5 to Find: Holiday spirits that make great presents
BY SCOTT CHERRY World Scene Writer
Thursday, November 29, 2012
11/29/12 at 5:24 AM
The answer to your holiday party gift, hostess gift or a special someone on your Christmas list may be no farther away than your neighborhood liquor store.
Most stores have a varied selection of gift boxes, often popular bourbons, scotches, vodkas and rums paired with etched drinking glasses, flasks or other appropriate items.
The neat thing about the gift boxes is that they cost within pennies of what the bottle of liquor, wine or beer goes for on the shelf. The gift part is essentially free.
Stores also are displaying seasonal and holiday beers, holiday-themed wines, German gluhwein (mulled wine meant to be warmed on the stove with fresh fruits), and wines with Oklahoma ties such as Switzer Family Vineyards, Far Niente, ecoVINO, Tulsa Deco and Calistoga Cellars.
The following five items are representative of each of these categories.
1. Baileys Irish Cream gift set ($25). Baileys Irish Cream, made by Gilbeys of Ireland and introduced in 1974, is a blend of Irish whiskey and cream-based liqueur. It's a perfect match for a cup of Joe on a cold morning. This set has the mugs to go with it.
2. St. Bernardus Christmas Ale ($11). Part of the family of Abbey Ales by Brewery St. Bernardus, this brew has a deep color, creamy head and full, velvety flavor. It's perfect to share with ale-loving friends on long winter nights.
3. Chocolat Rouge ($11). This blend of chocolate and red wine comes in three decadent flavors - Sweet Red with flavors of chocolate-dipped red berries, Milk Chocolate with a traditional chocolate taste and Dark Red with a flavor of dark chocolate and black berries. Chill and add to coffee, pour over ice cream or drink as an after-dinner aperitif.
4. Christmas at Biltmore ($12), Reindeer Ranch ($8). Christmas at Biltmore, a white wine blend, and Reindeer Ranch, a red wine blend, are right jolly items for wine lovers during the holiday season.
5. Charles Smith Broncho ($75). World-renowned winemaker Charles Smith of Walla Walla, Wash., fell in love with Tulsa-Norman punk rock band Broncho the last time he was in Tulsa. He even hired the band to play a private party at the Cellar Dweller. Smith, a former music promoter in Europe, recently released a wine in the band's name, Broncho, a malbec made with grapes from Smith's highly acclaimed Stoneridge Vineyard. It received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. It has limited availability; fewer than 100 cases were made.
Original Print Headline: 5 to find
SCOTT CHERRY World Scene Writer 918-581-8463
scott.cherry@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Reindeer Ranch wine (left), Christmas at Biltmore wine, Baileys Irish Cream gift box, Broncho wine, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale and Chocolat Rouge are quick and easy holiday gift ideas. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World
|
