Sophisticated Spirits | Gift Guide for the Mixologist

Most whisky enthusiasts have several bottles of The Macallan in their collection, but the new Harmony Rich Cacao is unlike any other. The Macallan’s whisky maker Polly Logan collaborated with pastry chef Jordi Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain, on this unique edition. True to its name, it has delightful chocolate aromas and notes and is ultra-rich. It comes in a 100 percent recyclable box made using discarded husks from cacao pods, which would otherwise have been sent to a landfill or destroyed.

$230, drizly.com

Casa Dragones is known for its exceptional sipping tequila, which is so smooth and delicious that we recommend skipping the craft cocktails and drinking it neat or on the rocks. To make it even more special, opt for a personalized bottle. These gorgeous bottles feature hand-scripted messages from expert calligraphers, so you can wish your friends happy holidays or send a personalized bottle.

$335, reservebar.com

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Cognac lovers will be very impressed with a bottle of Bisquit & Dubouché XO Cognac. Although this prestigious cognac only made its US debut earlier this year, it has more than 200 years of history in its native country of France. The spirit is double distilled in copper pot stills using a unique method that takes its distillers years to learn. The result is a smooth, complex spirit with floral and fruity notes.

$220, reservebar.com 

When you give this gorgeous bottle from Glenmorangie and floral artist Azuma Makoto, every mixologist will want it front and center in their bar. The label features a photograph of a stunning floral sculpture, “Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie” by Makoto. Makoto was inspired by the golden liquid’s floral notes and created a living masterpiece to celebrate its bountiful aromas. The 18 Years Old single malt scotch has perfumed floral notes with dried fruits, caramel, nuts, and vanilla.

$165, totalwineandspirits.com

While gin will always be closely associated with London, American distilleries are getting in on the action, too. High Goal Luxury Gin is crafted in Charleston, South Carolina. Its distillers use local botanicals, including Meyer lemon, mint, coriander, cardamom, and, of course, juniper. High Goal Luxury Gin makes just 3,000 bottles per batch, and is perfect for sipping on the rocks with a slice of lemon.

$50, passionspirits.com

Louis XIII is one of the highly sought-after by bartenders, and it’s one of the most exclusive cognacs on the market. Its bottles are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive shape, which is inspired by a historic flask. While the original might be out of your holiday gifting price range — it costs around $4,000 per full-sized bottle — you can purchase a delightful miniature bottle for a comparative bargain. It contains 50ml of the rare cognac, which would make a decadent stocking stuffer and craft cocktail ingredient.

$659, flaviar.com 

The beer lover in your life will love this new release from Woodford Reserve — it brings classic beer flavors to whiskey. This limited-edition expression is quite unusual for the historic Kentucky producer, which is known for its award-winning bourbon. The Five-Malt Stouted Mash has roasted malty stout flavors along with baked fruit, orange zest, and baking spices. With this release, beer and whiskey lovers won’t have to choose which one to drink.

$130, woodfordreserve.com

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