ELEVATED PICKS FOR CLINKING GLASSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BY AMANDA MCCOY

‘Tis the season for festive winter libations, from malty stouts to spicy red wines to glorious limited edition spirits. At-home mixology has (unsurprisingly) been on the rise this year, and according to Richard Kay, the liquor supervisor at Circus Wines, Beer & Spirits, social media inspiration and a few key bar staples like maraschino cherries and bitters are turning once amateur bartenders into cocktail extra-ordinaries. So whether you prefer your favorite liquid treat neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer, the end of the year certainly calls for a celebratory indulgence especially given all the stress and uncertainty of 2020. is holiday season, sip and savor these high end luxuries, from the world’s first extra añejo tequila to a classic Napa Valley cab. I (note: Kay recommends calling ahead for availability.)

ANGEL’S ENVY CASK STRENGTH BOURBON
Ripe cherry, salted chocolate, orange peel, and faint cedar

JOSE CUERVO LA FAMILIA TEQUILA
Toasted almonds, apples, vanilla, and cinnamon

LAPHROAIG 25 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
Peat, sherry sweetness, and spicy apple

Nicole Spread

LITTLE BOOK #4 BOURBON
Full-bodied brown sugar, rich charred wood, and dried cherries

SILVER OAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY
Cassis and blackberry with heady suggestions of tobacco and spice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MACALLAN SCOTCH SINGLE MALT 18 YEAR TRIPLE CASK
Mature oak, ginger, and raisin

Circus Wines, Beer & Spirits
Middletown: 853 State Highway 35, 732.957.9700 / Red Bank: 56 Newman Springs Road, 732.747.4053 / Sea Girt: 2204 NJ-35, 732.292.6294 /
Lincroft: 728/720 Newman Springs Road, Suites 4 and 5, 732.747.2100 / circuswines.com