Need a real last-minute gift? It’s hard to go wrong with alcohol.
Whether you’re lifting someone’s spirits, throwing a late holiday party, or planning a holiday meal, the right beer, wine or liquor can enhance the occasion. But finding just the right bottle for the occasion isn’t easy.
Tastes vary and the choices can be overwhelming sometimes. To help, we’ve assembled this list of some can’t miss options, though not all of them are especially cheap.
For wine lovers
Orin Swift Papillon – This Napa Valley red goes well with just about everything, though it’s quite enjoyable on its own. You’ll pick up notes of blackberry, cedar and allspice, with just enough tannins to give it some heft, but not enough to overwhelm the grapes. Aged 13 months in French Oak, it’s a steal at $90.
Atwater Vineyards Dry Riesling – A hidden gem from upstate New York, this Riesling has hints of melon, green apple and citrus, with just a kiss of oak. It’s just $27 a bottle and is the perfect accompaniment with spicy food or a hearty salad.
For spirits enthusiasts
Whistlepig The Badonkadonk 25yr Single Malt Whiskey – Unquestionably one of the most uniquely named spirits you’ll find, this ludicrously old offering from WhistlePig is a Single Malt, which was finished in Silver Oak Cabernet casks from Alexander Valley. It’s not inexpensive, by any means. Prices start at $2,000. That said, it is, perhaps, the smoothest, best-tasting single malt we have ever tasted—yes, including those from Scotland.
Clase Azul Tequila Día De Muertos 2024: Música – You always know Clase Azul Tequila by its distinctive decanter, but the annual Dia De Muertos offering manages to stand out even more. Themed differently each year, 2024 saw the spirit’s designed focus on the music of the Mexican holiday. The bottle is a work of art, but more importantly, so is the tequila. Aged 26 months in both American whiskey casks and one of two Scottish casks, it’s a smoky, nuanced tequila that is perfect for sipping. Like the Whistlepig offering, it’s a big gift, though. Prices start at $1,500.
For beer fans
Bourbon County Brand Stout – Released on Black Friday, this collection of bourbon-barrel aged stouts is the OG of aged beers. Each year there’s a mix of traditional offerings (the base stout, which is loaded with chocolate and oak elements) and new. Among the new varietals to seek out this year are BCS Rare, a double barrel aged rye stout that was aged in barrels from King of Kentucky. And the Macaroon Stout is a surprisingly good offering, that was made with over 15,000 lb.s of toasted coconut chps, cocoa nibs and ginger juice. Availability for select beers is widespread, though some have limited distribution. Prices vary depending on which varietal you choose.
Firestone Walker’s 2025 Brewmaster’s Collective – Got a beer lover on your list who wants something a bit more rare, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is offering its Brewmaster’s Collective for the fifth year. For $399, you’ll get 21 small-batch barrel-aged beers over the course of a year, along with four extremely rare offerings.
