Raise Your Spirits

This year, the hottest gifts are decidedly practical, yet far from dull.

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This year, the hottest gifts are decidedly practical, yet far from dull. Take Louis XIII, for example. This luxurious cognac, presented in a reproduction of a 16th century crystal decanter, is an artistic treasure that brings instant warmth to any party, in any season. 

For gifts with a colorful statement, festive red Pama lifts spirits with its sensationally flavorful pomegranate liquor, while Hypnotiq’s mix of exotic fruit juices and premium liquor celebrates special occasions with its icy-blue appeal.

For the Mojito- and Margarita-loving hosts, a bottle of Tommy Bahama rum or Lunazul tequila says you know that a premium cocktail is the sum of its ingredients — and only the best will do for you, my friend.

There’s never been a better time than now to experiment with sensational liquors and create unique spins on popular cocktails, yet there’s something to be said for traditional favorites. A noble spirit indeed, Crown Royal whisky presents its Cask No. 16, a blend of 50 aged whiskies, in a beautiful faceted bottle, along with its signature velvet bag and collector’s tube.
Maker’s Mark whisky, which prides itself on ingredients from select farm cooperatives, offers a truly American story hand-dipped in red wax. 

This year, the trifecta of perfection — Baileys with a hint of caramel, Baileys with a hint of mint chocolate and, of course, Baileys Original Irish Cream – has added Baileys with a hint of coffee to its stable of after-dinner indulgences.

And for the gift that keeps on giving? Join WineStyles, or give it as a gift. Membership includes savings each month, a subscription to Wines magazine, and invitations to special events.
Whether shared with friends or savored slowly, a premium liquor or bottle of wine is the perfect gifts to warm hearts, sooth worries, and raise spirits.

Enjoy.

LOUIS XIII

Louis XIII belongs to a world of its own. Radiant and rare, it rises above ordinary, everyday life. While most measure their lives in years, Louis XIII measures in centuries. With its grace, refinement and taste, Louis XIII is a result of a tireless pursuit of excellence. Richly woven with history and steeped in family tradition, Louis XIII is acclaimed as the ultimate taste reference for cognac and a statement of true luxury. Created in 1874, Louis XIII is the world’s first ultra premium spirit and the pride of Rémy Martin.

It is presented in a faithful reproduction of an original 16th century Renaissance decanter. Each vessel is individually marked with a unique secret code, and is a true benchmark of craftsmanship. A blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vies, Louis XIII is aged 40-100 years in limousin oak casks called tiercons. For three generations, the highly skilled cellar masters have taken great care in their work, painstakingly adhering to each minute detail of the original recipe in order to ensure consistently superior taste and quality.

GIFT IDEA

A crystal vase is an elegant gift, but a crystal decanter filled with the world’s finest eaux-de-vie makes a superb statement. The ‘King of Cognacs,’ Louis XIII is a symbol of sophistication and contemporary luxury, with an enduring legacy that will be treasured by the king or queen in your life. Available in 1.75L, 750mL and 50 mL.

©2008 E. Rémy Martin & Co., Louis XIII® Grande Champagne Cognac, 40% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Louis XIII Bottle Design ®

HANDMADE WHISKY

Maker’s Mark uses pure, iron-free limestone spring water obtained exclusively from our 10-acre limestone spring-fed lake at the distillery.

We’re very choosy about selecting the grains that go into our whisky. First, we use yellow corn and red winter wheat from specially selected small farm cooperatives, all of which are located near the distillery. This wheat gives our whisky its soft, mellow taste.

We use an old-fashioned rollermill, and we never pressure-cook our grain. By using an open cooker, we extend the subtle grain flavors into our whisky.

Finally, every bottle is hand-dipped in our signature red wax.

GIFT IDEA

This holiday season, give someone special the gift of Maker’s Mark. This handcrafted whisky is rich in tradition and heritage; it was started — and is still operated — by the Samuels family. Come visit us at our distillery in Loretto, Ky., for an experience you won’t soon forget. For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

Maker's Mark Manhattan
Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice. Add Maker’s Mark, a good quality sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherry juice. Shake or stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice). 

LUNAZUL™

When the night calls, the “blue moon” of Lunazul is the tequila that beckons the spirit and independence of the majestic wolf that lives inside you. This is top-quality tequila, made from 100 percent estate-grown and crafted blue agave. One taste will tell you why Lunazul is a fitting tribute to its origins in Tequila, Jallsco, Mexico. Choose from two types: Reposado, with smooth vanilla notes and a classic, earthy agave taste with a smoky finish; or Blanco, with a spicy nose, hints of hot pepper, and a very smooth mint eucalyptus finish.

GIFT IDEA

Is there someone with an adventurous spirit on your list? A bottle of Lunazul Reposado or Blanco is a great gift choice. 

COCKTAIL RECIPE

Blue Moon Margarita
1 1/2 oz. Lunazul Blanco
3/4 oz. orange liqueur
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. If desired, salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass. Strain into glass over fresh ice, garnish with a lime wedge.

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