DiningBuzz! - What alcohol in the ~$160 price range should I give my clients for Xmas?

Last year I gave out bottles of JW Blue. What should I give this year?

Note: I have no idea about alcohol but know that it makes a good gift. I'll be buying 5-7 bottles this year to hand to my biggest clients.

I'd like something that is high in quality but also has a nice *cool* factor.

What city/country are you asking about? That affects availability and price considerably. If in the US in a state that allows mailorder liquor, http://www.internetwines.com has some cool spirits at great prices (both in terms of quality, rarity and sometimes packaging). Personally I would look at grappa, calvados or armagnac at that price point if you wanted something more distinctive and not obviously flashy (some may not know that it cost $160, while everyone knows the JWB price). Somewhat cheaper but *very cool* is the new Patron coffee/tequila liqueur ... really high quality and hard to find, despite being "mass market" and appealing to women (unlike most high-end liquors which are mostly male). Of course champagne is a great gift, and Krug is almost in your price range (and comes in great packaging).

May be a touch more than you want to pay ..... but how about Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka?

If not ... there are many good Vodkas with character at a fraction of the price that could be married with a very small jar of caviar?

Last year I gave out bottles of JW Blue. What should I give this year?

Note: I have no idea about alcohol but know that it makes a good gift. I'll be buying 5-7 bottles this year to hand to my biggest clients.

I'd like something that is high in quality but also has a nice *cool* factor.

I typically purchase champagne - I think spirits are just too subject to individual taste (if someone bought me JW Blue, I'm afraid it would be regifted to a friend). Despite being female, the Patron tequila / coffee things sounds absolutely revolting I am afraid!

The Perrier-Jouet gifts sets (with pretty glasses) are popular among my friends (I have one girlfriend who is bought a set each year by an old friend), and depending on where you are you can find other champagne sets with pretty ice buckets, glasses, etc.

I say make a tradition of it and give the Johnny Walker Blue every single year.

IMHO champagne has too many ghetto/strip club associations these days to be appropriate for a business gift. I like it (and especially the aforementioned Pierrer Jouet that I can't spell but I can sure sip) but for an impressive gift to a client, I just dunno. Plus once they've opened the bottle of champagne, that's it. They drink it that night and forget it. JW Blue is the kind of thing where one takes an appreciative sip once in awhile, the bottle lasts all year or at least several months, and each time one indulges, one has a pleasant thought for the person who gave this thoughtful gift. If you're spending similar sums of money, this is the way to go. (Down here, the Perrier Jouet gift glasses and all is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper, and this may be the real reason that the other poster is getting these gifts, instead of the JW Blue -- economy. But if you're already willing to splash out...)

With any kind of alcohol, one runs the risk that person is about to swear off for the New Year and re-gift the gift. But I surely think, on average, the chance of JW Blue being re-gifted is really, really low, since the person can keep and sip forever and enjoy it even if they're a very moderate indulger. Champagne, wines, etc...these demand you to drink the entire bottle once opened and seem more in danger of re-gifting to me. Again, just my humble opinion. I'm a little surprised that 2 out of 3 replies have already voted for champagne. I just don't see it. If you're spending $150-200, I want more oomph for the money. But Just My Opinion. Believe you me, Peachfront is an easy to shop for person. You can buy me the Johnny Walker Blue all year, every year!!!!

I am female and maybe I'm just a high-testosterone female, but c'mon. This female says give me JW Blue if you've actually got it in the budget. Oh, and as for liqueurs...coffee liqueur is something that is easily homemade, just as good as the commercial stuff. If you're spending real money, give me something I can't make as well or better myself.

I don't think Dom or Perrier are "ghetto" at all.

If you're going for high-end whisky and want to do something exclusive I would look at the small-batch top-tier single malts rather than JW Blue, which is sold in every duty free on earth. Maybe a 25-yo Macallan or Highland Park. premium small-batch American bourbons are another good choice. But I concur with the poster who said not everyone even likes or appreciates whisky.

Vodka is more popular actually.

I don't know if the term is still used, but you don't think they're a little bit ghetto-fabulous? Not them in particular but all high end champagne? Maybe my friends are degenerates, but more people drink whiskey than champagne, if you ask me!

Your idea of the small batch whiskeys is a good one, but since it's a business gift, and one wants the receiver to know that say, $200 was spent and not $75...the small batch leaves it a mystery as to the actual price. This is good for gifts to friends and family members but when one wants to crassly impress...? It's an interesting question, to be sure...!

Vodka is too cheap for the stated price range. Well, maybe the foofy vodka the other guy mentioned hits the right price mark but I'm not familiar with it, honestly.



I don't think Dom or Perrier are "ghetto" at all.

If you're going for high-end whisky and want to do something exclusive I would look at the small-batch top-tier single malts rather than JW Blue, which is sold in every duty free on earth. Maybe a 25-yo Macallan or Highland Park. premium small-batch American bourbons are another good choice. But I concur with the poster who said not everyone even likes or appreciates whisky.

Vodka is more popular actually.

I say make a tradition of it and give the Johnny Walker Blue every single year.

IMHO champagne has too many ghetto/strip club associations these days to be appropriate for a business gift. I like it (and especially the aforementioned Pierrer Jouet that I can't spell but I can sure sip) but for an impressive gift to a client, I just dunno. Plus once they've opened the bottle of champagne, that's it. They drink it that night and forget it. JW Blue is the kind of thing where one takes an appreciative sip once in awhile, the bottle lasts all year or at least several months, and each time one indulges, one has a pleasant thought for the person who gave this thoughtful gift. If you're spending similar sums of money, this is the way to go. (Down here, the Perrier Jouet gift glasses and all is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper, and this may be the real reason that the other poster is getting these gifts, instead of the JW Blue -- economy. But if you're already willing to splash out...)



for gifts like those one must personalize. although i do drink a considerable amount, my last scotch was a Laphroag(?) in about 1963. my last burbon, 5 years prior. very few people are familiar with exclusive calva, armingiac or congiac.

i notice the FT'ers that frequent F talk of christil, krug, dom salon,and the like. for them, get a bottle of RD, and send them to the ghetto(never heard bubble going with slumming before) PJ is just a couple expendable glasses and an acceptable bubble.

if these people are even remotely knowledgable in the world of wine, grand cru burgundy, bordeaux, trockenbeerenauslese, hermitage and aged vintage port are good choices.

exchuse the spelling, i don't have time to look them up.

I don't think Dom or Perrier are "ghetto" at all.

If you're going for high-end whisky and want to do something exclusive I would look at the small-batch top-tier single malts rather than JW Blue, which is sold in every duty free on earth. Maybe a 25-yo Macallan or Highland Park. premium small-batch American bourbons are another good choice. But I concur with the poster who said not everyone even likes or appreciates whisky.

Vodka is more popular actually.

we use a lot of vodka. my wife burns it in her fragrance thingies. never drink the stuff.

How well do you know your clinents' tastes? Have you taken them out for dinner? What did they drink?

I try personalize gifts for my top customers.



Last year I gave out bottles of JW Blue. What should I give this year?

Note: I have no idea about alcohol but know that it makes a good gift. I'll be buying 5-7 bottles this year to hand to my biggest clients.

