Raz’s recommendations for 2019:
Boozy suggestions:
Munitions grade dram (up to $50):
At around $30, you can’t go wrong with the Aberlour 12 Year Double cask in my opinion but if you are buying for the more big brass ballz kind of whisky drinker the Laphroaig Select 750 might do you better at just under $35 it’s a steal. Knappogue Castle 12 Year Irish Whiskey would be a welcome site under my tree this year and is well priced at a hair under $45 at the moment.
Sipper dram (up to $100):
On the reasonable end of this group I’d put in the Compass Box Spice Tree Blended Malt. Yea, John is an old friend of the 3DC, but I’ve always had a fondness for this particular expression. Yellowspot 12 Year Pot Still at around $90 is an excellent choice for the Paddy lover on your list.
Special occasion dram (up to $300):
The Compass Box Hedonism is a bit more pricey that used to be, but at just over $100 it’s still a good value for money in my opinion. At a wink under $200 this dram’s price keeps crawling up there but it’s the only dram by this maker I actually like so I’ma toss it on the list, Balvenie 21 Year Port Wood Finish.
Stupid money ($300+):
Save your coin. I love whisky as much as the next guy, but who the hell you buying this for anyway. Unless your are hanging with the Maharaja, buy a couple bottles for some closer friends instead. 😛
Out of the box thinking:
Pricey for a sake at just under $40, but I do love this one: Masumi Hiyaoroshi Hiyaoroshi Ginjo Sake “Sleeping Beauty”
All this booze can be purchased via Hi Time Wine at: https://www.hitimewine.net/
Other ideas
Accessories:
Here’s a pretty bad ass flask via Amazon; Mealivos 18oz SST Flask with Cap, Case and 2 telescopic sippers at just under $24.
Book:
Here’s one I’d like to get myself actually. We might know the author of this one so there’s that caveat, but he knows his shite so I don’t mind shilling for him. Robin Robinson’s book, The complete Whiskey Course: A comprehensive Tasting School in Ten Classes is available on a variety of retailers from at least Amazon to Target, at just under $30 (B&N has a deal on it right now though).
So stupid I kind of want it anyway:
Via Amazon again, Refinery and Co. Drink Dispenser for Whiskey and Other Libations, Easy Dispensing Spout at $21 it seems like it’d be worth a shot, so to speak.
