“We’ll get him a bottle of booze!” is a remark often voiced when talking about what gift to get for the occasion of a get together, birthday or other celebration. Then you start wondering: should it be a bottle of wine, champagne or some less expensive cognac? (That is rather prestigious, isn’t it?) Perhaps we might even consider some whisky. There are a number of acceptable reasons for not getting over such ingrained habits. We’ve never tried them, never tasted them and don’t know them and we have about as much to do with them as the existence of hobbits. So what else should we get, if not some wine or champagne, yet if we do choose something different, what should it be?

Vodka – for the pure

It’s a great gift, and not just for those of our friends with Russian, Ukrainian or Polish ancestors, although it is definitely a sure-fire choice in such cases. Vodka drinkers usually prefer natural tones, and are the type who like white and beige colors. They have an environmentally conscious attitude and like streamlined designs. They like fish and sports and often start the day by going out for a run. They are good and precise planners. It’s hard for them to relax and they’re always driven by the need to act. As to whether they’ll drink it with tonic or soda – because of the calories – is a question we should leave up to them.

Photo: Vimeo // Muzyczna Pracownia

Absolut Elyx
The Swedish Absolut factory’s product is made of winter wheat with a clean-cut appearance and pure taste which suits this type.
Chopin
A potato-based beverage and therefore it’s thicker and more oily than the cereal-based products we’re used to, yet with a full-bodied and harmonious flavor.

Gin – for creative rebels

A creative mind, who quickly finds his feet even in unknown company? He’s crazy for spring, but also adores winter sports. The adventurer type who loves bitter tastes. It’s scientifically proven that preferring bitter tastes is a rather unnatural characteristic since in nature, if something had a bitter, unpleasant taste, it isn’t typically consumed. Perhaps it’s poisonous. A lot of people say no to tart or bitter tastes, and this is a scientifically sound decision. However, gin lovers go against evolution their own way, therefore they are filled one way or another with an independent, slightly autonomous risk-taking attitude.

Photo: Flickr // Yelp Inc.

The Botanist
A gin from the Scottish distillery of Bruichladdich which benefits from a natural approach. Hawthorn, thyme, sage, myrtle, heather and countless other ingredients typical of the surroundings of the distillery which capture the sometimes raw, refined nature of Scottish highlands.
Monkey 47
Originating from the region of the Black Forest in Germany, it was created by a perfectionist and independent thinker who formerly worked for a multi-national firm, Alexander Stein, who settled for nothing less than perfect gin. He worked day and night for two years straight to achieve his goal and the result speaks for itself.

Whisky – Scottish, bourbon and Irish

Whisky drinkers can be divided into several categories based on different factors. We’ll take a look at a Scottish, bourbon and Irish type.

Scottish
Plaid, yet immaculate shirt. Almost wore the same for his graduation exam, yet ended up having his Hilfiger sweater dangling around his neck only later, during the party. A sporty type, who drinks little, yet chooses his beverages carefully. For dinner, he relentlessly pairs wine with the menu and only takes his whisky with a single ice cube or straight. He sticks to Scottish whisky and mostly prefers single malt.
Ben Riach 18 year old, Latada Madeira finish
Additionally matured, smoky malt. Aged for 18 years with a piquant zest after maturation in Madeira casks for a few months prior to bottling. Strong, characteristic, clean-cut.

Bourbon
Middle-aged traveler and adventurer, at least when recalling his younger years. A determined personality who likes referring to his own personal experiences. Candid and often mercilessly outspoken. Loves sticking to a routine during his everyday life and only rarely leaves his comfort zone. But once he does….
Woodford Reserve
A deep brown, thick whisky from Kentucky – you simply can’t go wrong with this one. A wonderful hue, deep flavors, encased in an oaken, honeyed baritone bottle. It has all the charm one could hope for from this type.

Irish
He has an air of self-destructive decadence to it, which he hides with care as the years progress. He loves reading and has a wry sense of humor. His friends usually highlight his trustworthiness when speaking of his traits. If forced to choose between a swimming pool and a hearth, he likely chooses the latter. What whisky are you talking about?
Teeling Small Batch
A whisky from the first distillery in Dublin opened after 125 years made with the expertise of a family of traditional distillers. An impeccable, mixed type which contains a high percentage of malt whisky, matured in Bourbon casks and finished in rum barrels.