I'd like something that is high in quality but also has a nice *cool* factor.

Eh, they're clients. What if they're NOT remotely knowledgeable in the world of wine champagne etc? Why risk making them feel like idiots? Give 'em something that they can easily ID as having a perceived value.

Yeah, I didn't want to say it about the PJ glasses but you can get cheap glasses from the dollar store, personalize them with a glass engraving kit from Michael's, and that's better than a kit of champagne plus glassware that everyone knows you bought at the grocery store...or at least that's where I buy it! To be honest, I think the kits (glasses plus the booze) are for family and friends, NOT for business...

Eh, they're clients. What if they're NOT remotely knowledgeable in the world of wine champagne etc? Why risk making them feel like idiots? Give 'em something that they can easily ID as having a perceived value.

Yeah, I didn't want to say it about the PJ glasses but you can get cheap glasses from the dollar store, personalize them with a glass engraving kit from Michael's, and that's better than a kit of champagne plus glassware that everyone knows you bought at the grocery store...or at least that's where I buy it! To be honest, I think the kits (glasses plus the booze) are for family and friends, NOT for business...

I was thinking the same thing. Also, if you're going the alcohol route, you'd better be sure they all drink.

I say make a tradition of it and give the Johnny Walker Blue every single year.

IMHO champagne has too many ghetto/strip club associations these days to be appropriate for a business gift. I like it (and especially the aforementioned Pierrer Jouet that I can't spell but I can sure sip) but for an impressive gift to a client, I just dunno. Plus once they've opened the bottle of champagne, that's it. They drink it that night and forget it. JW Blue is the kind of thing where one takes an appreciative sip once in awhile, the bottle lasts all year or at least several months, and each time one indulges, one has a pleasant thought for the person who gave this thoughtful gift. If you're spending similar sums of money, this is the way to go. (Down here, the Perrier Jouet gift glasses and all is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper, and this may be the real reason that the other poster is getting these gifts, instead of the JW Blue -- economy. But if you're already willing to splash out...)

With any kind of alcohol, one runs the risk that person is about to swear off for the New Year and re-gift the gift. But I surely think, on average, the chance of JW Blue being re-gifted is really, really low, since the person can keep and sip forever and enjoy it even if they're a very moderate indulger. Champagne, wines, etc...these demand you to drink the entire bottle once opened and seem more in danger of re-gifting to me. Again, just my humble opinion. I'm a little surprised that 2 out of 3 replies have already voted for champagne. I just don't see it. If you're spending $150-200, I want more oomph for the money. But Just My Opinion. Believe you me, Peachfront is an easy to shop for person. You can buy me the Johnny Walker Blue all year, every year!!!!

I am female and maybe I'm just a high-testosterone female, but c'mon. This female says give me JW Blue if you've actually got it in the budget. Oh, and as for liqueurs...coffee liqueur is something that is easily homemade, just as good as the commercial stuff. If you're spending real money, give me something I can't make as well or better myself.

But surely only someone who likes whisky would appreciate JW Blue? I think more people like champagne than any individual spirit. A bottle of champagne also has a nice social vibe - we open it with friends, enjoy it - it isn't something you open and drink alone, like you might whisky. Plus, not being a whisky drinker, I had no idea that JW Blue cost anything like that - I'd probably assume it was an average JW whisky that I see on shelves all over the place (I don't pay attention to what 'colours' are exclusive!) so would be utterly wasted on me (the mail carrier might appreciate it more tho!)

The reason I have bought Perrier Jouet sets is that they are pretty - last year they got sets with Dom (can't remember what, I seem to recall it was a cut glass ice bucket - I never saw them, I trust the chap I use down there to pick something appropriate, and certainly it was well received). The reason my girlfriend receives a set each year is tradition - and I do like the taste of it (she is kind enough to share the bubbly!)

A bottle of JW Blue for me would be a total waste. I would probably regift it.

Now there are many wines I would love to receive, which of course some people would not appreciate at all.

I don't possibly believe there is any one answer for all of your biggest clients. I think you need to base it on what they like and what they would want to receive.

Indeed, if I was one of your biggest clients I would probably wonder just how well you knew me if you picked something I've never mentioned or showed any interest in at all.

Eh, they're clients. What if they're NOT remotely knowledgeable in the world of wine champagne etc? Why risk making them feel like idiots? Give 'em something that they can easily ID as having a perceived value.

Yeah, I didn't want to say it about the PJ glasses but you can get cheap glasses from the dollar store, personalize them with a glass engraving kit from Michael's, and that's better than a kit of champagne plus glassware that everyone knows you bought at the grocery store...or at least that's where I buy it! To be honest, I think the kits (glasses plus the booze) are for family and friends, NOT for business...

You think DIY glass engraving from Michales is better than pretty glasses in an iconic pattern? That is a little odd in my opinion.

I can't say the glasses are what I choose to use in my house, I prefer the cut crystal glasses I have, but I do think they are pretty, and know plenty of people who use them as intended (and I also know a teenage girl who keeps jewellery and hair ties in several on her shelf).

You buy booze where you buy booze - grocery store, duty free, liquor merchant. I happen to use the latter for US purchases. I assume JW Blue also comes from a liquor merchant? Do people think that some booze comes from a magical shop that requires insider knowledge, a secret handshake and effort (or just a credit card...)

In terms of champagne for friends and family, those are the people I don't tend to buy impersonal booze gifts for - I know them better than to need a one size fits all gift (for example, my friends know I love bubbly, but also know which brands of bubbly, and will buy those for me - they'd never buy me a Perrier Jouet gift set.)

for gifts like those one must personalize. although i do drink a considerable amount, my last scotch was a Laphroag(?) in about 1963. my last burbon, 5 years prior. very few people are familiar with exclusive calva, armingiac or congiac.

i notice the FT'ers that frequent F talk of christil, krug, dom salon,and the like. for them, get a bottle of RD, and send them to the ghetto(never heard bubble going with slumming before) PJ is just a couple expendable glasses and an acceptable bubble.

if these people are even remotely knowledgable in the world of wine, grand cru burgundy, bordeaux, trockenbeerenauslese, hermitage and aged vintage port are good choices.

exchuse the spelling, i don't have time to look them up.

Cristal conjours up a bit of a 'ghetto-tastic' image - due in part to rappers who feel the need to include the brand in their songs. Dom, Krug etc don't have the same connotations. In fact the 'brash' strip club type drink I associate are things like whisky bought by the bottle, rather than any wines, champagnes etc. You see 'bottle service' menus and whisky seems to dominate.

Personalize it to each client.

If you don't know each client well enough to know what liquor they drink, I'd be willing to bet that their assistants or secretaries know, or could find out easily enough. If you need to go that route, be sure to send a small token of thanks to the secretary or assistant as well.

