Drink and Be Merry: A Boozy Gift Guide
By Christopher Caughman, Beer Jedi, Wine Snob and All-Around Alcohol Aficionado
Without a doubt, the most satisfying part of the holiday season is watching joy unfold upon a friend’s face as they open your thoughtful and generous gift. On the other hand, fake appreciation for your lame effort is easier to spot than a bad toupee. This year, give the traditional, timeless and can’t-miss gift of inebriation with the help of this guide to booze-related bounty.
Homebrew Kit
Force that Natty Light-guzzling-frat-boy-turned-obnoxious-beer-snob to put his expertise to the test. Homebrewing is remarkably simple and rewarding, especially with the help of Brewmaster Griz and the boys at San Francisco Brewcraft. With the purchase of a brewing kit ($79), you receive the ingredients for your first five gallons of beer, a free brewing class, step-by-step instructions and a printed recipe. Who knows? You may inspire the next great homemade microbrew.
San Francisco Brewcraft
1555 Clement St,
San Francisco,
CA
2005 Pagodes de Cos
Prestige is the name of the game when it comes to impressing the wine snob on your list. Although wines of such renown are often priced as if they had leather seats and a moon roof, you won’t have to break the bank to achieve the desired effect. Cos d’Estournel is one of the most iconic chateaux in Bordeaux, the world’s most illustrious wine region. This wine, the estate’s second label, benefits from a strict selection for the grand vin (auction average of over $200) and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the most recent “vintage of the century” at a reasonable levy ($53.99 at K&L).
K & L Wine Merchants
| Website
638 4th St,
San Francisco,
CA
Tuthilltown Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey
The economy is tough these days and the only way to ensure that holiday bonus is some good ol’ fashioned ass kissing. Sidle up to the Big Cheese with the astute and refined pick of rye whiskey from the first legal distillery in New York State since Prohibition. After a hiatus of more than 80 years, Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey marks the return of the quintessential New York whiskey--fruity, floral and smooth with the classic spicy rye characteristic. Your local whiskey gurus at The Jug Shop will tell you this spirit is “perfect for the most historically accurate and amazingly delicious Manhattan” ($54.99 at The Jug Shop).
The Jug Shop
1567 Pacific Ave,
San Francisco,
CA
"Art of the Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the Classics" by Jeff Hollinger and Rob Schwartz
Getting bored with the same old pregame gin and tonic? Maybe it’s time for the amateur mixologist in your group to expand his repertoire with more sophisticated concoctions. Pass along the artisan philosophy of Absinthe bartenders Jeff Hollinger and Rob Schwartz and experience firsthand the barroom genius emanating from Hayes Valley. Find it at Green Apple Books for $24.99.
Green Apple Books & Music
506 Clement St,
San Francisco,
CA
2008 Anchor Christmas Ale Magnum
Challenge the boundaries of the resident “Jingle Bells”-humming, mistletoe-hoisting, Rudolf-nose-wearing Christmas strumpet. Nothing says “deck the halls” quite like a gigantic bottle of Christmas beer. Local craft brewing legend Anchor Brewing Company offers its 34th annual incarnation of Christmas Ale in the 1.5-liter, magnum size ($19.99 at Healthy Spirits). Ideal for group appreciation or individual mass consumption, this exquisite handmade ale will surely evoke visions of dancing sugar plumbs under that Santa cap.
Healthy Spirits
2299 15th St,
San Francisco,
CA
Wine Decanter
Everyone undoubtedly has a “Top Chef”-addicted, aspiring foodie, Suzy Homemaker-type friend who loves to throw dinner parties. They enjoy believing their wine knowledge is up to par but, trust me, knowing how to swirl that glass and gush over dark berry fruit doesn’t make you an expert. Bolster Suzy’s wine legitimacy with an often-overlooked but essential weapon of the oenophile arsenal: a decanter. Decanters enhance the aroma and palate of most young wines while ensuring the clarity and radiance of an older wine. Elegantly designed, decanters also offer aesthetic appeal to your wine experience. Pick one up at BevMo, where prices start at $30.
Beverages & More
1301 Van Ness Ave,
San Francisco,
CA
2004 Costa Del Sol Red
Last, but certainly not least, this one is for you, dear reader. It’s poor form to arrive to your holiday dinner party empty-handed and two-buck Chuck is almost as bad. Stay classy and prosperous with this scantly available gem from Napa Valley’s Benessere Vineyards. Absent from their website and press kit, this full-bodied, powerful blend is reasonably priced at $15 and only on hand at the winery and select restaurants and wine retailers.
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant
| Website
1 Ferry Plaza Ste 23,
San Francisco,
CA
