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17 AWESOME GIFTS FOR DRINKERS
05 Dec 2017 By David Fuhrmann-Lim
Flasks, Decanters and Bar Tools – 17 Gifts For The Drinker/Connoisseur in Your Life.
The Whisky Glass came about from an exploration into the diverse and often mysterious world of whisky. So what makes this glass so unique? Traditionally the tumbler has been seen as the vessel of choice for the majority of whisky drinkers and the ‘whisky snifter’ relegated to the small group of true whisky tasters. We have now combined these worlds.
The hand-blown shape of the Whisky Glass combines the benefits of taste and smell associated with a traditional whisky snifter with the versatility and style of a classic tumbler. The wide base maximises the surface area of a standard measure, funneling the aromas through the tapered body to the optimally sized opening. This reveals the whisky’s full character. US$55 from The Cool Hunter
Safari-Themed Stirrers
It’s a bar tool and accessory all in one, and we’ve found they invite cocktail party conversation (and cries of adoration) whenever we break them out. Each assortment includes 10 animals — a random mix of giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra, elephant, rhino, hippopotamus, gorilla, camel, bear, lion, and moose. US$22 from Food52
Higgs & Crick 3-Piece Decanter Set
Whether you’re following the example set on screen in Mr Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman series and toasting a fellow agent, or simply settling down to a well-earned nightcap, this set is a worthy addition to your home bar. Expertly mouth-blown and handcrafted in a lengthy nine-step two-week process by British specialist Higgs & Crick, it’s comprised of a weighty decanter, stopper and two glasses – as you take a sip, you’ll note the secret agency’s logo is carefully engraved on each vessel’s base. The handsome wood and leather presentation box is tartan-lined and doubles as a display case when you invert the lid. Appx S$7676 from Mr Porter. (Yup, you saw correctly).
Stillhouse Original Whiskey 750ml Can
Gotta love the can. Original Clear Corn Whiskey is hand-crafted from 100% estate-grown corn and distilled four times in a Prohibition-era copper pot still. Award-winning from the inside out, Stillhouse is distilled and charcoal-filtered for superior quality and taste, and defies convention from clear, mixable whiskey to package with its one-of-a-kind, daring red, unbreakable stainless steel can that goes where glass can’t. At 80 proof, this all-natural, gluten-free proprietary recipe is charcoal-filtered for the highest purity, quality and taste. A truly versatile spirit, Shine can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks and in a wide range of mixed cocktails. US$25 for the 750ml, US$14 for the 375 ml, buy at ReserveBar
Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Smoking Box
Charles Joly, world-champion bartender and creator of Crafthouse Cocktails, has teamed up with Fortessa to design a line of bar tools celebrating the bold spirit of handcrafted cocktails. Blending vintage flair with modern ergonomics, these finely made barware tools allow you to craft professional-level cocktails at home regardless of your mixology experience. US$200 at Williams-Sonomo
Izola Bar Tools
High five this set of solid bar tools from Izola, now available in Singapore. Comes with a beautiful functional apron, and fits into a stylish case (S$156). Monument Lifestyle Concept Store, 75 Duxton Road.
The Macallan x Urwerk Flask
A watch has one primary purpose: to tell time. A flask has one primary purpose: to hold booze. Urwerk has managed to craft truly exceptional examples of both. A collaboration with the storied Scottish whisky maker, The Macallan x Urwerk Flask is delightfully over-engineered. It’s made up of over 150 machined aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel parts, and has dual inner tanks to let you carry two of your favorite whiskies at once. Winglets fold out to let it stand upright, and cask indicators let you track the age and type of whisky in each tank. Limited to just 500 examples.
Limited Edition Cointreau L’Age d’Or du Cocktail
For the domestic goddess, cocktail enthusiast, or Art Deco lover, the Limited Edition Cointreau L’Age d’Or du Cocktail is a luminous visual homage to the Art Deco style of the Roaring Twenties. The facets of the iconic square bottle of the classic French orange liqueur are transformed to mimic the decorative Moderne glass block walls popular at the time, while the label features emblematic symmetrical and geometric Art Deco motifs. A tribute to the Golden Age of Cocktails, this incandescent work of art makes an impeccable addition to any home bar.
S$48 from Asher BWS
Bruichladdich ‘Wee Ladies’ Tasting Collection
For the ultimate whisky lover, the Bruichladdich ‘Wee Laddies’ Tasting Collection will be one for the books, featuring three tasting bottles of the award-winning progressive distillery’s core expressions: The Classic Laddie, Islay Barley and Port Charlotte Scottish Barley.
The ‘Wee Laddies’ Tasting Collection is exclusively available at La Maison du Whisky at S$178.
Stacking Wine Glass
Picnic in style with these stackable wine glasses. Stem and cup detach for easy, compact travel and sturdy nylon straps make for easy carrying.
US$10 for set of 2 at Kikkeland
Leopold Matte Black Jigger
We know you make your own cocktails. But with these, you’re making it with panache. US$25, from Cocktail Kingdom
2013 St Henri Shiraz
So naturally you’re gonna need something to drink – here are some of our suggestions for wines and wine machines. But also this: A time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange, making it a great gift for a wine loving Christmas dinner host. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. This is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character [Peak Drinking Now till 2046]. $125 from most supermarkets in Singapore.
Proof Christmas Tote 1
EC Proof, the newly launched consumer facing brand from the kickass team behind Proof & Company Spirits and 28 HongKong Street, presents a collection of gifts available for purchase at The Proof Flat.
What’s in the bag: Becherovka, Rowan’s Creek Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, “Cocktails for the Holidays” Book. Perfect for: Impressing your boss. S$264 from The Proof Flat, call or SMS +65 8228 0113 or head to 43A Hong Kong Street.
Proof Christmas Tote 2
What’s in the bag: Mancino Secco Vermouth, Sipsmith Vodka, Brooklyn Gin, Regan’s Orange Bitters, Ice Cube Mold, Mixing Glass, Spoon, Julep Strainer.
Perfect for: Your nightcap after a long day at the office. S$487 with tools, $319 without tools.
HiCoup Corkscrew
Waiters Corkscrew by HiCoup: A professional grade natural rosewood, all-in-one corkscrew, bottle opener and foil cutter – the favoured choice of sommeliers and all vinoholics. US$10.24 at Amazon
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