I adore whisky .... and hate Blue. It tastes like a cheap blend. It is for peolple that haven't progressed to single malts. ;)

I think more people like champagne than any individual spirit. A bottle of champagne also has a nice social vibe - we open it with friends, enjoy it - it isn't something you open and drink alone, like you might whisky... Right. A bottle of Scotch is not inherently social. And while I agree Cristal has an ugly/ghetto vibe (I wouldn't gift cognac anymore either for similar reasons -- Courvoisier, Hennessy, etc.), I don't think that's the case with the other Champagnes mentioned. The Perrier gift sets are nice to present, and people sometimes keep the empty bottles. They do not keep empty whisky bottles.

A bottle of JW Blue for me would be a total waste. I would probably regift it... if I was one of your biggest clients I would probably wonder just how well you knew me if you picked something I've never mentioned or showed any interest in at all. Excellent point. If the recipient doesn't drink, or only drinks wine, the gift is a misfire and a $175 doorstop. If they only know a little about spirits they might be aware that there's a $24 bottle of JW out there, fail to grok the difference between Red and Blue, and misapprehend the value of the gift. And if they know more than a little about whisky you might get this reaction:

I adore whisky .... and hate Blue. It tastes like a cheap blend. It is for peolple that haven't progressed to single malts. ;)

Me too. I am happy with Famous Grouse for everyday mixing, and an aged Oban or Highland Park is a nice gesture, but I'm unimpressed by JW Blue -- it tells me someone pays more attention to brand than taste / quality.

I thought it was just me. It's ("Blue") harsh and "unrefined". I think it is marketed for the gullible. It's served in BA F and I've tried to "get it" but totally failed.

I think it is marketed for the gullible.

It's a nameplate thing I think. I guess I would add also that for me, appropriateness matters more than cost every time. Were somebody to give me a $50 bottle of Blanton's or Booker's, knowing that I like learning more about premium bourbons, that would make a far better impression than a $175 bottle of something random.

It's a nameplate thing I think. I guess I would add also that for me, appropriateness matters more than cost every time. Were somebody to give me a $50 bottle of Blanton's or Booker's, knowing that I like learning more about premium bourbons, that would make a far better impression than a $175 bottle of something random.

I think that's right.

For me it immediately reminded me of my very first blended cheap whisky.

I hate the word in the context of wine, but the word terroir really applies here. A lovely light single malt will evoke a cold frosty peaty heather (to me!) but Blue tastes of a laboratory not of the land.

I recognise that we all have different tastes but I normally detect and like expensive spirits but I was completely defeated and perplexed.

Last year I gave out bottles of JW Blue. What should I give this year?

Note: I have no idea about alcohol but know that it makes a good gift. I'll be buying 5-7 bottles this year to hand to my biggest clients.

I'd like something that is high in quality but also has a nice *cool* factor.

Back to the question - you don't list your location, but is there something 'local', something that the area is known for that you could get? A certain type of wine (a mixed case perhaps if you want to spend more than a bottle), a particular spirit that is made in the area?

Give the booze. The client can use it for guests at home or re-gift it. They're clients, they don't want or expect you to dig into their personal lives, likes & dislikes. They'll figure out how much the gift is worth, believe me. I'm thinking something like Springbank 18 or Pappy Van Winkle 23. ps: Germain Robin XO is about as good as brandy gets for around $100-120. Consistently rated one of the world's best. A bargain at that price IMO. wj

IMHO, I think something like JW Blue is a little "impersonal".

Craft distilleries are popping up all over the place - Stranahan's Colorado whiskey, Tito's Texas Vodka, etc. They will probably be <$160, but mean a bit more as they are more personal than some mass-marketed product.

http://www.clearcreekdistillery.com/pear.html

Pear-in-the-Bottle
In addition to normally bottled pear brandy, we do a special bottling of pear-in-the-bottle. To make pear-in-the-bottle we actually grow the pear inside of the bottle in our orchards, and then fill it with our pear eau de vie. This practice of growing pears in the bottle is traditional in Alsace where pear brandy has been made for hundreds of years. Pear-in-the-bottle is highly labor intensive, requiring weeks of work putting the bottles on the trees in late May when the small pear will still fit in the neck of the bottle, tending them all summer, and picking them in late August. Since we use no preservatives or artificial cleaning solutions, each pear and each bottle must be painstakingly scrubbed by hand before we fill with our pear eau de vie for which we are known worldwide. Due to the unpredictable nature of pear growth from year to year the pear in the bottle is only available certain years.

They also make a very nice single malt Whisky, but it often sells out within a few weeks of bottling. You'd have to buy your 2012 Holiday gifts in May or June.

Chopin Vodka is one of my favorites.

Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey is a fine spirit at your price point

Last year I gave out bottles of JW Blue. What should I give this year?

If the gift of whiskey worked well last year, I'd say try it again. But pick something that's not quite so heavily marketed as JW Blue, so your clients will feel like you spent time picking it and they can feel like they're in on a secret. For example, I've really enjoyed Glenfarclas 21 and 25. They're in the price range you indicated. Highland Park 21 is in the same price range, though I can't vouch for its taste personally.

I wouldn't worry too much about the negatives such as, "What if they don't drink?" or "What if they don't like Scotch?" A bottle of Scotch (or any other premium liquor) can be enjoyed in small quantities by an occasional drinker for months or years. A person who doesn't like Scotch themselves may value keeping it in the cabinet to share with company. And if neither of those are the case, a bottle with some prestige can be regifted easily.

The only train wreck I can see happening is if one of your recipients is a fervent dry, a person who doesn't drink, doesn't tolerate alcohol in the house, and won't regift it either. But I think if that were the case, you'd have heard about it last year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my bottle of 12 year old Talisker single-malt that I bought several years ago. I remember every person I've shared it with and every occasion that I opened it for.

I agree with the people who say tailor the gift to the person; check with their assistant and let that person know you appreciate their knowledge.

Wow. I appreciate the wealth of advice here that goes far beyond just a choice of alcohol.

Digging around into people's alcohol preferences is a little hard and I was hoping that there was a holy grail that just bridged everything.

IE - let's say I was giving away cars instead, and I knew one client really liked Honda Accords and the other really liked the Toyota Camry. But then I gave them both a Mercedes Benz AMG - it wouldn't matter anymore what they liked to drive around town, they would all be happy to have a new AMG.

I also am not trying to be an alcohol elitist and educate them on fine wines - I want them to immediately see the bottle and be "damn, I'm happy we're doing business with him." Just like you don't have to be a car geek to know a Benz is good stuff.

I suppose I could give the JWB again although I have heard the rumors that it is purely a Veblen good.

One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

Wow. I appreciate the wealth of advice here that goes far beyond just a choice of alcohol.

Digging around into people's alcohol preferences is a little hard and I was hoping that there was a holy grail that just bridged everything.

IE - let's say I was giving away cars instead, and I knew one client really liked Honda Accords and the other really liked the Toyota Camry. But then I gave them both a Mercedes Benz AMG - it wouldn't matter anymore what they liked to drive around town, they would all be happy to have a new AMG.

I also am not trying to be an alcohol elitist and educate them on fine wines - I want them to immediately see the bottle and be "damn, I'm happy we're doing business with him." Just like you don't have to be a car geek to know a Benz is good stuff.

I suppose I could give the JWB again although I have heard the rumors that it is purely a Veblen good.

