Ian Buxton’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Ian Buxton is the author of 101 Whiskies to Try Before you Die, an all-encompassing compendium to the best whiskies from around the world. The book has been translated into eight languages, and the fully revised and updated 4th edition has landed on it’s fair share of gift guides for the holiday season. Ian is a world renowned whiskey connosuer, winner of the Keeper of the Quaich (the highest accolade in Scotch), and has worked in the drinks industry for over 30 years. Now he’s here to help with all your drink-gifting needs this holiday season. From Ian:
For the whiskey purist…I’m assuming you’ve spent an unhealthy amount of dollars on your holiday spirits (if you can’t splash out now, when can you?) but for serious tasting you need the right glass. There are a few out there but I turn regularly to the Professional Blender’s Whisky Glass from London’s The Whisky Exchange (they sell a lot more than whisky and the glass works wonders for all distilled spirits). Trust me, your usual dram will simply nose and taste better from this stylish vessel and you’ll gain serious style points from any drinks maven. (Link here).
For the fan who thinks outside the box…The drinks bargain of the moment is probably fine old Madeira, a fortified wine from a Portuguese island in the Atlantic that was greatly favored by the Founding Fathers (Thomas Jefferson used it while toasting the Declaration of Independence). Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago have this luscious Bual, ideal as a stylish after-dinner substitute for vintage port – a steal at $52.99. Or look for wines from Henriques & Henriques or Blandy’s which never disappoint. (Link here).
For the drinker who’s always cold…I’m hoping that my wife has checked out the classic knits from Brora USA because their cozy cashmere gloves for gentlemen are a steal right now! Or she could splash out on a luxurious 3-ply Scottish cashmere Fair Isle jumper that will never go out of style. It may look expensive but Brora’s quality can’t be beat. And there are lots of lovely things for the lady in your life. (Link here).
For the friends and family discount…A little too pricey? Then what about original art from (full disclosure) my artist son, Gerry. His Circus Liquor print in an edition of just 12 signed pieces would grace the wall of any man cave whilst calling to mind the period glamor of a noted LA landmark known to all serious boozehounds. Lots of London, New York and other landmark architecture on his website. Mention this review when you order and we’ll get you a special friends deal on shipping. Now there’s a holiday offer from a Scotsman and you don’t see those too often! (Link here).
101 WHISKIES TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE
By: Ian Buxton
Fourth edition, fully revised and updated.
101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference. It is not an awards list. It is not a list of the 101 'best' whiskies in the world in the opinion of a self-appointed whisky guru. It is simply a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education.
Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk.
The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from Canada, India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die - Slainte!