19 Drinks Perfect For Hostess Gifts, Stocking Stuffers Or A Holiday Treat
(Written by: Christine Sismondo; Produced by Aimee Nishitoba; Photography: Carmen Cheung; Styling: Chad Burton)
Glenmorangie Original Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, $76 for 750 mL
For this holiday season, Glenmorangie gave its classic 10-year single malt an extra two years of aging time. The result? It’s richer and creamier, and its signature balance of orange, vanilla, honey and peach is even more pronounced.
Sortilège, $36 for 750 mL
The OG of maple whiskies is still one of the very best, thanks to its producers using high-quality whisky and real maple syrup to make this gorgeous blend.
PATRÓN Silver Tequila, $82.95
PATRÓN Silver is a super-premium tequila crafted from 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, distilled in small batches at Hacienda PATRÓN in Jalisco, Mexico. This additive-free tequila features a crystal-clear colour, a vibrant fruit and citrus aroma, and a smooth and sweet taste with a light pepper finish. Ideal for any occasion, enjoy it on the rocks, in a classic (or spicy margarita) or a refreshing paloma cocktail.
Pricing varies by province.
Ramsbury Gin, $50 for 700 mL
For gin lovers who crave a full-bodied and crisp London dry gin, Ramsbury's superbly smooth and sustainable gin is perfect for gifts and cocktails alike. Made from wheat grown by the distillery itself, it's a point of pride for Ramsbury with the specific field it came from printed right on the bottle itself.
Taylor Fladgate Reserve Tawny Historical The Mallet, $58 for 750 mL
This special release is a beautifully rich and complex port that tastes like butterscotch, walnuts, coffee and dried fruits—perfect for winter.
Beau's Crème Brew-Lée, $3.95
The Creme Brew-Lée is a dessert-styled stout from Ontario Craft stalwarts Beau's Brewing. The aromas suggest marshmallow, caramel and coffee, while the palate is bursting with flavours of creamy hot chocolate, sweet malt and burnt sugar. Pour this sweet brew over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent stout float.
Gray Whale Gin, $53 for 750 mL
This fresh, umami-rich and ever-so-slightly-salty gin from California is made with botanicals sourced from local farmers who practise sustainable agriculture. That’s right in keeping with its mission: saving the state’s gray whales. A portion of the brand’s profits go to ocean and environmental charities.
Muskoka Brewery Venture Pack, $40 for 24 355-mL cans
Tis the season to stock up your fridge and bar cart—fortunately, Costco has you covered this holiday. Pick up Muskoka Brewery's Venture Pack that is designed with hosting in mind. This variety pack includes 24 beers in a range of styles that are perfect for creating holiday pairings and appealing to all beer drinkers. It features three easy-drinking beers: Tread Lightly Light Lager, Detour Session Ale and the pub-style Cream Ale. Find your one-stop beer shop at Costco locations across Ontario.
Flor de Caña 12, $49 for 750 mL
This well-aged rum has hints of coffee, chocolate and vanilla after spending 12 years in the barrel.
Masumi Nanago Junmai Daiginjo Sake Boxed, $91 for 720 mL
This truly special brew has plenty of robust tropical-fruit and stone-fruit notes, which are expertly balanced with bright acidity and rich umami.
Beau's Holiday Mix Pack, $15.95
Discover your new winter favourite in this grab-and-go pack from Beau's Brewing, featuring four delightful options to add cheer to your celebrations. Included are one 473mL can of Lug Tread Lagered Ale, Juiced AF Hazy IPA, Creme Brew-lee Dessert Stout, and exclusive to the pack, Night Marzen Amber Lager.
Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $47 for 750 mL
Whether toasting with family, entertaining friends or simply savouring by a fire, elevate the holiday season with Ezra Brooks 99 Proof. As a higher proof bourbon whiskey aged in new charred American white oak barrels and charcoal filtered, it delivers a bold, enhanced flavour profile and a smooth, mellow finish. Its rich notes of caramel, vanilla, chocolate and spice deliver the perfect sip when enjoying the finer things in life. (Price varies by province.)
Bearface Triple Oak Canadian Whisky, $40 for 750 mL
For the whisky aficionado who’s tried it all, this new spirit from B.C. is sure to spark some joy, thanks to the vanilla, caramel, baking spice and dried-fruit notes that come from spending time in three different types of oak casks.
Dillon’s Chocolate Liqueur, $50 for 750 mL
A tipple of this chocolate liqueur is the perfect way to kick off the season of indulgence. It’s equally delicious in dessert cocktails and straight up on the rocks.
Amaro Montenegro Italian Liqueur, $35 for 750 mL
Crafted from a blend of 40 botanicals, Montenegro Amaro is a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails like the Monte Negroni. Featuring flavours of sweet orange, coriander and cinnamon, with a hint of bitterness and lingering herbal finish, its smooth and aromatic taste makes for the perfect digestif or mixed with any spirit.
Siempre Tequila Plata $66 for 750 mL
A Toronto couple had a vision for this extraordinarily delicious, additive-free and traditionally made tequila. Unlike many on the market, this sipper has no added vanilla and caramel. We’re here for it.
Hwayo 25 Premium Soju, $39 for 375 mL
Although you could swap Hwayo 25 in for almost any white spirit, this earthy, herbal soju, which has a hint of lemon oil, is most often enjoyed as a shot (chilled) or mixed with tonic water and lemon.
Fettercairn 12, $100 for 700 mL
Known for its unique tropical fruit notes, this distinctive single malt scotch delivers a satisfyingly smooth finish. Matured in American oak barrels and finished in rum casks, Fettercairn 12 Year Old presents a beautiful blend of flavours, with aromas of citrus, vanilla and honey that are complemented by a rich, spicy palate, each taste leaves you with a warm, lingering sweetness.
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, $30 for 750 mL
Go big and bold when gifting a bottle of Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2018 red is a captivating blend, featuring rich notes of dark cherry, plum and baking spices, complemented by hints of black pepper and crushed violets. With medium tannins and a velvety finish, it pairs beautifully with grilled steak or lamb, making it the perfect choice for special occasions.
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A National Magazine Award-winning writer, Christine Sismondo has been writing about spirits, cocktails, bars, and history for publications including Chatelaine, Sharp and the LCBO's Food & Drink for over twenty years. She’s also the Academy Chair for Canada East for World’s 50 Best Bars, author of America Walks into a Bar (2011), Prohibition, a six-part podcast series for Wondery’s American History Tellers and, most recently, Cocktails, A Still Life.