One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

I'm glad you asked the question and I've particularly enjoyed the resultant discussion. :)

I'm not in a sales position (probably will never be - not my thing), but always thought that if I were I'd try to collect a fair bit of information about my clients so that I could address them appropriately (from birthdate to marriage status to kids to hobbies - I realize it might sound excessive but it would allow me to hopefully provide very relevant and targeted gifts).

At any rate, I understand what you mean with the car analogy, but if I could extend it a bit further, what if you gave them an awesome car that was only a stick shift and half of your customers didn't know how to drive a stick? Sure, they'd know it was nice and that you spent a lot of money on it, but it's not something they could easily use or enjoy.

Not only should the gift be of appropriate quality (and $160 for a bottle of alcohol should qualify), it should be usable and enjoyed by the recipient.

I was hoping that there was a holy grail that just bridged everything...One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

The standard is whisky neat--something that is either appreciated by the recipient directly or as a welcome addition to personal bar stock. Maybe that's old-school now, but it still fits the bill for client gifting.

Treat yourself to the Kauffman first and see if that's the right message. If so, how do you top yourself next year? Obviously you want to have some fun with the selections.

Champagne is always a thoughtful gift, probably most appreciated by the ladies.

A quick read for you--surely whatever choice you make, you'll want to be able to have an experienced conversation about the selection.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Why+whisky+has+an+appeal+that+is+sheer+chemistry%3 b+Expert+verdict+...-a0192668869

One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

Thanks.

It is supposed to be ... but there is a difference between buying a drink for yourself and a drink as a business gift. With the business gift - you are trying to say "I have thought about you and the relationship is important to me". That is what buying this type of drink represents.

What one buys for oneself is completely different .......

IE - let's say I was giving away cars instead, and I knew one client really liked Honda Accords and the other really liked the Toyota Camry. But then I gave them both a Mercedes Benz AMG - it wouldn't matter anymore what they liked to drive around town, they would all be happy to have a new AMG... you don't have to be a car geek to know a Benz is good stuff.

I dunno. To extend your metaphor for a sec, a gift of an AMG might touch off an interesting values discussion. It's an extravagant gesture, to be sure, but also a test of personal taste. I think AMGs are kind of bling-y and vulgar, myself, and I wouldn't choose one left to my own devices. And the question would be: is this really the best use of XX thousand dollars? What sort of judgment is this?

Surely you want clients to associate you with more than blindly throwing money around regardless of taste or preference.

(FYI, possible food for thought... the best reaction my company ever got to a client gift was when we donated a bunch of money to Heifer International and sent goats, beehives, a yardful of chickens, etc. to needy locales in each client's name. We talked about "how your goat is working out" for months or years afterwards. Cost us about the price of a bottle of JWB per client.)

Wow. I appreciate the wealth of advice here that goes far beyond just a choice of alcohol.

Digging around into people's alcohol preferences is a little hard and I was hoping that there was a holy grail that just bridged everything.

IE - let's say I was giving away cars instead, and I knew one client really liked Honda Accords and the other really liked the Toyota Camry. But then I gave them both a Mercedes Benz AMG - it wouldn't matter anymore what they liked to drive around town, they would all be happy to have a new AMG.

I also am not trying to be an alcohol elitist and educate them on fine wines - I want them to immediately see the bottle and be "damn, I'm happy we're doing business with him." Just like you don't have to be a car geek to know a Benz is good stuff.

I suppose I could give the JWB again although I have heard the rumors that it is purely a Veblen good.

One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

The other thing I might say, a bottle of alcohol, however nice, doesn't have a personal touch, unless it is tailored to their own preferences. It may send the message 'I sent my secretary out with my credit card and told her to buy something expensive'. I have to say I have had that reaction when I have received a gift from a business associate, who I suspect knows me better than the gift suggests (that I order red when we have dinner, but a bottle of white is delivered, that sort of thing). Either they are not paying attention (and other things don't lead me to this conclusion) or the gift buying has been delegated (my assumption). The things that impress me are people who remember (was taken to lunch a short while back, and the person hosting me to lunch had remembered by champagne preference from a throw away conversation 6 months earlier, and there was a bottle waiting when I arrived.) That sort of thing sticks in my mind.

If you don't have a great memory for such things, why not dig through your expense receipts and see what they ordered for their after dinner drink (eg a brandy, or a scotch) if you have taken them to dinner. That might be a little more targetted. And, as others have suggested, a quick call from your secretary to theirs would yeild a similar result.

Depending on whether you will be transporting it/ mailing it and on the weather of the destination, I would avoid whites and bubbles. They tend not to transport or store well in hot and humid conditions. The last thing you want is the client to open a bottle of improperly stored/transported champagne that he/she saved for Valentines to find that it has completely gone off. Also, not only is the champagne crowd very divided between sweet and dry, vintage and non-vintage, there are many who absolutely hate champagne but just don't say so because it is supposed to be a celebratory tradition.

If you'd like to give wine, opt for a 2nd/3rd growth wine from a famous vineyard. Chateau Lafite tends to go over well with brand conscious clients.

For liquor, I agree with many of the posts above, and stick to sipping liquors such as whiskies and brandies.

Another question for the OP would be whether there is a need to buy a case of the same or would each bottle be chosen uniquely for the recipient.

Wow. I appreciate the wealth of advice here that goes far beyond just a choice of alcohol.

Digging around into people's alcohol preferences is a little hard and I was hoping that there was a holy grail that just bridged everything.

IE - let's say I was giving away cars instead, and I knew one client really liked Honda Accords and the other really liked the Toyota Camry. But then I gave them both a Mercedes Benz AMG - it wouldn't matter anymore what they liked to drive around town, they would all be happy to have a new AMG.

I also am not trying to be an alcohol elitist and educate them on fine wines - I want them to immediately see the bottle and be "damn, I'm happy we're doing business with him." Just like you don't have to be a car geek to know a Benz is good stuff.

I suppose I could give the JWB again although I have heard the rumors that it is purely a Veblen good.

One suggestion I found intriguing was Kauffman Luxury Vintage Vodka. That's a really cool bottle and, if I am reading right, is about the best Vodka in the world before you get into crazytown with prices.

Therein lies the problem. Not everyone would agree with you on these points.

Therein lies the problem. Not everyone would agree with you on these points.

Especially if the person already owns a [insert car of choice, Ferrari, Lotus, etc]

I see the details are bogging someone down. Just imagine a car that everyone loves and doesn't mind having more of, even if they already own a better car.

The standard is whisky neat--something that is either appreciated by the recipient directly or as a welcome addition to personal bar stock. Maybe that's old-school now, but it still fits the bill for client gifting.

Treat yourself to the Kauffman first and see if that's the right message. If so, how do you top yourself next year? Obviously you want to have some fun with the selections.

Champagne is always a thoughtful gift, probably most appreciated by the ladies.

A quick read for you--surely whatever choice you make, you'll want to be able to have an experienced conversation about the selection.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Why+whisky+has+an+appeal+that+is+sheer+chemistry%3 b+Expert+verdict+...-a0192668869

No one expects me to have a conversation about it because they all know I am a non-drinker. I don't even know what JWB is - vokda, scotch????

