In a feature in the business section of the Oregonian today about the popularity of high-end spirits, the writer of the story suggested that one's Christmas list might include "A bottle of Bushmills 16-year Single Malt for the boss." Other gifts so popular they've been stripped from the shelves in OLCC stores: Kahlua coffee liqueur, McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt whiskey and Hennessey VS cognac. For the lush in cash as well as liquor, Hardy Perfection Cognac Air or Courvoisier L'Esprit sell for around $5 or $6K each (in Oregon, one bottle of the Hardy and 15 of the Courvoisier have been sold in the past year).
While I've never given a gift of spirits, I can see the appeal. It's luxurious, it's thoughtful, and a gift of good liqueur can really show off your expensive tastes. Problematic, though, is the commodity characteristic: there's one price for liquor in most states, so everyone will know exactly what you spent. Local bartenders suggest Shakers Rye vodka, William LaRue Weller uncut, unfiltered bourbon and Hangar One Fraster River Raspberry vodka. My husband's buddy, who's in a pirate band (??), recommends the Sailor Jerry's rum pictured. What do you recommend for spirited gifts this year?
[photo Sarah Gilbert]
