What's Christmas without a glass of bubbles, or a warming shot of whisky? We've compiled a list of the best luxury spirits & wines for you to gift your loved ones this festive season.
Enjoying the festivities with family and friends is always made more comforting with a glass of fizz! A bottle of booze makes the perfect Christmas gift if you're struggling on what to get for who. So, skip the cheap stuff and follow this guide as we provide a list of the best spirits and sparkling wines to gift to the ones you love this year.
Maison Bruno Paillard stands as a distinctive and family-operated Champagne House. Renowned for crafting the most refined and intricate Champagnes, it caters to the discerning palates of Champagne enthusiasts. Among its exceptional offerings, the Maison's Blanc de Blancs Réserve Privée Grand Cru MV emerges as a quintessential choice for a festive present. Crafted exclusively from handpicked Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes harvested from the revered Côtes de Blancs, this Chardonnay variety boasts a graceful finesse, enveloping the palate in silkiness and concluding with a creamy flourish. A perfect pairing for seafood delicacies such as oysters, sushi, and smoked salmon, making it an ideal choice for those with an affinity for the sea among your friends.
£74.95
Kubota Seppou Black Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Tailored for those who appreciate unconventional libations, this exclusive sake presents an excellent option. Born from a distinctive partnership between two esteemed Niigata-based brands, this invigorating sake boasts a medley of flavors, including hints of melon, steamed rice, zesty yuzu, wildflowers, and succulent grapes. Crafted with al fresco enjoyment in mind, this sake harmonizes exquisitely with foraged fare, leisurely picnics, sizzling barbecues, as well as on-the-go sushi and sashimi. The Kubota Sake stands as a unique gift for an equally remarkable individual, encapsulating the spirit of distinction in every sip.
Hailing from Maison Villevert, G'Vine emerges as a French gin distinguished by its grape-based composition, a departure from the conventional use of rye or barley. Embodying an essence of elegance, smoothness, and floral notes, G’Vine stands as a pinnacle of luxury gin. Infused with the classic juniper berry alongside eight other botanicals, it orchestrates a symphony of flavors that culminate in a harmonious, full-bodied, and velvety-textured gin. A delightful rejuvenation for the senses, G'Vine holds appeal for both devoted gin enthusiasts and those new to the world of gin. Wrapped in uniqueness, it becomes the ultimate, exceptional gin offering for your cherished recipient this festive season.
Gusbourne Estate presents a pinnacle in luxury with their offering, Fifty One Degrees North, standing as the United Kingdom's most exclusive sparkling wine, priced at £195 per bottle. Crafted from the 2014 vintage within Gusbourne’s vineyards sprawled across Kent and West Sussex, this masterpiece blends a harmonious two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Noir, meticulously aged for 80 months. While it undoubtedly holds a premium price compared to prior recommendations, this exceptional choice ensures an unforgettable gift – a true testament to your affection, particularly if the recipient holds a penchant for fine wines.
Suggesting another perfect Christmas gift, the recent partnership between North Point Distillery and the iconic Burgh Island Hotel brings forth the exquisite Burgh Island London Dry Gin. This dry gin is a fusion of seventeen botanicals, including locally sourced Rosa Rugosa and Gorse, resulting in a delightful citrus-infused flavour.
Beyond taste, this gin highlights sustainability. Crafted with wind farm energy, it minimises environmental impact. Bottled in recycled glass, with eco-friendly corks and labels, it appeals to planet-conscious recipients.
The Celtic Whisky Distillerie has developed its first ever blend, combining two whiskies of Celtic origin. Bearing a Breton name that evokes its character, Gwalarn means “North-West Wind”, the French distillery in Côtes-d’Armor brings a breath of fresh air to the world of blended whiskies. Gwalarn is a striking whisky in its balance and complexity, with energetic notes of cereals, fruit and vanilla; the peaty and salty background is reminiscent of Kornog - full and even. The complexity and balance distinguish Gwalarn from the best premium blended whiskies, thus gifting a bottle of this to any friend who appreciates a good glass of whisky is most definitely the perfect Christmas present!
And finally, for any avid-whisky drinker a whisky appreciation chair is a necessary gift! The only way to enjoy a good whisky is to be encased by American walnut - brass feet help greatly too. The House of Finn Juhl have newly relaunched a collection of Whisky Chairs (originally designed back in 1948), to complement the perfect glass of whisky. Whilst many may perceive the chair as too extravagant, this truly is a one-in-a-kind Christmas gift that any whisky-lover will never forget!
Making champagne might seem like something best left to French winemakers in centuries-old cellars, but the process is surprisingly approachable once you understand the basics.