But your advice sounds good. I think the Middleton Rare Irish Whiskey may be what I go for since I can't seem to find the Kauffman Vodka in the US and it reads well.

Middleton's will make a nice gift. It comes in a great wooden box - impressive. As for the drinking - very little difference between it and the Jameson 18 (which they make as well) IMO. wj

I see the details are bogging someone down. Just imagine a car that everyone loves and doesn't mind having more of, even if they already own a better car.

But that's the problem you're encountering, right? Not everyone wants "more of" something they don't like (or prefer), i.e., vodka, scotch, wine, champagne, cars, etc. I don't think there is a "one-size fits all" gift that's going to work for you.

But that's the problem you're encountering, right? Not everyone wants "more of" something they don't like (or prefer), i.e., vodka, scotch, wine, champagne, cars, etc. I don't think there is a "one-size fits all" gift that's going to work for you.

Yeah. I mean - a bottle for me would be a not so great gift. But these people like their booze and I think the Midleton will be a nice choice.

No one expects me to have a conversation about it because they all know I am a non-drinker. I don't even know what JWB is - vokda, scotch????

But your advice sounds good. I think the Middleton Rare Irish Whiskey may be what I go for since I can't seem to find the Kauffman Vodka in the US and it reads well.

JWB = Johnnie Walker Blue

I wouldn't do Irish Whiskey...Outside of Ireland, Irish Whiskey strikes me as more the preserve of drunks and college kids. I'd stick with scotch or bourbon.

You can't go wrong with Macallan 18 or 25. The 18 should be right in your price range, and the 25 will be a bit above I think. Macallan is one of the more popular single malt scotches. Scotch drinkers will appreciate it, and non-scotch drinkers will probably still have heard of it.

Yeah. I mean - a bottle for me would be a not so great gift. But these people like their booze and I think the Midleton will be a nice choice.

Have you been out drinking/socializing with them in the past? Maybe you could mix it up a bit and try to get a bottle that's a bit more specific/appropriate for each client? Some may prefer scotch, some vodka, some gin, etc.

Have you been out drinking/socializing with them in the past? Maybe you could mix it up a bit and try to get a bottle that's a bit more specific/appropriate for each client? Some may prefer scotch, some vodka, some gin, etc.

That's a good idea but that doesn't help me now. I'm an unpleasant person to be around and any attempt at fraternization will probably result in less clients.

Which I guess would be a different kind of solution to the question - no clients, no need to buy alcohol.

JWB = Johnnie Walker Blue

I wouldn't do Irish Whiskey...Outside of Ireland, Irish Whiskey strikes me as more the preserve of drunks and college kids. I'd stick with scotch or bourbon.

You can't go wrong with Macallan 18 or 25. The 18 should be right in your price range, and the 25 will be a bit above I think. Macallan is one of the more popular single malt scotches. Scotch drinkers will appreciate it, and non-scotch drinkers will probably still have heard of it.

While you're certainly correct about not going wrong with the Macallan, have you tasted the Midleton? I think any drinker who enjoys fine scotch would appreciate it and it's unique in that it's not scotch...

JWB = Johnnie Walker Blue

I wouldn't do Irish Whiskey...Outside of Ireland, Irish Whiskey strikes me as more the preserve of drunks and college kids. I'd stick with scotch or bourbon.

You can't go wrong with Macallan 18 or 25. The 18 should be right in your price range, and the 25 will be a bit above I think. Macallan is one of the more popular single malt scotches. Scotch drinkers will appreciate it, and non-scotch drinkers will probably still have heard of it.
Here's where you're wrong. I own a bar with perhaps 200 whiskies (both w/an 'e' & w/out) and maybe 30 of 'em are Irish. Just as boutique small batch bourbons took off 10 -15 years ago, the same thing is happening with Irish now. They've become quite popular. What''s hot right now are Ryes and Irish. There's many different Irish whiskeys with age on them and interesting barrel treatments (such as Tyrconnel Madeira Cask). Midleton is at or near the top with the Jameson Rarest Vintage, 2009 Vintage,and Bushmills 21 IMO. Jameson has some bottlings that push $300/btl. For home consumption I'd pick the Redbreast 15 or Killbeggan 15 'cause I don't feel Midleton is worth the considerable extra tariff though. As far as the MacAllan, the Mac 18 is very good. Mac 25 decidedly less so. Because of the sherry casks you end up drinking something that tastes more like extra-fortified sherry than whiskey. I think 18 is the sweet spot for Port, Madeira, or Sherry casks. wj

There's a bazillion pick up truck drivers who would never be seen in a Mercedes. I think the issue is the perception that something you believe is valuable to you must be valuable to everybody.

While you're certainly correct about not going wrong with the Macallan, have you tasted the Midleton? I think any drinker who enjoys fine scotch would appreciate it and it's unique in that it's not scotch...

i get invited to macallan tastings monthly. they even throw in food. dont know what is a midleton. what ever happened to small scotch makers. i presume macallan and milleton are things marketed by louie vitton and have a 50% margin. i think the number of clients in the usa that appreciate "fine scotcn, bourbon" is miniscule.

i got about a dozen bottles from vendors every year. stuck them in a corner of the office. had about 15 years worth(over 10 cases of the dreck) when i had it hauled to a charity auction. no one ever gave me a bottle of wine, which i drink regularly.

the italians would bring their favorite grappa over for me. sort of like a cross between gasoline and paint remover.........

i get invited to macallan tastings monthly. they even throw in food. dont know what is a midleton. what ever happened to small scotch makers. i presume macallan and milleton are things marketed by louie vitton and have a 50% margin. i think the number of clients in the usa that appreciate "fine scotcn, bourbon" is miniscule.

i got about a dozen bottles from vendors every year. stuck them in a corner of the office. had about 15 years worth(over 10 cases of the dreck) when i had it hauled to a charity auction. no one ever gave me a bottle of wine, which i drink regularly.

the italians would bring their favorite grappa over for me. sort of like a cross between gasoline and paint remover.........

Close - LVMH's whisky company is The Glenmorangie Company. Midleton is Pernot-Ricard and Macallan is the Edrington Group. No idea what the markups are mind you! Bizarre - I was looking at some related documents just 20 minutes ago!

I tend to agree on the grappa front - and ouzo is in the same bracket for me!

That's a good idea but that doesn't help me now. I'm an unpleasant person to be around and any attempt at fraternization will probably result in less clients.

Which I guess would be a different kind of solution to the question - no clients, no need to buy alcohol.

If you think you are that unpleasant, why not buy something that may help them change their mind.

http://www.goodgifts.org/good-gifts/gift/5017 - "I know I can be a bit of an old goat, so...."

http://www.goodgifts.org/good-gifts/gift/8015 - "From this old (three letter alternative word for donkey that is blocked by filters!)"

Send the card tied around the neck of a stuffed goat / donkey.

Go unique and get a set of 8 bottles of various fruit wines.

http://schneblywinery.com/

I tried the guava the other day, it was my last bottle, and it was excellent. Everyone in the group loved it(some big wine drinkers)
in the past, the Avocado was my favorite other before the Guava. Others really enjoyed the lychee. I even found a person allergic to grapes that wanted to make sure it was not a grape blend wine (it isn't) and she loved it as well!

