type for comparative drinking (Chardonnay and white Burgundy, Malbec and a Loire Red, or Syrah and Rhone reds.) Maybe you’ll get invited to the tasting. Consult a retailer whose opinion you value for suggestions, or take a look at the just-published Wine Spectator top 100 wines – they cover a range of prices. Some helpful retailers include Fountainhead Wines, Stew Leonards, New Canaan Wines and Harry’s in Fairfield.

Books are always appreciated if you are giving to someone who likes to get some background on the drinks. The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson is a basic and fascinating reference with a new edition out this year.   The World Atlas of Whiskey by Dave Broom covers distilling in much the same way, with maps, local information and a discussion of individual bottlings.  Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at the Brooklyn Brewery covers beers of the world and food pairings in The Brewmaster’s Table.

No matter what the beverage, glassware is always a welcome gift. It’s always nice to have a special glass with the recommended shape for the drink at hand. Sometimes the glassware makers get a little carried away, but good glasses do add to the pleasure of tasting. Bed Bath & Beyond has a big selection of Riedel stemware, the premier brand. I like to have something that goes in the dishwasher. For larger glasses, the stemless style fills the bill.

A basket including a bottle, glassware and a book ties it all together.

You can also give the gift of a beverage experience. Many area restaurants offer wine or beer dinners. Once in a while, there is even an event organized around Scotch or other spirits. Gift certificates to a dinner are a great idea.  Think about the gift of a tour and tasting day. Many breweries have tastings and tours. Try the Brooklyn Brewery for one. Or perhaps a trip to one of the nearby distilleries for some tasting. Strada 18 in SoNo, Fountainhead Wines in Norwalk Harry’s Wines in Fairfield and Bernards restaurant in Ridgefield all sponsor wine dinners.  Check their websites and get set up for e-mail or Facebook notification.

The best gifts are things they really want but won’t get for themselves. Merry Christmas and happy hunting on your giving quest.

World of Beverages
295 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 847-5180

Bevmax  203-847-2779
149 Westport Ave.
Norwalk, CT 06851
www.bevmax.com