In the Spirits
Cheers to your host: The best champagne, sake, whiskey, beer & tequilaselections
When it comes to a great host and hostess gift for a New Year's Eve celebration or consumables for your favorite good-timers, tastes can be tricky. We asked five of our favorite experts to suggest booze offerings that will undoubtedly get you invited back.
CHAMPAGNE:Paul Roberts, Master Sommelier, Bond Estates
- Roederer Estate
Year in and year out, this is one of the greatest values of all of the sparkling wines made in the world. It combines the bred of the best of France with the freshness of California sunshine. Retail: $20
- Larmandier Bernier Premier Cru Rose
It's reminiscent of a great Burgundy (Pinot Noir), but with bubbles, and is extraordinarily aromatic. It's a holiday pleaser. Rose champagne is often misunderstood as appropriate for Valentine’s day only, yet great Rose (made from Pinot Noir; hence the pink color) is the perfect festive gift. It offers a bit more body and the fruit pairs perfectly with a wide array of holiday foods. Retail: $70
- 1990 Dom Perignon Oenotheque
For the big spenders out there, truly blow it out of the water with this selection. It's a special bottling of Dom Perignon that has been aged for a number of years in the cold caves in Champagne. It's the perfect wine to serve while reflecting upon the past year and celebrating the New Year to come. Retail: starting at $350
SAKE: Leon Pham, Bar Manager, Azuma Downtown
- Divine Droplets Junmai Daiginjo
This is the only Junmai Daiginjo in the world made in an igloo-like "ice dome." It presents a prominent fragrance and a clean, fresh taste. It's filtered drop by drop with flavor that reaches deep into the recesses. Retail: $30
- Horin
This sake has a medium body. You'll notice subtle fruit flavors and a smooth taste on your palate. Gekkeikan, a prestigious brewery that for nearly 400 years has established itself as a dominant sake manufacturer, produces it. Retail: $15
- Hananomai Ginjo
This sake is dry and light. It's best served at room-temperature or lukewarm. Brewmaster Kazuhito Tsuchida explained that this sake was especially designed for beginners and young people. Retail: $8
TEQUILA: Scott Lindsey, Partner and General Manager, Certified Tequilier, TQLA
- Chinaco Anejo
This tequila is rare and not very well known, which is why I like it. It's named after the Chinaco warriors who defended Mexico during the 1800s. Made with 100 percent blue agave, the anejo is aged for 30 months in a mix of barrels including American bourbon casks. The flavor is a combination of vanilla, pear, and spice. Retail: $54
- Ocho Rios Blanco
This tequila is 100 percent blue agave and estate grown. Every bottle is hand-numbered, and Ocho Rios Blanco was crowned the first ever "Tequila Vintage." Upon tasting, you'll notice hints of sweet agave, floral and citrus flavors. Retail: $42
- Casta Gusano Real Worm Reposado
The hand-blown bottle is made in Mexico and represents the worm. It's also 100 percent blue agave and aged just under a year in white oak casks. Notable flavors: wood, oak and black pepper. Retail: $92
BEER: Joseph Jackson, General Manager, The Ginger Man
- Ommegang Three Philosophers
This is a Belgian Quadrupel (9.8% ABV) finished with 2 percent Belgian cherry lambic. It's an excellent beer year round, but especially when the weather turns a bit chilly. It's rich and malty — one of the best. Retail: $10
- Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
A Christmas classic, this balanced ale (6% ABV) pairs well with Christmas dinner classics such as roasted goose, smoked turkey, candied yams and sweet cake. It's a medium-bodied malty beer that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Retail: Under $10 for a four-pack
- Barbår Winterbök
A very rare treat this time of year, this ale (8% ABV) is brewed using honey, coriander and orange peel. If there were a Mt. Rushmore of winter beers, this would be on it. Make sure to stock up, as it doesn't last long. Retail: Under $12 for a four-pack
WHISKEY, Evan Turner, Managing Partner and Beverage Director, Branch Water Tavern
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
If you turned Lou Rawls into an alcoholic spirit, it would be Eagle Rare 10. Maple, vanilla and hints of uber-dark cranberry make this a bourbon you wish you could wrap yourself up in. It's worth buying a bear rug just to lie on it and drink this stuff in front of a fire.
Retail: $27
- Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye
Simply brilliant as your base for a Manhattan, this rye has power and definition. Taste lovely dried red fruit and spice with a brilliant mineral finish. This mule has a kick.
Retail: $45
- Hudson Baby Bourbon
Hudson Baby is elegant with a supple, subtle style. Notes of orange peel and dried cherry make this a perfect Bourbon to sip neat or add ice. Heaven forbid you add any mixer, as it would be a crime.
Retail: $51