Nope they aren't expensive alone. very affordable, but very interesting, and would make a decent gift.


I expect this won't be taken seriously, but I throw it out there anyway. I'd MUCH rather have something practical and affordable than high end and hidden in a cabinet.

I am a large client of some of our vendors and they send us pens and towels, and victorinox engraved items, all useful but not unique at all.

I wouldn't go with vodka if you are looking for something with a "cool" factor - vodka has been on the downswing for several years now. Fancy gins were all the rage recently, but gin is definitely one of those things that not everyone likes (which is part of what makes something "cool" IMHO).

I would probably go with a Japanese whiskey. I think you can get the Yamazaki 18 for a bit less than your budget, and I'm a fan of it. I like the Hibiki 21, too, but I don't think you can get it in the states.

JWB = Johnnie Walker Blue

I wouldn't do Irish Whiskey...Outside of Ireland, Irish Whiskey strikes me as more the preserve of drunks and college kids. I'd stick with scotch or bourbon.

You can't go wrong with Macallan 18 or 25. The 18 should be right in your price range, and the 25 will be a bit above I think. Macallan is one of the more popular single malt scotches. Scotch drinkers will appreciate it, and non-scotch drinkers will probably still have heard of it.

The Macallan 25 would be far above his price range at about $500-$600, depending on where you get it. I know because I've had it several times and have been dreaming of buying a bottle of it. Macallan 18, on the other hand, would be right in his price range at roughly $150.

I would probably go with a Japanese whiskey. I think you can get the Yamazaki 18 for a bit less than your budget, and I'm a fan of it.

See, brand and quality perceptions work against you there in a different way. A whisky enthusiast would probably be very interested (and educated) by such a bottle. Someone casual or ignorant about spirits would likely dismiss Japanese whisky as a joke-gift or assume it tastes like kerosene.

No one expects me to have a conversation about it because they all know I am a non-drinker.

Then a bottle of liquor is ENTIRELY the wrong thing for you to send.

Thread over.

Then a bottle of liquor is ENTIRELY the wrong thing for you to send.

Thread over.

I disagree strongly. The primary concern in this such a situation is what the recipients enjoy. If they like liquor and/or have appreciated past gifts of liquor, it's fine to give it again. The only cases where I'd recommend against it based on the giver being a non-drinker are those where the giver is a) morally opposed to drinking alcohol or b) enjoys it so little that s/he is unable to choose something nice as a gift.

As an example, my wife is also a non-drinker but she has given gifts of booze to professional contacts with advice from me and a mutual friend. Her gifts have been warmly received, with some recipients insisting on returning the favor months or years later "after that excellent bottle you gave me."

See, brand and quality perceptions work against you there in a different way. A whisky enthusiast would probably be very interested (and educated) by such a bottle. Someone casual or ignorant about spirits would likely dismiss Japanese whisky as a joke-gift or assume it tastes like kerosene.

Perhaps, but for me, that is what would make it a good gift. In my mind, gifts should be something you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself. They should also provide a new experience without being too showy. JWB is a good gift for those who like whiskey, but it also screams "look how much I spent on you!" Something more subtle that might create a more unique association, to me, is the better way to go.

I think it opens up another issue - if someone gave me alcohol as a gift, I would assume that person also drinks and if I reciprocated with eg. a scotch I consider good, I would feel bad to discover they don't drink. I would generally only give alcohol to those I know drink, but I would take receiving alcohol from them as a sign they do (I guess because none of the non drinkers I know would give booze).


Then a bottle of liquor is ENTIRELY the wrong thing for you to send.

Thread over.

I disagree strongly. The primary concern in this such a situation is what the recipients enjoy. If they like liquor and/or have appreciated past gifts of liquor, it's fine to give it again. The only cases where I'd recommend against it based on the giver being a non-drinker are those where the giver is a) morally opposed to drinking alcohol or b) enjoys it so little that s/he is unable to choose something nice as a gift.

As an example, my wife is also a non-drinker but she has given gifts of booze to professional contacts with advice from me and a mutual friend. Her gifts have been warmly received, with some recipients insisting on returning the favor months or years later "after that excellent bottle you gave me."

I think Johnny Walker Blue is good if your clients are the Johnny Walker Blue types. Some people are into that, but others would just re-gift it. I've gotten bottles of XO that I just give away.

My recommendations would be:

1) Dom Perignon. You can get them at Costco for around $130, and they have a beautiful box. It's a rare treat to drink vintage champagne, so this to me, is very special

2) Opus One. A wine that states class, elegance, and good taste.

3) Caymus Cabernet Reserve. One of the best cabernets that are out there, in my opinion.

4) 2nd growth bordeaux (Cos D'Estournel, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Pichon Comtesse de Lalande) is always a safe bet.

5) A nice bottle of d'Yquem is always very nice.

I think the nice thing about your gift, the JW blue, however, is the it lasts. They don't just down it all at once, like dom Perignon. They get the savor it. However, if you give them a bottle of dom or opus one, they will usually open it on a special occasion, so that will make it very memorable, also.

I have a horse in this race (see my note below), so take what I post here with a good does of salt.....

It may be interesting to offer something that is not normally available in the US. Limited release wines that dont make it out of the producing country, large format bottles, special family reserve labels, etc.

disclaimer: I am an EZE based fine wine merchant and do a lot of corporate gift giving programs for US companies.

I think Johnny Walker Blue is good if your clients are the Johnny Walker Blue types. Some people are into that, but others would just re-gift it. I've gotten bottles of XO that I just give away.

My recommendations would be:

1) Dom Perignon. You can get them at Costco for around $130, and they have a beautiful box. It's a rare treat to drink vintage champagne, so this to me, is very special

2) Opus One. A wine that states class, elegance, and good taste.

3) Caymus Cabernet Reserve. One of the best cabernets that are out there, in my opinion.

4) 2nd growth bordeaux (Cos D'Estournel, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Pichon Comtesse de Lalande) is always a safe bet.

5) A nice bottle of d'Yquem is always very nice.

I think the nice thing about your gift, the JW blue, however, is the it lasts. They don't just down it all at once, like dom Perignon. They get the savor it. However, if you give them a bottle of dom or opus one, they will usually open it on a special occasion, so that will make it very memorable, also.


Not if I get it it .:D:D:D

I think Johnny Walker Blue is good if your clients are the Johnny Walker Blue types. Some people are into that, but others would just re-gift it. I've gotten bottles of XO that I just give away.

My recommendations would be:

1) Dom Perignon. You can get them at Costco for around $130, and they have a beautiful box. It's a rare treat to drink vintage champagne, so this to me, is very special

2) Opus One. A wine that states class, elegance, and good taste.

3) Caymus Cabernet Reserve. One of the best cabernets that are out there, in my opinion.

4) 2nd growth bordeaux (Cos D'Estournel, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Pichon Comtesse de Lalande) is always a safe bet.

5) A nice bottle of d'Yquem is always very nice.

I think the nice thing about your gift, the JW blue, however, is the it lasts. They don't just down it all at once, like dom Perignon. They get the savor it. However, if you give them a bottle of dom or opus one, they will usually open it on a special occasion, so that will make it very memorable, also.

