Last Minute Gifts: Bottles That Say ‘I Really Thought About This’
Words: Hannah Lemass
Whether they like gin, wine, whiskey, or don’t drink at all, we’ve got you covered with some great bottles that will put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas.
We’ve all been there—you’ve got the Christmas shopping done, you’re ready to put your feet up and crack into the Baileys and watch Muppets Christmas Carol for the sixteen hundredth time, when shock! You realise you’ve forgotten someone. Your strange uncle, your yoga instructor, the postman—whoever it is, there’s always one.
You have to throw on your jacket and dash to the off-licence to grab something quick and easy. But don’t just grab a random bottle of plonk off the shelf and blindly hope for the best. Here’s a list of boozy bottles (plus an alcohol-free option) to make last-minute gifting still feel thoughtful and special.
Cognac Hennessy Very Special Founder Edition
Two of Ireland’s most prominent artists, Maser and Conor Harrington, worked together to reimagine the iconic Hennessy VS bottle to celebrate the 300th birthday of the brand’s Irish founder, Richard Hennessy. The stunning design is as tasty as the golden nectar it encases. A true beauty anyone would love to display on the bar cart.
Where to by: Dunnes, Supervalue, James J Fox (€40-€55, on sale at Supervalu for €30!)
Dingle Grianstad an Gheimhridh Single Malt
For a truly special gift opt for their Celtic Wheel of the Year series. This collection features eight editions that follow the Celtic seasons, equinoxes, and solstices. The most appropriate for this time of year is the Grianstad an Gheimhridh, honouring Celtic winter. Matured in bourbon barrels and finished in tawny port casks, it boasts notes of forest fruits, dark chocolate, cloves, and fudge, with a spicy finish. Perfect for sipping by a fire on long winter evenings.
Where to buy: James J Fox, Molloy’s
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
If you have a rum lover in your life, introduce them to this very special tipple from Venezuela. Diplomático boasts a range of exquisite rums, and the Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is the perfect introduction. It’s a smooth operator that’s rich and luxurious. Expect bold aromas of orange peel, toffee, and a cheeky hint of liquorice. It’s basically Christmas in a glass without being overwhelming.
Where to by: All major off-licences and supermarkets (€50-€55, €45 with a Tesco Club Card)
Blood Monkey Gin Spice Storm
A gin lover will always make their passion for G&Ts known. Here’s your opportunity to expand their horizons and gift them a gin that is not only great in mixed drinks but also specifically designed to be sipped neat or on the rocks. Inspired by the old Genever recipe, it’s malted, bold, and full of flavour from their signature botanicals: charred Seville orange, cardamom, Szechuan pepper, Irish rosemary, and kaffir lime leaf. And the bottle is slick. Its like gin’s cool goth cousin, bonus points if you gift it to YOUR cool goth cousin.
Where to Buy: The Corkscrew, Molloy’s, Jame’s J Fox (€45-€55)
Hollow Leg Sparkling White Albariño
It’s important to be mindful that not everyone drinks. Only buy alcohol for people you know indulge, and always be respectful if they abstain for any reason. Thankfully, we’re living in an age of enlightenment around non-alcoholic options. Hollow Leg comes from Spain and is a shockingly perfect non-alcoholic wine made with organic ingredients. It’s delicious organic wine—just without the headache in the morning, which is the real gift, isn’t it? The Sparkling White Albariño is bright with aromas of citrus peel and pear. The palate is wonderfully crisp with a rich mousse, making it perfect for sipping on Christmas Day.
Where to buy: Molly’s, Dunne’s Stores (€12-€15)
Móinéir Irish Blackberry Wine
You can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine, but why not take it up a level and make it Irish? Wicklow Way Wines produces the most wholesome range of wines made from Irish berries—no grapes here. It’s delicious and unique. They offer strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry wines. For the season that’s in it, the Black Blackberry Wine is a perfect choice. Wild elderberries are locally foraged from the Wicklow Mountains and blended with Irish blackberries to create a light-bodied, fruity wine that pairs beautifully with a cheeseboard after Christmas dinner. If you want extra brownie points get them one of each of flavour.
Where to buy: Avoca, Whelehans Wines, Blackrock Cellar (€22.95-€25.95)
