Instead of buying your favorite liquor-loving friends another bottle of their standby whiskey or gin, surprise them with one of these atypical bottles from Astor Wines & Spirits. Order them online between now and Christmas, and Astor will knock off an additional 10 percent (details below).
For the Tequila Aficionado
The just-released Sombra ($46 before discount) is a prime example of why savvy sipsters are reaching for mezcal. This small-batch, single-village mezcal from Oaxaca has a captivatingly smoky nose and bright, clean agave flavors—a rarity in even the best tequilas.
For the At-Home Mixologist
Fruit-flavored spirits are often liquor-cabinet dust collectors. Solerno ($40 before discount) is one great exception. In cocktails, this complex, bittersweet blood-orange liqueur is an excellent stand-in for Grand Marnier and Cointreau. Or add a splash to Prosecco for a wicked mimosa.
For the Blended-Scotch Naysayer
Compass Box Whisky is almost single-handedly making blended Scotch trendy again by blending casks from top Scotch distilleries into several unique styles. Its soft, easy-drinking Asyla bottling ($37 before discount) is a fine tool for swaying stubborn single-malt addicts.
To receive your online discount, enter "tastingtable" in the "Promo Code" box when you check out.
Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette St. (at E. 4th St.); 212-674-7500 or astorwines.com
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