As someone who's into wine, I am surprised I didn't weigh in until now, but I wanted to comment on these. I think the best overall choice because it's more likely to be widely appreciated is a bottle of high-end Champagne such as Dom. But frankly, I didn't even realize that there was a perceived ghetto vibe to high end bubbly such as Cristal until I read this thread. In any case, Cristal may be seen as ghetto, but Dom is probably less so, and certainly, Taittinger Comtes, Perrier Jouet Flower Bottle, Veuve Cliquot Grande Dame, or Krug would not have that ghetto vibe associated with them, but price-wise, other than Dom bought at a discounter like Costco, they might be closer to $200 a bottle. For my money, I'd go with Krug as the most exclusive and rare choice in high end bubbly.

IMHO, the issue with high end Cabernets like Caymus Special Selection and Opus One, as well as with good Bordeaux in that price range, or in fact ANY top tier red wine is the same one as with high end whiskeys, in that enthusiasts might be thrilled, but many other folks won't drink them at all, and might just re-gift them. However, if someone is known to appreciate red wines, Caymus Special Selection or Opus One would be good choices. Although for my money, I'd combine the idea of premium wines with Gaucho's idea of large format bottles, and get magnums or double magnums of something that would be slightly less pricey in single bottle sizes like, say, magnums of Beringer Reserve or Silver Oak.

As for Chateau d'Yquem, might I inquire where on the planet Earth you are finding it for the vicinity of $160 a bottle? Nowadays, even half bottles of the stuff cost close to $200, except from the odd lousy vintage, and half bottles are actually too physically small to make impressive gifts unless someone genuinely knows what Chateau d'Yquem is.

get magnums or double magnums of something that would be slightly less pricey in single bottle sizes like, say, magnums of Beringer Reserve or Silver Oak.

As for Chateau d'Yquem, might I inquire where on the planet Earth you are finding it for the vicinity of $160 a bottle? Nowadays, even half bottles of the stuff cost close to $200, except from the odd lousy vintage, and half bottles are actually too physically small to make impressive gifts unless someone genuinely knows what Chateau d'Yquem is.

I like that idea, actually of getting a magnum of a lower cost wine, like Silver Oak. Silver oak is a great "higher end wine for the masses". That is, it's a very very nice wine, but it's not super special. But everybody recognizes it as a great wine. I suppose the analogy would be a Benz E class. It's a great car, most people recognize that it's a nice benz, but compared to an AMG SL63 or an AMG CL65, it doesn't have the "super elite" status. However, if you drive an E class Benz, you're driving a great car with nice prestige. Same with Silver Oak.

So, I think if you're gonna go magnum, I would go Silver Oak.

Agree with you about the d'Yquem. 1/2 bottles is all one could get anyway, and most people may not know what it is.

I like that idea, actually of getting a magnum of a lower cost wine, like Silver Oak. Silver oak is a great "higher end wine for the masses". That is, it's a very very nice wine, but it's not super special. But everybody recognizes it as a great wine. I suppose the analogy would be a Benz E class. It's a great car, most people recognize that it's a nice benz, but compared to an AMG SL63 or an AMG CL65, it doesn't have the "super elite" status. However, if you drive an E class Benz, you're driving a great car with nice prestige. Same with Silver Oak.

So, I think if you're gonna go magnum, I would go Silver Oak.

Agree with you about the d'Yquem. 1/2 bottles is all one could get anyway, and most people may not know what it is.

Actually, I think the Beringer Reserve is better, but perhaps not as appreciated by the masses for it's status as Silver Oak. And BTW, I own an AMG E55. Where does that fit in you Benz hierarchy?

JWB is a good gift for those who like whiskey, but it also screams "look how much I spent on you!" Something more subtle that might create a more unique association, to me, is the better way to go.
I agree with you there. ^

Actually, I think the Beringer Reserve is better, but perhaps not as appreciated by the masses for it's status as Silver Oak. And BTW, I own an AMG E55. Where does that fit in you Benz hierarchy?

I would agree with that statement in terms of true wine quality. I drank the Beringer 1994 private reserve, and it was truly amazing (also one of Wine Spectator's top 100 wines of the year, I believe). However, I have never had a bottle of Silver Oak that was good as a great bottle of Beringer PR. That being said, the "masses" (of which we all essentially are, whether we think so or not) could more likely appreciate the brand of Silver Oak over Beringer.

E55 is a great car. The M5 equivalent. It is fantastic. :D

E55.... M5..... AMG C63... wow, you guys are into cars... :cool:

For a client that you don't know a lot about with respect to personal tastes, then stick with the known, i.e., JWB, or Dom. The last thing you want a recipient to think upon opening the gift is "what is this, I wonder how much it costs? Did he go cheap on me this year?" (This is the case even if you have bought a far superior product, even at a lesser price.) Do your clients know each other? Do they talk?

I'd personally prefer a fine bottle of wine, and the fact is that I'd prefer that it not be Opus One. But as a recipient of a gift, if I receive something fine that I've never heard of before, the initial reaction might be "oh thank you (I wonder how cheap he went this year)." That is, unless I know that you know me and know what my wine tastes are, and that you wouldn't try and substitute Folgers Crystals from my regular gourmet coffee.

I recall clearly several years ago a professional gift I received (not alcohol). I looked at the thing, wondered what it was, how these pieces fit together, knowing that no matter how they went, that I wouldn't love the thing, but knew from the box that she had spent a fortune on whatever it was, and appreciated highly the gesture.

So, if you know a client well, and know a particular item that would me more appreciated than the tried and true, get it. If you are unsure, go with the standard selections. If your clients know each other, be consistent.

Although I'm normally an Islay fancier (Bunnahabhain 18 being my current favorite), a bottle of Macallan 18 would be nice, particularly paired with a box of these (http://www.valerieconfections.com/product_info.php?products_id=115). A bottle of Dom (or similar) would be my second choice, I think.

Then a bottle of liquor is ENTIRELY the wrong thing for you to send.

Thread over.

They were all elated with the JW B bottles I sent last year and all of them continued to do business. One doubled their contract.

I don't perceive how that is wrong.

I do read and write a lot - I was thinking of giving them all Kindles this year but they all seemed to really enjoy the booze so....

They were all elated with the JW B bottles I sent last year and all of them continued to do business. One doubled their contract.

I don't perceive how that is wrong.

I do read and write a lot - I was thinking of giving them all Kindles this year but they all seemed to really enjoy the booze so....

Seriously? All because of a bottle of scotch? :confused:

Because, at the minimum, it misrepresents who you are. As mentioned above, it very likely puts them in the awkward position of sending you a gift you will never use - and no matter what, people find out about these things. IF you do ever meet in person, they will assume you drink, and probably assume you like JWB, and order one for you, then everyone is in the awkward position of you not "rejecting" it.

Now, that said, if nobody struck up a conversation about alcohol you were unprepared to have, or any of these "negatives" came to light in the last year, maybe it's worth "the risk". There are worse things to be than the "Johnny Walker Blue at Christmas" guy, but has everyone drank their full bottle already? You don't want to keep giving them the same thing and see it being stockpiled because you're giving them more than they are consuming ...