Tequila – only for the brave

A laidback and sometime irresponsible type, at least as far as his partying habits are (were) concerned. He often ends up in seemingly “losing” situations which most people shy away from, yet his inner will to survive helps him handle these predicaments with ease. Ok, maybe he ends up with a few scrapes. It’s only normal for this type to operate at 120%.

Don Fulano Reposado
A tequila distilled from the nectar of carefully selected, solely blue agave plants from a single plot of land. A mixture of distillates matured during a period of eight months to two years, which is a method unique to the Fulano distillery. A blend of new and old limousine oak is used for aging. Notes of nutmeg, maple syrup and chocolate result in a perfectly festive combination.

Rum – for bohemians

The truly relaxed type, who still wears flip-flops and linen pants on warm, early October days. Naturally, because he just came back from Spain. He has a fresh, bubbly personality who never mentions his age when invited to an event. He probably backpacked through Asia (or South America) and is a self-appointed animal rescuer and always has a nice compliment up his sleeve – for anyone.

Photo: Twittwr // @roneriapt

Rum Diplomatico Single Vintage 2002
Consisting of a mixture of rums distilled in 2002 made with a range of different techniques. The beverage itself is from Venezuela, aged in single malt and bourbon casks. A typically vanilla or caramel-like festive rum.
Mount Gay XO
Harking from Barbados, from the oldest documented distillery in the world. A fine beverage for the older generations with a well-rounded, ‘barrelish’ flavor accompanied by notes of bananas, spices and vanilla with a creamy, long aftertaste.

speaking of his traits. If forced to choose between a swimming pool and a hearth, he likely chooses the latter. What whisky are you talking about?
Teeling Small Batch
A whisky from the first distillery in Dublin opened after 125 years made with the expertise of a family of traditional distillers. An impeccable, mixed type which contains a high percentage of malt whisky, matured in Bourbon casks and finished in rum barrels.

Tequila – only for the brave

A laidback and sometime irresponsible type, at least as far as his partying habits are (were) concerned. He often ends up in seemingly “losing” situations which most people shy away from, yet his inner will to survive helps him handle these predicaments with ease. Ok, maybe he ends up with a few scrapes. It’s only normal for this type to operate at 120%.

Don Fulano Reposado
A tequila distilled from the nectar of carefully selected, solely blue agave plants from a single plot of land. A mixture of distillates matured during a period of eight months to two years, which is a method unique to the Fulano distillery. A blend of new and old limousine oak is used for aging. Notes of nutmeg, maple syrup and chocolate result in a perfectly festive combination.

Rum – for bohemians

The truly relaxed type, who still wears flip-flops and linen pants on warm, early October days. Naturally, because he just came back from Spain. He has a fresh, bubbly personality who never mentions his age when invited to an event. He probably backpacked through Asia (or South America) and is a self-appointed animal rescuer and always has a nice compliment up his sleeve – for anyone.

Rum Diplomatico Single Vintage 2002
Consisting of a mixture of rums distilled in 2002 made with a range of different techniques. The beverage itself is from Venezuela, aged in single malt and bourbon casks. A typically vanilla or caramel-like festive rum.
Mount Gay XO
Harking from Barbados, from the oldest documented distillery in the world. A fine beverage for the older generations with a well-rounded, ‘barrelish’ flavor accompanied by notes of bananas, spices and vanilla with a creamy, long aftertaste.

Cognac – for those on the way to the top

The cognac type is a natural luxury lover, yet perhaps has taken to this late in life. He isn’t opposed to the use of gold in watches or interior decoration. He mainly opts for France when skiing, accompanied by a stay at a castle with a wellness facility or something similar. However, mere gold lettering might not be good enough when choosing a gift for him.

Hardy Noces D’Argent
A fine item from the collection of gold lettered treats, Noces D’Argent or ‘Silver Wedding’ is a blend of distillates from the Petit and Grand Champagne regions, with the youngest only 25 years of age. Notes of chocolate, caramel and raisins give rise to a discriminating and spicy nature.

King’s Ginger Liqueur – all in one

And finally, the encore regardless of personality, because this will even suit your granny, whether or not she’s a bon vivant.
The best of ginger liquor, created in 1903 in honor of King Edward VII. Its gingery, lemony taste is sure to impress everyone. Perfect before, after or during your Christmas dinner.