Marc Álvarez argues that Christmas celebrations should center on pleasure and sharing, not overindulgence. A celebrated master of mixology encourages savoring each drink with intention and even recommends a splash of water to every pour to curb intoxication and prevent dehydration. The aim is thoughtful selection. The season offers many distinctive shots and sips, with a reminder to drink in moderation so the liver can metabolize alcohol more efficiently rather than confronting several drinks in a single hour.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Hard Umami. EPC
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Hard Umami
Umami, the fifth taste, remains one of the most elusive. When thinking of umami, what comes to mind? Master Blender Emma Walker and Three Michelin Star Chef Kei Kobayashi collaborated to answer that question, creating Johnnie Walker Blue Label Hard Umami, a distinctive blended Scotch that captures a complex flavor profile and the intrigue of global connoisseurs. This is a limited edition with a meticulous selection process; only one in twenty-five thousand barrels earns the cut. The profile opens with sweet and salty notes, green and red apples, and toffee sweetness, alongside cashew and brine hints that keep the aroma fresh. The resulting scent is perfume-like and persistent.
In the palate, the initial impression is apple and white peach, followed by a smooth, enduring sweetness that evokes tangerine, blood orange, and red berries. A lingering aroma blends sweet fruit with warm spices, plus hints of smoked meat, salt, and pepper to complete the experience.
Recommended price: 349 euros.
Balvenie Rare Discovery 27 YO. EPC
Very limited edition Balvenie
Balvenie, a century-old distillery founded in 1892 in the Scottish Highlands, introduces two new expressions: 19 YO Keg and The Emergence of Character, and A Rare Discovery from Far Shores 27 YO. These are marketed in select markets with limited production at premium prices.
A Rare Discovery From Distant Shores traces a journey of creativity and collaboration. When Caroni rum samples arrived at Balvenie in 2014, Master Distiller David C. Stewart decided to transfer his 20-year-old whiskey into Caroni barrels. The result is a blend with Caribbean influence, delivering a rich spirit with muscovado sugar and manuka honey, benefiting from the distinctive aging in those barrels for a decade and offering depth and balance.
Balvenie 19YO marks the first solo release by Master Distiller Kelsey McKechnie, a testament to the distillery’s roots and a blend of traditional craft and artistry.
Belvedere launches new vodka icon
Belvedere launches new vodka icon
Belvedere 10 is a vodka with a pristine character, crafted from a single harvest of rye from one field in northeastern Poland. The wheat and rye are carefully tended, harvested, and rested to develop a distinct soft feel. It is distilled four times to enhance texture and depth, then rested for ten months to harmonize flavors. The result is a velvety, smooth spirit meant to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Its aroma presents bright, indulgent notes of coconut, cocoa, and vanilla with a hint of lemon. The palate delivers a creamy mouthfeel, a gentle sweetness with caramel and green coffee accents, and a refined finish enriched by dried fruit, praline, and dark cocoa notes. Belvedere 10 is celebrated for its striking bottle design, a nod to the ten-step process behind its creation.
Recommended price: 270 euros.
Volkan XA EPC
A unique tequila coming from the ashes of a volcano
Emerging from volcanic soils near a Jalisco volcano, a premium artisanal tequila is crafted by a Mexican family led by Juan Gallardo Thurlow. Volcan de mi Tierra presents the XA edition, a tequila blend aged in American oak barrels. One year for the standard and three years for the extra-aged variant, both filtered to preserve a light straw tone. The product is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave.
With uncompromising artistry, the blend merges a smooth Reposado base with the complexity of Añejo and Extra-Añejo versions. It embodies the fire and water of a volcano, born from a long tradition of Mexican craft.
Recommended retail price: 224.90 euros.
Brugal Visionary Collector’s Edition 01. EPC
A premium rum toasted in aromatic barrels
Ron Brugal marks the holidays with the Visionary Collection Edition 01, an ultra-premium rum finished in natural cocoa and carefully aged. Only a few hundred copies are produced for select markets. The vision showcases a deep amber hue with a rich aroma of hot chocolate, toasted oak, spice, and citrus, balanced by vanilla. On the palate, vanilla blends with caramel, while chocolate notes, dried fruit, and roasted hazelnuts linger in a long finish. Best enjoyed neat or on ice.
Recommended price: 90 euros.
Pitagin. EPC
Volcano Island Goblin
Pita Gin, an aloe vera gin with volcanic origins from Lanzarote, infuses the botanical profile with the healing qualities of aloe vera. The blend mixes volcanic botanicals with aloe vera, ginger, citrus, cardamom, juniper, coriander, and lemon verbena for a bright, refreshing finish.
Priced at 12 euros, it delivers a smooth, vivid gin experience.
Goblin of Death’s Door. EPC
Death’s Door, artisanal gin containing only three botanicals
Grupo La Navarra extends into North American craft gin with Death’s Door, produced in Wisconsin’s Door County. The name nods to Death’s Gate Gorge that links the county to Washington Island. The gin highlights three botanicals—juniper, coriander, and fennel—focusing on purity and a classic gin character.
Recommended retail price: 35 euros.
Pacharán Etxeko. EPC
Authentic taste of Navarre sloe
Etxeko Pacharan is a pacharán produced by Distilleries La Navarra from maceration of jackal plum grown in Navarra. It is a traditional liqueur infused with beet-derived alcohol and specific maceration and filtration steps to achieve a refined crimson hue.
Typical preparation uses around 200 grams of fresh plums per liter, with two months of maceration, then sugar and anise are added. The result is a balanced sweetness with bright sloe flavors and a touch of anise. The liqueur presents a vivid red color with brick hints and a fragrant, anise-forward aroma.
Recommended retail price: 35 euros.