THE PROCRASTINATOR’S
gift guide
P H OTO BY R O B SYDO R • DI GI TAL L AT T E .CO M
PUTTING THE SPIRIT
in holiday spirit
BY ALEX NOTMAN
l
et’s face it: A good bottle of booze makes the holidays that much merrier, and what could be easier
than a quick pop in to the liquor shop on your way to a party or a family gathering? EW caught up
with Elliot Martinez, of BoozeWeek and Izakaya Meiji bartender-dom fame, to pick out his dirty
half-dozen for the holidaze. Just don’t ask him to recommend a “good” vodka, unless you want him
to collapse into a pile of giggles (and that’s before the tasting, sniffing and swirling began).
Hardy X.O, cognac, approx. $134.95
“Smooth as smooth can be.”
This cognac goes down so easy, you better
watch your bar tab. “If you’ve got the cognac
lover in your life, forget the Courvoisier, forget
the Hennessy, this ain’t no rapper’s cognac, this
is the legit shit,” Martinez says. With wisps of
ripe fig and a velvety finish, this will slip easily
into a stocking hung with care. Don’t want to
break the bank? Entry-level Hardy VS starts at
$22.95.
Fernet Branca, herbal liqueur, $29.95
“I have one every day.”
This invigorating bitter Italian liqueur
was once used for “medicinal” purposes,
which made it a popular legal option
during Prohibition (they even set up a
temporary production facility in New
Orleans during the ’20s to capitalize on
the dry populace). “It’s made with 60
different ingredients,” says Martinez,
who prefers it on the rocks with a splash
of Aperol and a lemon twist. “One of
which may or may not be coca leaf.”
Ransom Old Tom Gin, $34.95
“It’s herbal, it’s piney, it’s local.”
According to Martinez, legend has it
that Old Tom refers to a tomcat door
woodcarving on the outside of drinking establishments
in Amsterdam — stick a penny in old Tom’s mouth
and a shot of gin would pour down his paw right into
a patron’s mouth. Forget the pennies and splinter
mouth, and buy a bottle of this old-style gin (versus
the more common London style), which is distilled
in an alambic pot with lots of malted barley and an
infusion of botanicals.
Redbreast 12 year, Irish whiskey, $49.95
“The quintessential Irish whiskey.”
“It’s just perfect, it’s just perfect,” Martinez
says. “There’s no flaw to it.” Jameson Irish
Whiskey may be many boozies (you know,
like foodies) go-to whiskey, but perhaps they
haven’t discovered Jameson’s other Irish fun
juice, Redbreast, aged 12 years in sherry
casks and bourbon barrels.
Hakushu 12 year, Scotch, approx. $60
“Smokey and clean.”
While you’re sipping on this delightfully
clean and clear Scotch whisky, picture the
snow falling on the Suntory Hakushu
Distillery nestled deep in the cool forests near
the Japanese Alps — the distillery’s corporate
philosophy is, after all, “In harmony with
people and nature.” It’s also Martinez’s
favorite Japanese Scotch. “They take the
Scotch tradition and do really well with it,”
Premier
Shopping
Package
$119.95
HOTEL EUGENE
two and 20% off in the
Legends Lounge.
18
December 20, 2012 • eugeneweekly.com
he says. “It’s got all the smokiness you
would expect from a Scotch but it’s so
clean!”
Eagle Rare 17 year, bourbon,
approx. $160
“Santa wants this.”
This Kentucky Straight bourbon
whiskey, part of the award-winning
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection,
emits spiced pear and cigar aromas
with a dry vanilla palette and a
lasting hint of toffee. “It has the
baking spice, it has the chocolate
chip cookie nose,” Martinez says.
“It’s great for the holidays.” This
bottle is no longer locally available
but can be bought online, however,
the Eagle Rare 10 year can be found
at local liquor stores (approx.
$26.95)
Someone clear the liquor store
shelves before you could? Try these
backups: Templeton Rye ($39.95,
newly available in Oregon);
Krogstadt Aquavit ($22.95, think
anise and caraway seed); Hendrick’s
Gin ($31.95, “the best gin around”).
Holiday Swarm on S. Willamette
d d
2 c 2 2 n 2n
c
e
e * *
t. a D t, D -2p -2 m pm
S n n
Noo Noo
includes overnight
accommodations in a
Stay Comfortable Room
with Complimentary
Parking and Wi-Fi,
$50 VISA Gift Card
and Complimentary
shuttle service to Valley
River Shopping Center.
Enjoy Breakfast Buffet for
205 COBURG ROAD, EUGENE
541-342-5201
elliot martinez
Rates based upon availability and
are subject to change.
Artwork by Bikeyface www.bikeyface.com
I’m choosing to
shop locally and
I want direct,
on-street bike access
and a better walking
environment so
more people buy
local more often.
Drop
busi off at
ness
es!
We all win with a better Willamette!
Name & Why I Want A Better Willamette:
*The big swarm is on the 22nd but grab cards and represent anytime!
Visit our web or facebook for more info!
M-F 11-7 Sat. 10-6 Sun 12-5
ÓÇÌ ÊEÊ7>iÌÌiÊUÊx{£{n{x{£ä
www.arrivingbybike and on facebook