Gift Guide 2020 – Part 2

December 13 — Time is running out but we have some gift ideas for anyone on your list who enjoys whisk(e)y or a great cocktail.  Thinking creatively will help your thoughtful giver reputation and bring joy to the lucky recipient.  The list we’ve compiled features limited editions and new releases at various price points. 

Crown Royal for Collectors

Crown Royal XR Extra Rare is a limited-edition whisky crafted in part from one of the final batches of whiskies produced at the famed LaSalle Distillery. Crown Royal XR Extra Rare is handcrafted from a unique blend that boasts an exceptionally full-bodied and smooth sipping experience. If you are looking for a sophisticated gift, this limited edition will be the perfect gift for a special loved one.  The SRP is $140 for a 750ml bottle.

Crown Royal for Experimentors

For the virtual tasting on your calendar,Crown Royal has just launched a NEW Crown Royal Whisky Tasting Calendar to celebrate the holiday season. The kit includes two each 50ml sizes of Crown Royal Deluxe, Crown Royal Vanilla, Crown Royal Black, Crown Royal Salted Caramel, Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Peach. The calendar is sold at retailers across the United States for a SRP of $44.99.

For the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collector

Woodford Reserve has released its oldest bourbon yet — Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon — as part of the distillery’s highly-anticipated 2020 Master’s Collection. This limited-selection and one-time-only product, debuts a new, modern bottle design. The new design references the classic and iconic flask-shaped Woodford bottle and includes bourbon from barrels that date back to 2003.

This year’s expression marks the 15th release of the Master’s Collection, which was created to honor the many discoveries and innovations that occurred at the 1812 distillery site where Woodford Reserve is now located.  Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon is available in select U.S. markets with a suggested retail price of $129.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Selections for the Adventurous

For the friend who enjoys finding new favorites, Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey will be a welcome adventure.  The family distillery’s history dates back to the 1700s and by the mid-1800s it was the biggest whiskey distillery in Europe.  Roe & Coe was revived by Diageo and reintroduced to the U.S. market last year.  Master Blender Caroline Martin uses the finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies, aged in bourbon casks to create this premium blend. It can currently be purchased in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C. and is offered on Drizly in certain locations. The SRP is $32.99 – $34.99 for 750ml.  It will be expanding into the Illinois and Ohio markets at the beginning of 2021.

Starward Australian Whisky also broke into the U.S. market last year and has shipped a lot of gold and silver awards back to Australia.  There are two expressions available:  Starward Nova Single Malt and Two Fold Double Grain.  The Nova is available nationally for a suggested retail of $55.00 for 750ml while the Two Fold Double Grain is offered at $35.00 for 750ml. Both will impress whisky fanciers.

Bulleit & Yeti Combo for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and innovative outdoor products brand Yeti have collaborated to offer this one-of-a-kind premium gift bundle. It features a 750ml bottle of the trademark Bulleit Bourbon and a 375ml bottle of the wildly popular Bulleit Rye Whiskey, along with a speciality Bulleit x Yeti 10oz Yeti Rambler Lowball, all for a suggested retail price of $72.00 (what a steal!).  Actually, couch potatoes who enjoy whiskey or a cocktail (or even water) at the perfect temperature, either hot or cold, will love this gift.  The gift pack is available where Bulleit is sold and also on ReserveBar.com.

Pay It Forward with The Macallan

Until December 31st, The Macallan will be donating the equivalent of 30% of proceeds from purchases made on TheMacallan.com to the James Beard Foundation Open For Good campaign – an initiative built to help independent restaurants survive this crisis, rebuild better, and thrive for the long term.

The Guide is fun to use and if you are anything like us, you’ll pick a lot of whiskies for yourself!  But it is a helpful way to find the perfect gift for the whisky connoisseur while paying it forward to help the struggling restaurant community this holiday season.