Ten writers, spirits experts and retailers pick the one bottle for $75 or under they'll be gifting this year.
As the annual tidal wave of gift guides is upon us, we thought we’d check in with our team and our favorite spirits connoisseurs to see how they’ll be tackling their holiday gifting this year. The question was simple: What is the one bottle you’ll be giving—or would be very excited to receive—under $75? Here’s what they had to say.
Double Zéro Cider Eau de Vie | 750ml, $63
My friends deserve to toast with something strong and truly delicious this year—that’s why I’m gifting 00. It’s one of my all-time absolute favorites and has been a staple on my home bar for years. It’s a bottle that asks nothing of you and simply gives. It’s clean and smooth and uncomplicated, just layers upon layers of fresh clean apple. It’s the distilled cider of Cyril Zang, made from a blend of 60-plus varieties across the spectrum of sweet, bittersweet, bitter, slightly acidic and sour. The apples are hand-picked and then left in bins for up to six weeks to finish ripening, before being grated, pressed and allowed to ferment. The result is magic. You may not think of yourself as a straight spirits drinker, [but] have a sip of this, and find your mind changed [and] your imagination captured. And what better time of year to let your imagination be captured. —Leslie Merinoff-Kwasnieski, Co-Founder, Matchbook Distilling