Our Favorite Bottles to Give (and Receive)

Eleven writers, spirits experts and bartenders pick the one bottle under $75 they'll be gifting this year.

Over the course of the year, we’ve asked a number of sommeliers and retailers to weigh in on the wines we ought to be drinking—orange wines, summer wines, quarantine wines. We even compiled a list of our favorite cocktails, the ones we turned to time and again to keep us sane in the depths of isolation. But now, as the annual tidal wave of gift guides is upon us, we thought we’d check in with our team and our favorite spirits connoisseurs to see how they’ll be tackling their holiday gifting this year. The question was simple: What is the one bottle you’ll be giving—and would be very excited to receive—under $75. Here’s what they had to say.

R. Navarre Pineau des Charentes Vieux

Navarre Blanc Pineau des Charentes Vieux

This pineau has been aged for an impressive 30 years, leading to complex notes of honey, raisin, almond and even a hint of mushroom. It’s such a versatile spirit, which can be enjoyed neat as an aperitif or digestif, or a splash can be added to a classic Martini or a glass of brut Champagne. [BUY] —Paul McGee, co-owner, Lost Lake