Whether you want to splurge on a laptop, drink something special or just want a Santa sack gift of olive oil or balsamic vinegar, Winsor Dobbin has a cocktail of great suggestions.
Aberfeldy Gift of Gold
Aberfeldy is a 12-Year-Old Malt Scotch Whisky that is known for being super smooth. This is a smoky, delicious gift for lovers of premium whisky who might also want to make their own whisky cocktails. Aberfeldy 12YO Single Malt Whisky 700ml, $85, is available to purchase at Dan Murphy’s, Liquorland and First Choice. To learn more: www.aberfeldy.com
Victorinox table set
From the people who make the world-famous Swiss Army knives comes a new range of knives and forks with a serious splash of colour. The new Swiss Modern cutlery sets are fresh and vibrant, bringing a splash of summer to any table setting. The new collection is available in sleek black, mint green and cornflower blue – or you have the choice to mix and match individual pieces. The modern, synthetic handles are made of dishwasher-safe and easy to clean materials. Their geometric design also allows for an anti-slip grip and comfortable feel. Like the earlier kitchen knives collection, the Swiss Modern cutlery sets are made of high quality Victorinox stainless steel and come with ultra-sharp wavy blades. $179. https://victorinox.com.au/cutlery/swiss-modern-table-set-12-pieces
Edinburgh Gin Distillery Raspberry Liqueur
Based in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh Gin distils much more than bog standard spirits. Among a portfolio of gins and liqueurs you will find little gems like this one: a fruity and juicy raspberry liqueur that can be added to sparkling wine, used in cocktails, or simply enjoyed over ice. Made in small batches, this impressed my tasting group with its vibrancy. Available from swiftandmoore.com.au or Dan Murphy’s and selected BWS stores. $36.99.
Grampians Olive Co. treats
Family owned and operated, Victorian-based Grampians Olive Co. has built a big reputation for the quality of its Toscana Olive Oil and other gourmet products and has won several national awards. All its products are 100% Australian made and festive gift ideas include cold-pressed extra virgin oils, olives, honeys, artisan vinegars and other stocking stuffers. A pantry hamper ($60) makes an excellent gift for any gourmet entertainer.www.grampiansoliveco.com.au
Cocktails For Home Bartenders
Want to perfect your cocktail skills over the holiday season? Some of Australia’s top bartenders and mixologists have shared their recipes in the new hardback book Cocktails for Home Bartenders, available for $50 including pre-Christmas delivery at www.top25.com.au. You will find cocktails ranging from the simple to the complex. Perfect for those who love to show off to their guests.
Asus ZenBook UX482 Duo 14
Laptop devices are becoming smaller, faster, and sexier each year and I fell in love with a loan version of Asus’s slinkiest newcomer. With a chassis and lid made of magnesium aluminium alloy, this is not only very swift – it looks great. There are two screens, and the touchpad was easy to use, too. Equipped with 11th Gen Intel CoreTM i7 and CoreTM i5 processors, each model supports up to 32 GB of memory and all this stuff (none of which I understand): 1TB PCIe® 3.0 NVMeTM SSD, two ThunderboltTM 4, full size HDMI, Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 3.5 mm audio jack, and microSD card reader, AAS Plus, New ErgoLift AAS plus (Active Aerodynamic System) hinge design, more ergonomic viewing and touchscreen experience and 49% higher airflow. I just liked the way it performed on the road. ZenBook Duo 14 went through an internal layout redesign and is sophisticated. It weighs only 1.6kg (great if you are flying Jetstar with cabin luggage only) and is lighter and slimmer than the previous generation. This is an idea unit for multitaskers. $2699. www.asus.com/au/Laptops/For-Home/Zenbook/Zenbook-Duo-14-UX482/
Warners Honeybee Gin
Released just in time for Christmas, the Honeybee Gin uses hand-harvested honey from the Warner family’s Falls Farm in England, which is combined with 27 other botanicals including lavender, hibiscus, rose and blue cornflower to make this a complex yet delicate gin that paired with a Fever Tree tonic. Warners grows its own fresh botanicals for its gins. Honeybee joins Warner’s Rhubarb Gin, credited with starting the pink gin craze. Available in all Dan Murphy’s stores for $79.95.
Chandon Garden Spritz
So, you would like an instant cocktail? Ready to serve, ready to share, Garden Spritz is a blend of sparkling wine and a unique bitters recipe. Specially crafted with navel and blood oranges and macerated with dried orange peels, herbs, and spices. This is deliciously refreshing and perfect for picnics or a day at the beach. Available from all good bottle shops. $27.
