Gifting Spirits: How To Choose & Present The Right Bottle
Gifting a spirit bottle to a connoisseur of wine or liquor is a no brainer, but there is an etiquette involved in how you would present it to your host. Bearing a gift in your hand while heading out to a party constitutes excellent manners in itself but when your gift is a spirit bottle, there are some more considerations to bear in mind. These constitute everything from deciding which spirit to gift, to the right moment to present it to your host or to guests – if you are offering the spirit bottle as a party favour.
And along with choosing the right spirit, presenting it is just as crucial. Oftentimes, you would carry the bottle in your hand but avoid doing so because this appears clumsy.
Moreover, fingerprint smudges might ruin the sheen of the glass bottle making it look untidy. Wrapping the gift properly, writing custom notes and adding a personal touch to the spirit bottle all encompass the etiquette of presenting a delectable spirit like whisky or single malt at a party.
Read on below to know a bit more about the etiquette of gifting fine spirits, how to choose the right liquor and different ways of presentation:
Decide According To Occasion
The kind of spirit or liquor bottle you would offer your hosts depends upon the occasion for the gathering. A bottle of fine wine will work well for a formal dinner or intimate gathering but you can splurge a bit more when you are presenting spirits as a birthday gift or to celebrate a promotion. Additionally, holiday gifting that involves spirits as presents ought to also take into consideration the joys of the season so that your liquor bottles also reflect the cheer and festive revelry associated with these festivals.
Beautiful Wrapping
Presenting a gift properly is as important as putting thought into what kind of spirit ranging from bourbon to wine to a single malt you are offering your host. Wrap the liquor bottle in a beautiful box or tie a ribbon to the neck of the bottle to mark it as a gift. Use eco-friendly materials like bark or twine and paper wrapping for adorning the bottle or go for a customised tote bag indicating the date or occasion for the celebration.
Taste Preferences
When you are trying to determine the kind of liquor you would present, keep in mind the taste preferences of your hosts or your guests, if the spirit is a return gift. If your friend enjoys intense, smoky spirits with a decadent finish, a good bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label could be the perfect present but if they are more inclined towards enjoying the luxe and silky notes of a creamy liqueur, gifting a luxurious bottle of Baileys Original Irish Cream will put a wide smile on their faces.
Experimenting With Flavour
Another way to go about determining liquors for gifting at a birthday or a special occasion is to experiment with the different flavours of booze available out there. You can go for vodkas flavoured with raspberry or coffee or even infuse liquors like gin and brandy at home with different herbs, spices and aromatics like basil, thyme, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. Homemade infused liquor will also add a personalised touch to your present, making it seem that much more special.
Customised Bottles
Amp up your gifting game by getting a wine or whisky bottle customised or tailored to suit the preferences of your hosts. This can mean something like a monogrammed bottle bearing the initials of your host, or a bottle engraved with their moniker or a wine bottle carrying a customised label on which you can write a small message or the name of your host in brilliant blue ink. Customisations can be quirky and eclectic so you have ample room to get creative.
When To Present
Gifting a spirit bottle properly also involves knowing the best time to present your gift. While some are more comfortable offering the gift as soon as they arrive at the venue, others wait till the party is well underway to whip out their present. What is most important is seeking the opportune moment when you have the full attention of your host so they can open the gift and appreciate the fine spirit you have brought for them.
