The Holidays are upon us and it’s time for another gift guide. I get the privilege to review a lot of gear and spirits. Here are my pick for some unique items specifically for people that are hard to buy for.

Never break a bottle again

Nearly every vacation, business trip or overseas journey I went on, I brought back at least one if not several bottles of alcohol home. It was always a great adventure to bring something back that wasn’t sold near you. On occasion bottles did break. I wrapped them in socks, shirts and whatever I was traveling with. Enter the VinGardeValise. This adorable suitcase not only holds enough clothes for a short trip but it also stores 5 BOTTLES OF WINE OR SPIRITS. This is the perfect gift for anyone who is a wine or spirit adventure. Full disclosure, we were sent one of these bags to review but I stand by the recommendation as a solid choice. Use code NICKDRINKS for 15% off too!

Beautify your backbar

When I visit people’s home bars, I’m always amazed at the creativity. I’ve never seen two bars that look the same. However, many of the brands we love will always be the same bottle no matter where you purchase them. This is where decanters come in. Note only is it a great way to show off your favorite spirits but it is unique to your style and can be personalized. Check out Prestige Decanters for a full line of unique products. They are a small business from Louisville, Kentucky. Also check out our video where we made an infinity decanter. Another great idea for someone who has tried ever spirit imaginable. Note, we were also sent a decanter to review and stand by this recommendation.

Big cubes with out the hassle

Making nearly clear ice for yourself at home isn’t impossible but it takes skill, the right tools and is never perfect. Having access to a Clinebell Ice Machine that freezes giant crystal clear blocks of ice is really the way to go. Trust the professionals at Detroit Ice Works to make beautiful packaged ice that is sold at fine liquor and grocery stores. These cubes will keep spirits chilled and won’t overly dilute them. Crafty!

Homemade BBQ anytime you want

I love eating BBQ and am terrible at cooking it. Every time I make brisket it is dry. What would you do if you could just sit in your house and someone would ship you delicious Southern-style BBQ to your home? You would jump up and down. Speakeasy Meats, based out of Ann Arbor, makes a range of slow smoked products that will remind you of a Summer picnic. Check out their full line on their website.

A better way to make cocktails

I own hundreds of cocktail books and something that they don’t do well at is being a rapid and efficient resource to make cocktails. Maneful solved a number of problems by changing the traditional cocktail book into a deck of cards. These recipes are water-proof, full of useful information and easy to use. They can be shuffled, sorted, and passed around the room. Very unique and a great stocking stuffer.

All your whiskey needs

Supporting local spirits producers is paramount at this time. Traverse City Whiskey Co is taking it one step further and making kits that make gift giving a snap. My big recommendation for shopping for spirits is go local, go barrel picks or go both. Looking for some good barrel picks? Check out Kako’s in Birmingham.

The post 2020 Boozy Gift Guide appeared first on Nick Drinks.

Thank my lucky stars, I found a bottle of Traverse City Whiskey Co Bourbon at Holiday Market. It’s really reasonably priced at $24,95 and it tastes pretty good.

The cocktail I selected was from the PDT Cocktail Book. The Left Hand Cocktail is a spectacular drink and would be perfect for after dinner…or whenever.

I’m also excited that I got a bottle from batch 2.

• 1.5oz Bourbon
• .75oz Sweet Vermouth
• .75oz Campari
• 2 dashes – xocolatl bitters
• garnish with 3 preserved cherries

 

Taste: The taste is of a dark chocolate covered cherry. The bitterness from the xocolatl and the Campari blend perfectly together.

Prep: This is a pretty easy one. Pour, mix and serve.

Sourcing: The Campari and sweet vermouth are easy enough to find. It’s too early to tell about the whiskey. Chocolate bitters are available in some places. Look for the Aztec type from Fee Brothers.

The post Tonight’s Cocktail (8/24/12): Left Hand Cocktail appeared first on Nick Drinks.

Drink Michigan tipped us off to a new distilling company in Traverse City, Mich.. Their website is still in progress but they do have a facebook page. At launch it sounds like they will have at one product, a bourbon. Below is a clip from their facebook page:

Born from a Midwest climate and a carefully selected blend of corn, rye and barley, this Bourbon Whiskey is warm spirit for your Michigan days and nights. Bottled in Michigan, 4 Years Aged in New Oak Barrels, Independent and Locally Owned!

The post New Distiller in Michigan – Traverse City Whiskey Co. appeared first on Nick Drinks.