The holidays are all about annual traditions. One that stresses out many Americans: the need for a last-minute gift.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are still on the horizon, and with that in mind, Fortune has compiled a list of 11 new spirits that have hit the market this fall. We have highlighted a wide variety of spirits, including vodka, American whiskeys, Scotch, and tequila. We’ve also included some unique packaging options, meant to look impressive on any bar.
The holiday season is critical for the spirits industry. An estimated 40% of the industry’s retail sales occur in the final three months of the year, a spike that is usually attributed to gift giving and holiday parties.
Here are 11 new gift ideas for the adults on your shopping list.
Smirnoff Peppermint Twist Vodka
New to the market this fall, Smirnoff's latest limited edition vodka flavor has a peppermint aroma and flavor, with the finishing taste reminiscent of a candy cane. Smirnoff parent Diageo suggests drinkers enjoy the peppermint vodka as either a chilled shot or in a holiday themed cocktail. The packaging offers another highlight – a scratch-and-sniff label that adds to the fun. $15.99, smirnoff.com.
Jack Daniel's Sinatra Century
Jack Daniel's whiskey and legendary singer Frank Sinatra had a close relationship while the performer was alive: he loved the beverage so much, his on-stage endorsement during a national tour helped greatly boost sales of the whiskey. Sinatra was also buried with a flask of Jack Daniel's. The brand began a collaboration with the Sinatra family in 2013. This year, to celebrate Sinatra's 100th birthday, the company has introduced Jack Daniel's Sinatra Century. Only 100 barrels of the spirit are being made available – each individually numbered. $499.99, jackdaniels.com.
Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1
Absolut Elyx Copper Pineapple Set
Pernod Ricard's Absolut Elyx – the vodka brand's pricier, smoother offering – has adopted the pineapple as its icon. This set features a copper pineapple, linking two important components of the Elyx story: copper plays an important role in the distillation process for Absolut Elyx while the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. A pineapple is a perfect container for any cocktail served over crushed ice. $120, absolutelyx.com.
Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish
This limited edition whisky (only 2,000 bottles were produced) combines Scotland's Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a finish from Japan's mizunara oak casks. An "east meets west" combination, it is the first time a distillery matured Scotch whisky in Japanese casks. And the taste? A mix of peat smoke, spice, vanilla, and citrus fruits. $1,000, bowmore.com.
Ketel One 325th Anniversary Bottle
The liquid in the bottle remains the same, but if you are a fan of Ketel One, you may want to add this limited edition bottle to your liquor shelf. It is a toast to the Ketel One brand's founding family – the Nolet family, which has operated a distillery for 325 years (though the Ketel One brand debuted in 1983). Copper plays an important role in this packaging (like Elyx). $32.49, ketelone.com.
DeLeón's engraved bottles
DeLeón, the tequila brand backed by Sean "Diddy" Combs, is allowing customers to engrave some bottles of the spirit a part of a holiday promotion. The packages are delivered to customers – with orders fulfilled on CombsConcierge.com. “There’s nothing like a personal touch to show someone that you care,” says Combs. Pricing varies, with customization costing as much as $65.
Mezcal Viejo Indecente Espadin
Mezcal Viejo Indecente Espadin is the first product to launch stateside from a three-generation mezcal producer out of Mexico. While the mezcal category has deep roots in Mexico, the beverage isn't as well known in the U.S. (where tequila – another Mexican-produced spirit – has made far greater inroads). Like tequila, mezcal is produced using the agave plant. The Mezcal Viejo Indecente has naturally sweet notes and it is a highly versatile cocktail base. $59.99, viejoindecente.com.
The Famous Grouse and Owl's Brew
The Famous Grouse, a popular Scotch brand, is crafted from malt whiskies, including Macallan and Highland Park, and combined with grain whiskies. It has collaborated with Owl's Brew this year to make the first tea specifically meant for cocktails. The Famous Grouse retails for $24.99.
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection
Brown-Forman's high-end Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey has released "Master's Collection" beverages since 2006, with each product offering new flavors. This year's bottle, the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 1838 Style White Corn, pays tribute to distillers Oscar Pepper and James Crow and their original use of white corn in their whiskey production process. $99.99, woodfordreserve.com.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
The release of Beam Suntory's Hibiki Japanese Harmony this year is part of a broader strategy by the beverage giant to get more Americans to try Japanese whisky. It contains at least 10 malt and grain whiskies, aged in five different types of casks, from three different Suntory distilleries. A versatile spirit, it is especially enjoyable on the rocks – ideally using a single ice ball. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony is packaged in a unique glass decanter that's cut in 24 facets. $60, whisky.suntory.com.
