How to Stock the Ultimate Holiday Bar This Year
SHARP & Corby
As we gear up for something that finally resembles a normal festive season, one thing is certain: our liquor cabinet needs a serious refill. A traditional December ushers in all manner of social gatherings, from family feasts and neighbourhood mixers to long-overdue reunions with old work friends. Some of these events will likely involve weeks of careful planning, while others will be more impromptu. All of that is to say, your selection of spirits needs to be ready for a full range of get-togethers, combining a healthy supply of single malt Scotch and a few party-friendly bottles of champagne. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Whether you’re hosting an intimate whisky tasting or a lively late-night bash, Corby Spirit and Wine has a diverse portfolio ready to keep up with every event on your social calendar — including the unexpected ones.
But don’t just take our word for it. Serve any of these beverages to your holiday visitors and you’ll likely receive many enthusiastic requests for the name of the bottle. In our experience, the conversation will only grow livelier and more relaxed from there. If you’re feeling especially generous, you’ll even have a second bottle on hand to gift to your guest as they depart. (Actually, on second thought, maybe save that trick for your boss or father-in-law. After all, you never know who else might drop by in the days leading up to New Year’s.) In the meantime, here’s our guide to the perfect time to break out eight of our favourite bottles.
For Impressing the In-Laws: The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
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Matured in a traditional oak cask, and then in an American oak cask, this single malt Scotch understands the power of a long journey. Expect pineapple notes, a smooth finish, and happy guests. ($67)
To Sip and Savour: Redbreast 12
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Triple-distilled from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, this complex whisky balances spicy, fruity, sherry, and toasted notes with a long finish. ($83)
For Admiring the Fire: Aberlour 12
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The golden amber colour of this whisky is a natural complement to its warm finish, while its rich chocolate aroma makes it the perfect cold weather treat. ($73)
For Toasting 2022: Perrier-Jouët Champagne
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Flavours of berries and spice — and aromas of fresh fruit, with hints of vanilla and buttery brioche — make this extra-dry fizz the perfect choice for ringing in the new year. ($75)
For Getting the Holiday Party Started: Mumm Champagne
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Kick the holidays off right with delicate bubbles. A light to medium body delivers flavours of citrus and biscuit, while the nose enjoys floral and mineral aromas. ($70)
For a Thirsty Old Fashioned: Lot 40 Dark Oak
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This rye elevates classic cocktails with flavours of dark fruit, baking spice, vanilla, and toffee. No wonder it was crowned the World’s Best Rye at World Whiskies. ($60)
For the Host with the Most: Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
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This blend has everything: honey, fruit, and wild herb flavours, plus notes of ripe pears with vanilla, hazelnut, and butterscotch. ($57)
For the Ultimate after Dinner Dram: Green Spot
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Aged between seven and 10 years, this pot still whisky boasts a full, spicy body that offers a hint of cloves complemented by green apples and toasted oak. ($90)
Ripple Champagne Glasses by Ferm Living
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These are not your average glasses. These ripple champagne saucers are what happens when you take something simple and completely elevate it. You’re left with the perfect hostess gift or something to pull out for special occasions. ($75, for two)
Sky Leather Coasters by Georg Jensen
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Upgrade your home bar or coffee table with this Sky Leather Coaster Set, created by the Georg Jensen design team. The rich, brown leather coasters and their detailed stitching come in a sophisticated stainless steel case. Although it’s what’s on the inside that counts — the outside is looking pretty good too. ($110, for four)
Sottsass Cocktail Shaker by Alessi
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Nothing screams elegance quite like this stainless steel, sculptured, and extremely polished cocktail shaker. You’ll be the ultimate host and the most stylish bartender with this one. ($175)
Black Puck Ice Bucket by Tom Dixon
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This Black Puck Ice Bucket by Tom Dixon will be the star of your next dinner party — whether it has ice in it or not since frankly, it can be a centrepiece on its own. Made in Poland from mouth-blown glass with a hint of smoke colour, its minimalistic design may be simple but it is heavy-weight and oh, so sleek. ($170)
