With the holidays right around the corner, you may be looking for gift ideas for the the whisky lover in your life—or maybe you’re making your own wish list. In addition to potable presents, why not consider some thoughtfully designed whisky gear, brought to you by two bourbon brands?
I.W. Harper has paired up with hat maker Goorin Bros. to release The Harper, a limited-edition felt fedora with a whiskey-colored hat band that features the brand’s “bowing man” icon on the interior. “We wanted to create a hat that not only deserved attention but possessed an ability to bring others together and create compelling conversations,” says Nathaniel Pearce, brand evangelist for Goorin Bros. “All great things have a compelling story behind them that acquires character with time. Both Goorin Bros. and I.W. Harper are heritage brands which gained their start in the 1800s.” The Harper ($160) is available at Goorin Bros. locations nationwide and online, as well as the Stitzel-Weller distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
Meanwhile, Basil Hayden’s has launched its 2016 Sipping Companions Collection. Each item was crafted by an artisan from a different part of the country. Chicago furniture maker Greta de Parry created the After Five Bar Cart ($400; 10 available), which has storage space for glasses and bottles, plus a removable top shelf that transforms into a serving tray. Railcar Fine Goods of Los Angeles invented the Sidekick Blanket and Holster ($250; 25 available), a blanket that artfully stows a bottle of Basil Hayden’s and can be rolled up and carried via leather straps. Austin, Texas’ Slow North candle makers produced the Barman’s Candle Set ($75; 100 available), which has scents of citrus, spice and oak that call to mind the aromas of Basil Hayden’s. New York City company Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Supply
Co. made the Generous Traveler ($349; 50 available), a handsome canvas and leather weekender bag. Paper Plates Press in Denver crafted the Warm Reception Coaster Set ($40; 100 available), a collection of eight wooden coasters with letterpress expressions inspired by Basil Hayden’s hospitable spirit. San Francisco’s Reclamation Etchworks designed the Whiskey Wheel ($469; 15 available), a revolving tray with six rocks glasses encircling a space that can house a bottle of bourbon. The Sipping Companions Collection is available through Basil Hayden’s shop on Huckberry.com through December 25. Bourbon not included.
And if you are shopping for someone else, we suggest you take advantage of our ongoing 2-for-1 deal: two year-long subscriptions to Whisky Advocate for only $22, now through January 15th, 2017. Go ahead—play Santa and watch your friends’ faces light up.
