Holiday Gift Guide: Wine, Beer and Spirits

Raise your holiday spirits with a glass of bubbly, beer, vino and more this Christmas. There are so many options out there so I’ve helped you narrow down your list of options for all seasonal settings. Whether you’re gifting to a spirits-loving friend or bringing a bottle for a holiday soiree, these drinks will undoubtedly make it a merrier fete for all.

Aberfeldy 12 Year Old

This golden dram from the Last Great Malts of Scotland family is great for the scotch lover in your life. Perfect for sipping on cold winter evenings, it is a subtle and fruity liquor. The nose is highly fragrant with aromas of dried flowers and honey, finishing with notes of sweet vanilla and Seville oranges.

Available at Vine Arts and Co-Op Wine & Spirits

Eau Claire Distillery Prickly Pear EquineOx

This Turner Valley distillery has been churning out quality gins and vodkas, but their Prickly Pear EquineOx is a delicious alternative. This white-rectified spirit is made out of cactus and can be served on ice or enjoyed as a complement to your favourite cocktail.

Available at Oak & Vine, 5 Vines, and Vines Arts

Invivo Wines 2015 Sauvignon Blanc

Red wines get a lot of love so it’s fun to switch it up with a refreshing white wine every now and then. This New Zealand wine has fresh fruit blends with aromas of melons, limes, passionfruit and tropical papaya. It’s a teasing sweetness that makes you come back for me with layers of fruit unfolding for a crisp and zesty glass.

Available at Willow Park and Highlander

Secret Barrel White Rum

This local distillery has only been distributing their rum for the past year, but has found their way into numerous stores and restaurants all over town. Barrel-aged for a year, Secret Barrel Distillery’s white rum has been filtered to remove impurities. It’s soft notes of vanilla and butterscotch make it easy to serve neat on ice or mixed with some soda and lime.

Calgary Co-Op Wine and Spirits, Vine Arts and 5 Vines

Mill Street Brewery growler

For large gatherings and parties, a Mill Street Brewery growler would not go amiss. Fill up with one of the freshly brewed Mill Street classics or seasonal flavor on tap. The large 64 oz jug is perfect for sharing but if you don’t quite need so much beer all at once, the smaller 32 oz squealer still gets you some Mill Street freshness.

Available at Mill Street Brewpub on 17^th Ave