Are you freaking out that Christmas is looming, or have you finished your shopping and everything is wrapped and under the tree? I’ve taken a breath from planning 2017 (which is going to be epic) to think about the best gifts for gin lovers. The Gin Queen’s Christmas gift guide 2016 is your one stop shop for pressies. I’m not paid to recommend any of these, I just like them and I hope you do too.
Something to read
Luke McCarthy’s Australian Spirits Guide
Luke is a gifted writer and bartender who spent most of last year delving into the stories behind 51 of Australia’s stand-out spirits (not just gin!). A really great book for someone keen to learn about the growing Australian distilling industry.
RRP: $30.75 Order via Booktopia
Sacha Petreske Regarding Cocktails
Sasha Petraske was the catalyst for the ‘speakeasy’ bar and resurgence in the cocktail era. A legend in the industry, his bar Milk and Honey in New York was the place many of the best bartenders began their careers. Sadly, Sasha passed away before his book was complete, but his wife Georgette, with the help of may industry friends finished it on his behalf.
Featuring classics and creations by Sasha and his team, it is full of delightful illustrations and stories that reveal the thoughts and humour of a much-missed personality.
RRP: $30.75 Order via Booktopia
A Spot at the Bar
Michael Madrusan worked alongside Sasha Petraske at Milk and Honey and opened his beautiful bar, The Everleigh with Sasha as his business partner, so it’s fitting that his first book opens with a beautiful dedication to him. Written with his partner Zara Young, A Spot at the Bar features personal stories from Michael about his career and thoughts on making cocktails, stunning images and over 300 cocktails. Michael and Zara also share their way of organising the enormous collection of recipes they have, using ‘Cocktail Branches’. A really special book.
RRP 45.00
Special offer: Order both ‘A Spot at the Bar and The Everleigh Bottling Co. Cocktail Gift Boxes for only $99 between now and 24th December from The Everleigh. Simply email [email protected] quoting “A Spot at the Bar + Famous Four Gift Set” when ordering.
Something to wear
Juniper Science Necklace
My lovely and clever friend Emma, from Gin Monkey helped Luk from Science Jewelry with this gorgeous necklace. In case you were wondering, this is the molecular structure of juniper, the main botanical ingredient for gin. There is also a tonic necklace too, both are made from sterling silver. Aside from creating stunning jewellery, $5 dollars from every purchase goes towards educational resources for scientists, teachers and students.
RRP $168.00 (includes free shipping) from Science Inspired Jewelry1824*.
Demeter Gin and Tonic Fragrance
Demeter Gin & Tonic fragrance does exactly what it says on the label, it acts as a pick-me-up. Light and refreshing, but with a deepening fragrance the longer its in contact with your skin. This fragrance is perfect for those of use who love a gin-inspired scent, but who don’t want to smell like they’ve had a heavy night!
RRP $29.95 (30ml) Available from Kleins Perfumery
Something to use
Tatty Devine Coin Purse
If I’ve you’ve bumped into meet at an event you will more than likely have seen me wearing my Tatty Devine gin necklace. When I saw their new gin coin purse I was pretty excited, not least because GLITTER!
Obviously, I need one to put all my gin funds in. Hopefully Mr GQ is reading this…
RRP 14.95GDP. Order here.
Limited edition Tonic of Gin Lumira candle
When the talented people at Lumira got a whiff of Distillery Botanica gin they were hooked. Once they met master distiller, Philip Moore and learned about the thousands year old technique (enfleurage) he was using to extract the fragrance of the Murraya flower, they knew they wanted to see if they could capture the essence in a candle. With the Tonic of Gin candle, they’ve done so beautifully. I haven’t lit mine and the fragrance still fills the room. The candle has been snapped up quickly and there aren’t many left! Be quick!
RRP $59.00 Order here.
Tom Dixon Plum Martini Glasses
Well, HELLO you sexy things. These stunning copper-plated stainless steel martini glasses would even make Mr Bond jealous. Part of a stylish collection of barware from gifted designer Tom Dixon, these would definitely win you points in the gift-giving stakes!
RRP $120 for the pair. For stockists click here.
Denver & Liely Gin Glass
Denver & Liely’s whisky glass has won fans around the world, so I’m delighted that the team have expanded their range to include a gin glass.
The funnel and smaller sized opening of the glass concentrates the smell, which enhances what you taste. Perfect for sipping neat gin, or serving up your favourite cocktail.
RRP $55 Full list of stockists here.
Something to drink
When Seb Reaburn, with an career in the spirits and cocktail industry that stretches over 20 years, tells you he’s going to make a gin, you sit up and listen. Artemis is a well crafted gin made in Collingwood by Seb and his partner Derv, using a Carl still and a range of native and traditional botanicals. It’s a savoury gin that I simply love it in a martini.
RRP $90 for 700ml (44% ABV) from Craft & Co.
Stone Pine Orange Blossom gin 2016 edition
This was one of my favourite gins of 2015 so it’s great news for me that distiller Ian Glen has launched a 2016 edition. This year, instead of simply infusing the gin with orange blossom, Ian has distilled it, to create a delightful summer gin that is as spectacular in a G&T as it is in a Negroni.
Be quick, judging by last year’s sales, this limited edition won’t be around for long!
RRP $80 for 700ml (40% ABV). Buy here.
The Everleigh Bottling Company Cocktail Gift boxes
Who wouldn’t want to wake up and find these beauties under the tree? Each gift box contains four classic cocktails made to the exacting standards of The Everleigh Bar ~ Martini, Negroni, Manhattan and Old-Fashioned.
RRP $69
Special offer: Order both ‘A Spot at the Bar and The Everleigh Bottling Co. Cocktail Gift Boxes for only $99 between now and 24th December from The Everleigh. Simply email [email protected] quoting “A Spot at the Bar + Famous Four Gift Set” when ordering.
Kew Organic Gin
I had the privilege to meet Darren Rook, founder of the London Distilling Co and creator of the sublime Dodd’s gin, when he came over for Junipalooza Melbourne in October. I can’t wait to share the interview with you, he’s a fascinating guy with an incredible attention to detail, which is evident with Kew Organic gin.
It’s a unique collaboration with Kew Gardens in London (GQ fact, this is where I got married!) and Darren and the team worked closely with the archivists and botanists to create this unique gin.
It has over 40 botanicals, including 22 sourced from Kew. 86% of the botanical bill is juniper which is music to my ears! The team have also created Kew garden inspired packaging which is stunning, and is made using vegetable based inks and water-based varnish, neither of which are tested on animals.
RRP $85.00 for 700ml (46% ABV) Purchase here.
Something to do
Gin Queen On Tour Gift Voucher
OK, so I’m a little biased on this one. I launched Gin Queen on Tour this year and was blown away by the response. Two trips to Four Pillars Gin and one each to Loch Distillery and Melbourne Gin Company later, and I’m champing at the bit to get the 2017 tours underway (sssh, I’ve just confirmed a date for Tasmania!).
RRP $115 (valid for Melbourne tours only). Purchase here.
*affiliate link.
You must be logged in to post a comment.