Whiskey fans are growing in numbers, so there is a good chance you have an enthusiast or two on your Christmas list this year. You probably also know that whiskey is not just a drink to them. It's an experience. For the true aficionado, there is nothing better than finding ways to elevate each sip. Albuquerque Whiskey Society expert Daniel Warren gave us intel on what gifts will take sipping to the next level this Christmas.
Cocktail Smoker - Crafting cocktails is becoming a hobby for many and adding a smoky profile is a trendy way to make drinks more sophisticated! Smoking will take your cocktails to the next level and add just one more complexity to craft cocktail creations. When I break out my smoker, it immediately becomes a crowd-pleaser. amazon.com
Norlan Whisky Glass - This beautifully crafted tulip glass is essential for serious whiskey drinkers. By design, the shape will capture some of the alcohol in the bulb and concentrate the aromas in the whiskey, making it easier to pick out specific bouquets. If I am at home drinking whiskey, I always drink out of a tulip-shaped glass.
Flaviar Club Membership - This membership offers so much, making the value well worth the cost. Members can find bottles not distributed in NM and have them shipped directly. Additionally, members receive a full-sized bottle and a themed Tasting Box (3x50ml samples) four times per year. This is the gift that keeps giving! flaviar.com
Blanton's Maple Syrup – Whiskey lovers will enjoy a novel gift like this one. Pour this delicious syrup on some pancakes and drown in the aroma of Blanton's first thing in the morning! What else is there to say? Maple Syrup aged in a Blanton’s barrel equals DELICIOUSNESS! It is an absolute staple at our house! blantonsbourbonshop.com.
Whiskey Nosing Kit - This kit will help whiskey lovers take their tasting game to the next level. Because you drink with your nose before your taste buds, learning aromas will help you develop your whiskey palate. This kit has 24 essential oils of whiskey. Picking out the subtle aromas in whiskey can be difficult but this kit will help you become a whiskey master. amazon.com
Personalized Decanter Set - This will be the centerpiece of the bar. Everyone loves a nice decanter and personalizing just makes it better. This set contains it all, a wooden gift case, decanter, glasses and whiskey stones. I have a few decanters, but the value of what you get with this set is heads and shoulders above other sets. etsy.com (seller: GiftIdeasUA)