Each December we find ourselves in the same predicament, deciding how much to spend, determining what to give, and carving out the time to get our shopping done. The Schneider’s team has compiled the ultimate holiday beverage guide to help temper this very problem.
From your scotch connoisseur boss, to millennial hipsters searching for quirky craft beer, to loyal Robert Parker followers who ire top-scoring showpiece bottles, I’ve put together a list that has something for everyone’s tastes. We’ve selected these libations from our shop to help you simplify your gift list. Here are the teams recommends:
Rick Genderson, Proprietor
- Ainneamh Speyside 18-Year-Old Single Malt $79.99
Pronounced an-yoov, this lovely light-colored whisky was aged for 18 years in refill hogshead casks. The straw color is the perfect example of what natural aging with no color additives looks like. Don’t be fooled by the artificial color added to many other whiskeys – a dark color is not indicative of quality! Bright notes of apple, toffee, and savory smoke appear on the nose. The palate is incredibly smooth with hints of burnt orange peel, and caramel. Any scotch lover will appreciate this sophisticated bottle. - Czars Gold Russian Vodka (1 Liter) $19.99
A gift fit for a king—or czar! A delightfully clean, fresh, and fragrant vodka with just a hint of black pepper, triple distilled form grain. The refined and soft taste is the perfect gift for Russian vodka connoisseurs. It gives vodka lovers the opportunity to taste the same delicious vodka the czars once did.
Joe Prebble, General Manager
- 2013 Domaine du Pégau “Cuvée Reservée Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $69.99
A fantastically refined gift for the wine collector on your list. A beautiful example of southern Rhône, 2013 Pégau is comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and the rest are other permitted grapes. It has more depth and richness than most, as well as classic Pégau notes of ripe black cherries, peppery herbs, and cigar box. A wonderful pairing for your favorite winter comfort foods. - Fransac Extra 25 Year Old Cognac $64.99
Treat someone special this year. Nothing warms a chilly December evening quite like a fine Cognac. This 100% Grand Champagne Cognac is amazingly delicate, subtle, and oh so smooth. Weighty flavors of walnuts and tobacco are perfectly balanced.
Terry Brown, Wine Director
- 2015 Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg L’Inedit, Alsace, $69.99
Weinbach Riesling offers mouthwatering, bracing acidity. Round and complex, with aromas and flavors of peach, nectarine, honeysuckle, and petrol, this is a very special dry Riesling. - 2009 Andrew Rich Croft Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $45.99
An earthy and savory treat for the wine-lover in your life. Notes of black cherry, sandalwood on the nose, with Bing cherry, mushrooms, and cinnamon on the palate. The long luxurious finish makes this a sophisticated Pinot Noir for novices and aficionados alike.
Richard Bobrow, Spirits Director
- Jameson Trilogy $49.99
This is THE gift for fans of Irish Whiskey. The trilogy collection combines three of Jameson’s best whiskies: Jameson Caskmates, Jameson Black Barrel, and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Each style is triple distilled and expresses the classically smooth and slightly sweet Irish whiskey character. The diverse expressions range from balanced notes of citrus and barley to heavily charred oak, vanilla, toffee, almond, and caramel. - Jefferson Wood Experiment $99.99
Bourbon lovers rejoice! This is a gift set for the whisky nerd in your life. They’ll get to comparatively taste five expressions of Jefferson’s aged in experimental wood casks. The team took four-year-old bourbon whiskey and aged it in one of 13 different cask types, from new wine barrels, to toasted hogshead barrels, to standard charred bourbon barrels with a variety of staves. This collection stands on it’s own as the most diverse and exciting array of youthful bourbon expressions.
Tristan Walton, Beer Director
- Peak Organic Winter IPA (six pack) $11.99
A bright, easy drinking New England style IPA offering a lighter perspective on winter beers. This hoppy brew is infused with a blend of Calypso, Azacca, Simcoe, and Citra hops. The effortless gift for craft beer enthusiasts.
Johnny Lopez, Wine Specialist
- 2007 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, Rioja, Spain $65.99
This 100% Tempranillo encomes purity and balance. Classic style, velvety, drinking fabulously right now. An ideal gift for lovers of Spanish wine.
Elyse Genderson, Wine Specialist
- 2012 Trivium Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California $99.99
Trivium’s 15 row vineyard block is named “Les Ivrettes” in French meaning, “Tipsy Girls.” They produce only one wine from one place, creating a terroir-driven super star. Bold, ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry notes with tobacco leaf and earth. Elegant with a long, persistent finish. - 2011 Ferragu Valpolicella Superiore, Verona, Italy $49.99
This is an outstanding example of Valpolicella. It is deep, rich, super concentrated, and offers floral aromas with hints of sweet blackberry jam, prune, cinnamon, anise, and clove. Extremely velvety and supple, this is the perfect wine for a woman who loves decadence.
Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love.