I think it opens up another issue - if someone gave me alcohol as a gift, I would assume that person also drinks and if I reciprocated with eg. a scotch I consider good, I would feel bad to discover they don't drink. I would generally only give alcohol to those I know drink, but I would take receiving alcohol from them as a sign they do (I guess because none of the non drinkers I know would give booze).

I am well known to all as a non-drinker. Not a problem. And clients don't give me presents.

Seriously? All because of a bottle of scotch? :confused:

No. You're confused because you didn't see the comment in context. Someone told me it was the 'wrong move' because I don't drink. I see no evidence that it was the wrong move.

I am well known to all as a non-drinker. Not a problem. And clients don't give me presents.

Then if you are well known as a non drinker, I would agree it is not the right gift to give. I would give things I enjoy in the hope others would enjoy them too. Giving a high end whisky when you don't drink whisky is a bit strange - I wouldn't give someone a wine, champagne, spirit etc I didn't personally enjoy - it smacks of 'I'm giving you this because it is expensive' not 'because I like it' or 'because I wanted to share this rare / unusual / high end product I think is great'.

I don't smoke, so I wouldn't dream fo buying someone cigars as a gift - even if I knew somewhere I could buy expensive cubans - it just wouldn't be the right from me, as a non-cigar smoker.

Because, at the minimum, it misrepresents who you are. As mentioned above, it very likely puts them in the awkward position of sending you a gift you will never use - and no matter what, people find out about these things. IF you do ever meet in person, they will assume you drink, and probably assume you like JWB, and order one for you, then everyone is in the awkward position of you not "rejecting" it.

Now, that said, if nobody struck up a conversation about alcohol you were unprepared to have, or any of these "negatives" came to light in the last year, maybe it's worth "the risk". There are worse things to be than the "Johnny Walker Blue at Christmas" guy, but has everyone drank their full bottle already? You don't want to keep giving them the same thing and see it being stockpiled because you're giving them more than they are consuming ...

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I dont know who elevated you to the position to say what corporate gift is wrong....??

Giving Booze to clients is a tradition that dates back many years, it is not only a US thing but also a custom that is alive and well on a world wide basis. The poster above has done this before with positive results. So no, this discussion is not over.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I dont know who elevated you to the position to say what corporate gift is wrong....??

Giving Booze to clients is a tradition that dates back many years, it is not only a US thing but also a custom that is alive and well on a world wide basis. The poster above has done this before with positive results. So no, this discussion is not over.

Agree. Also, the title of this thread is "alcohol in the $160 range", so this thread is all about alcohol. If one wants to dispute the merits of alcohol as a gift a new thread should be started, "Is alcohol an appropriate gift." But this thread is under the premise of alcohol as a gift.

Agree. Also, the title of this thread is "alcohol in the $160 range", so this thread is all about alcohol. If one wants to dispute the merits of alcohol as a gift a new thread should be started, "Is alcohol an appropriate gift." But this thread is under the premise of alcohol as a gift.

^

♫♫Tis the season to drink Johnnie, fa la la la la, la la la la.♫♫

Here is a really cool gift that has a wow factor.

A whisky making kit. Actually it is a whisky aging kit made by Master Distiller Rick Wasmund. It is a 2L barrel, 2 750ml bottles of unaged whisky at 124 proof, a spigot, bung and a stand. It retails for about $100 here in San Antonio and is only available in select markets/regions.

http://www.copperfox.biz/products/

Contact me for more info if you like...

Disclaimer, yes I am the distributor in Texas, so I am biased, but it is a really cool gift.

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

After careful consideration and consulting with someone in one of the client offices, I've decided....


to give bottles of JWB again and just make it my thing.

Thanks.

Here is a really cool gift that has a wow factor.

A whisky making kit. Actually it is a whisky aging kit made by Master Distiller Rick Wasmund. It is a 2L barrel, 2 750ml bottles of unaged whisky at 124 proof, a spigot, bung and a stand. It retails for about $100 here in San Antonio and is only available in select markets/regions.

http://www.copperfox.biz/products/

Contact me for more info if you like...

Disclaimer, yes I am the distributor in Texas, so I am biased, but it is a really cool gift.
Very neat...

"Ziegler wildkirsch nr 1" (excellent cherry brandy, kirschwasser from Germany). Bottle sells for around 140 USD.

Love the JW Blue though, but that was last year ;)

"Ziegler wildkirsch nr 1" (excellent cherry brandy, kirschwasser from Germany). Bottle sells for around 140 USD.

Love the JW Blue though, but that was last year ;)

I have to agree. JWB has become a real cliché. It is a gift that says "I want you to know I spent a lot of money on you, but at the same time I couldn't be bothered giving it more than a few seconds thought."

If you must give alcohol, (and it is a great gift), get something special that shows you actually thought about it. I like the suggestions for Japanese whisky, which beats Scotch for the "cool" factor, and also small batch American whisky.

If you give JWB there's a good chance they already got one from one of their other clients.

I personally liked slawecki's suggestion of a nice armagnac. Then again, I had armagnac for the first time in Paris earlier this year and I liked it.

I think a bottle of JWB is a nice gift..

I would get the bottle custom engraved. (http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/store/pc/CUSTOM-ENGRAVED-JOHNNIE-WALKER-BLUE-SCOTCH-WHISKY-BOTTLE-133p14145.htm?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=). that's a nice touch!

I've used this liquor store before and have had good results!

FDW

Personalize it to each client.

If you don't know each client well enough to know what liquor they drink, I'd be willing to bet that their assistants or secretaries know, or could find out easily enough. If you need to go that route, be sure to send a small token of thanks to the secretary or assistant as well.

That is a great idea. Booze is a very personal sort of thing. That extra touch of finding out someone's preference is smart.

And you would not want to give alcohol unknowingly to an alcoholic.

A beer drinker might appreciate something wild like Sam Adams Utopia, though it may be more expensive than your target (have not checked on availability/cost lately; may have to wait for the next batch):

http://www.samueladams.com/enjoy-our-beer/beer-detail.aspx?id=f2f5d102-82aa-4971-ba34-452dc736573c

Another spectacular beer gift might be Westvleteren 12 in a gift pack recently released. You'd have to get it out of Belgium from a friend, semi-bootleg, though this might be changing. Usually $40 an 11.2 ounce bottle in the US if you can even find it. This is consistently ranked the #1 or #2 beer in the world (http://beeradvocate.com/lists/popular) and finding it is like a dream for a knowledgeable beer drinker. It is truly fabulous. The current #1 is draft only so that cannot be gifted; how often do you have a chance to try the absolute best in the world of something?

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/313/1545

A super-premium KY bourbon would also be appreciated by many.

And if you really want to be remembered, give a selection of fine small-batch meads; these are quite interesting, especially to my taste the bourbon-barrel-aged and the cranberry:

http://wildblossomwines.com/

Mead of the Month Club!: http://wildblossomwines.com/node/24

If you make it to Chicago, check out Binny's, maybe the one on Jefferson St. Immense selection (1500 different beers, for example). They have items priced well into 5 figures.