New Spirits for Gifting

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ou’ve decided to give a bottle of scotch to a friend or colleague for their birthday…nowadays this is a cliché. A more exciting gift of spirits would be something new and relatively unknown. Here at gyftit.com we have looked for some unusual new liqueurs and other alcohol to tempt the palates of those aficionados with curiosity and good taste. Show them you are a connoisseur and an original gift giver. Not all of the following are easy to obtain, but should be tasted if you are fortunate to find them.

Tom Cat Gin is an American Vermont-made gin. Made with raw honey, it has a bit of a floral taste and almost drinks like a whiskey. Barr Hill ages this gin for six months in new American oak barrels, just like a bourbon. This gives the alcohol weight and body while retaining the complex aromatics of juniper. Making a cocktail with Tom Cat Gin should be interesting to say the least. Find it at caledoniaspirits.com.

The apple or pear brandy known as Calvados has a new rival aperitif called Pommeau. Native to Normandy, it’s now becoming known in North America for it's “ap-peal". It's a blend of apple brandy and unfermented apple juice and is stronger than wine, clocking in between 16–20% alcohol but not as strong as most spirits. So for those liking the taste of apples, this makes a great summer cocktail, especially when served chilled. Find it at calvados-huet.com.

From California (mostly known for wines) comes a “Frenchy” named liqueur called Chareau. It’s surprisingly made from a blend of macerated vine fruits, eau de vie and bright botanicals, with fresh aloe vera juice added as the final step, giving it a unique taste. You can experiment pairing it with different spirits and juices and eventually come up with a drink you can name after yourself! An interesting gift for anybody. Find it at chareau.us.

If you live in Europe or are visiting there, you are fortunate to be able to purchase the Jägermeister Scharf — the hottest Jägermeister ever created. Gifting this should bring a smile to those surprised by this hot and spicy version, intensified with more ginger and galangal. It still has the same blend of 56 botanicals and is at 33% abv. Find it at jagermeister.com.

There are always some people who don’t drink alcohol. A non-alcoholic bottle of wine or non-alcoholic spirits is a gift you can give without worrying it might offend. In the UK, Pernod Ricard recently launched a new non-alcoholic drink with a smooth blend of sweet vanilla, spices and oak cask wood flavors called Celtic Soul. How great to be able to enjoy a truly delicious drink and have a "spiritual" experience without losing ones senses! It is not presently available in North America but we're sure the company is eyeing this market for the future. Since it is non-alcoholic it can probably be mailed to anywhere in the world. More info at pernod-ricard.com and soberito.com

Mixers

There is also another category associated with alcoholic drinks — mixers. They are the non-alcoholic ingredients in mixed drinks and cocktails that change the taste and enhance the drink (we all know the mix of rum and coke or vodka and orange juice). There are more exotic mixers available. Smoky Ginger Ale from Fever-Tree is a new version of their standard ginger ale. It has fuller flavor with smoked applewood infused in its water base. This mixer will enhance a scotch or mezcal and give a rum or bourbon smokey notes. Because it is non-alcoholic it can even be drunk on its own for a refreshing change. Find it at fever-tree.com

Another new mixer is the Sanpellegrino Limone e Menta soda, a very Italian drink by the S.Pellegrino company. It has no preservatives, no colorings and is made with only the best Italian lemons and mint. The company also makes orange sodas (Aranciata), lemon sodas (Limonata) and has created even more interesting flavors. This one is like squeezing a fresh lemon into your cocktail. Find it at Sanpellegrino Limone e Menta