Are you hosting friends and family for a special holiday dinner or an extravagant New Year’s Eve party? Maybe you’re planning a relaxing night in with a loved one? Regardless of your holiday plans, it’s always a good idea to have some of your favorite spirits on hand. Plus, a well stocked bar can significantly boost your hosting prowess.
The holidays are the perfect time to spruce up and expand your home bar, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are five key elements to consider when stocking up on Virginia spirits for the holidays:
1. Variety
Every good home bar has a little bit of everything. You never know when you’ll need vodka over whiskey or if there’s a picky drinker coming over. Virginia producers make more than 175 unique spirits, so there are plenty to choose from. There’s no need to break the bank; as long as you have one of each of the major categories: whiskey/bourbon, vodka, gin, rum and moonshine.
2. Versatility
While specific flavors like blueberry or maple bacon are fun to have around, you also should carry a few staple spirits that can be used in different ways. While you might like yours on the rocks, a friend may prefer a cocktail. Opt for a few bottles that give you the flexibility to choose your own adventure. Think classic dark rum, well-made vodka or gin and dangerously good whiskey.
3. Specialty
You might be aware of national brands doing limited “drops” at Virginia ABC stores. However, nothing is more special than a bottle made by a small producer in your home state. Oftentimes in Virginia, every bottle is handcrafted and in limited supply. You can experience flavors with a local flare, spirits that have been carefully distilled multiple times for an optimal, pure taste and recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Whether it’s a unique flavor profile, something you’ve never tried before or a bit of a splurge, the holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself (and your guests).
4. Locality
There’s something very special about living in a state like Virginia, where there are distilleries in just about every neck of the woods. Show off your local pride by purchasing a bottle from the distillery nearest to you. When you stop by, be sure to ask about the brand’s origin story and if there are any distillery-only products that don’t make it to the shelf at Virginia ABC stores. It makes for a great anecdote when you bring out the bottle and invites others to seek out local distilleries near them.
Find your neighborhood distillery here.
5. Giftability
We’ve all been there… your cousin hands over an incredibly thoughtful present, and you got him… nothing. While we wouldn’t wish this predicament on anyone, it never hurts to be prepared for moments like this.
Consider buying a few nice bottles to keep at the back of your collection, slap on a bow and call it a day. The best part is if the occasion doesn’t arise, you’ve got an extra bottle or two to enjoy over time. Unlike wine or other beverages, unopened spirits have the longest shelf-life – so no purchase is a bad one.
Another option is to seek out products that are already packaged as a gift. This may include a smaller bottle size with a mixer or special, branded glass, or a sampler pack of three different products from the same distillery. Head to a distillery near you to see offerings, or check out the local options in the gifts section at Virginia ABC stores.
If your home bar has each of the above characteristics, you are all set for the holiday season. Enjoy this time of peace and relaxation with loved ones. Local spirits are just the garnish on top.
Enjoy responsibly!