A Muddled Thought

As we’re currently in the midst of the holiday shopping season, I’m often asked what type of spirits people should purchase as gifts. While I previously covered several suggestions in “A Muddled Thoughts, 12 Boozy Days of Christmas” the question keeps coming up regarding alternates to the somewhat pricey Johnie Walker Blue Blended Scotch.

Folks, I’d like to introduce you to Chivas Regal 18. Priced at around $55 for a 750ml bottle, it comes in at one-third the price of Johnie Walker Blue, which comes in at $150 for a 750ml bottle.

Chivas 18 starts off with a nose brimming with sweet caramel. These sweet aromas are merely a lead-up to a spirit full of characters of spice, apples and cinnamon. Just when you think Chivas has worked its way fully through your palate, your hit with notes elegant black cherries and chocolate.

Each sip of Chivas Regal 18, finishes very smoothly with minor hints of smoke and characters of cocoa and nutmeg.

Taking a look at Johnie Walker Blue, one of the more popular scotch gifts, your presented with a very different spirit than that of the Chivas Regal 18.

Johnie Walker Blue starts off with a nose filled with elegant and defined notes of sweetness.

Once you get past this nose, your greeted with a scotch that possesses characters of cocoa, hazelnut and sweet honey that finishes with more of those sweet honey notes and a mild hint of peat .

While the infamous Johnie Walker Blue is still an impressive specimen of blended scotch, the Chivas Regal 18 seemed to have more personality and possessed a more robust variety of flavors that remained balance through each sip. Taking both this and the price difference into account, the Chivas Regal 18 makes a great alternative to the higher priced Johnie Walker Blue.

If you’re looking for a last minute gift idea for your favorite spirit enthuiast, introduce them to Leblon Cachaca and Caipirinha’s, a combination of Cachaca(a Brazilian sugar case based spirit,similar to rum), muddled limes and sugar on the rocks.

Leblon Cachaca’s Holiday Caipirinha Set is the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday list from Hanukkah to office grab bags to hostess gifts to Christmas.  Complete with everything to make spirits bright, Leblon’s Caipirinha Set retails for $29.99 and includes a 750 ml bottle of Leblon Cachaca, a Leblon muddler, and a booklet of cocktail recipes.  

The Leblon Caipirinha Gift Set

Or if you’d like to try a twist on a Caipirinha, give this new recipe a try.

Seven Days of Insanity

2 oz Orange Blossom Infused Leblon Cachaca

1/2 oz Lime Juice

1/2 Canton Ginger Liquor

2 Dashes Grapfruit Bitters

2 Sugar Cubes

Muddle Sugar Cubes, Canton Ginger and Bitters

As you would a Caipirinha, shake all ingredients with ice and then pour entire contents (with ice) into highball glass. Top with Club Soda

Garnish with one star anise and an orange slice.

Seven Days of Insanity. A Combination of 2 oz Orange Blossom Infused Leblon Cachaca, Lime Juice, Sugar Cubes, Grapefruit Bitters, Canton Ginger.

(Editors Note:This recipe can be also be done as a punch if you multiple by the amount of people your expecting.)