Opinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts

Opinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts

It’s that time of the year again! Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is 26 days away, so its time to gift shop!

Each year I post the top 25 whisky’s for the previous year so please be on the look out this December 2023.

For Christmas gifts of whisky, I recommend the following:

  • Whisky for parties: Johnnie Walker Black or Woodford Reserve ($35)
  • Whisky for people you like: Anything 14+ years older ($65+)
  • Whisky for cocktails: FEW Bourbon, The Singleton, Sagamore Rye Cask Strength ($40-$65)
  • Whisky for people you really like: 18+ year old Single Malts ($130-$400)
  • Accessories: Large Ice Cube trays, Crystal 8oz glasses, cigar cutters. (price varies)
  • No idea what to buy: Gift card to a Total Wine (or equal) and the person can buy what they want. ($50)

Remember, it’s the thought that counts. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to everyone. Wishing everyone a happy & healthy end of 2023 and a better 2024!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisOpinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts
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Opinions Vary: Whisky as a Gift

Opinions Vary: Whisky as a Gift

Frequently I get asked, “What is a good whisky to give to someone as a gift?”

I never know the correct answer because I do not know the person who is receiving the gift. This leads me to ask more questions such as, “What is their preferred type of whisky? Do they like it strong or light? How much do you want to spend? Is it for making cocktails?” etc. This ends up confusing the asker and I realize I have not helped that much. So I thought I would offer my opinion, which varies, on what whisky’s to give as a gift.

My gift recommendations are as follows:

Scotch: Johnnie Walker Black at $35. Always works even for non-whisky drinkers. You can drink it, cook with it, and re-gift it. Upgrade would be any 12-14 year old Single Malt around $50-60.

Bourbon: Woodford Reserve at $35. Same as JW Black. Upgrade would be Michters or FEW at around $50.

Rye: Bulliet Rye at $35. Same as JW Black. Upgrade would be Sagamore Rye at $50

For cocktails: Knob Creek 9 (100 proof) at $40. Upgrade would be Sagamore Cask Strength Rye at $65+

Special Occasions: Johnnie Walker Blue ($200+) or Johnnie Walker 18 ($125).

My final thought is do not give whisky as a gift unless you know what the person likes or at least the brand they enjoy. But if in doubt, follow the ones above.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisOpinions Vary: Whisky as a Gift
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Opinions Vary – Which Cigar Cutter is the best?

There is sometimes a raging debate on what is the best method to cut your cigar among cigar smokers with no clear winner. Personally, I have learned  it depends on the type of cigar and your preference on the type of draw you like.

Traditionally there are three types of cutters that are used which are, Straight Cut, V-Cut, or Punch. I like to use them as follows:

“Straight Cut” is for larger gauge, longer and tightly pack cigars that take 45+ minutes to smoke.

“V-Cut” when I want to mix it up. If I don’t like the draw then I straight cut it over it.

“Punch” for smaller cigars like Nub. Also, it is easy carry with you on a key chain.

What is affect the most by the cutter is the draw you feel in the mouth of the smoke. A Straight Cut will give you full smoke. A V-Cut will give a slower arriving full mouth feeling. A Punch will give you a half the amount feeling. Some work better than others depending on how tightly packed your cigar is and how it burns so state one version is the best is not realistic.

If you are looking to get a cutter as a gift there are many types and price ranges. Spend what you think the person is worth but I would not go crazy. Cutters have a habit of falling out of you pockets and getting left in golf carts. As long as it is sharp, it will get the job done.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisOpinions Vary – Which Cigar Cutter is the best?
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