From hampers to spirits, we’ve got the gifts to tempt foodies and drink enthusiasts in our Christmas Gift Guide for 2014.
1. Pilu’s Sardinia by Snowgoose Hamper
Pilu’s Sardinia with Snowgoose
Renowned chef Giovanni Pilu of Pilu at Freshwater has partnered with Snowgoose hamper company to bring “Pilu’s Sardinia by Snowgoose”. The hamper contains a hand-picked selection of produce from the chef’s restaurant, his bestselling A Sardinian Cookbook along with some of the finest orchard fruit. Items include Pilu bottarga, salami infused with Mirto Rosso, Mezza Pecorino, Carta di Musica, Sardinian white wine and extra virgin olive oil just to name a few.
The hamper is a celebration of Australia’s leading artisan growers and providers bringing to the home products that were only available at his restaurant. Farm-fresh Snowgoose produce and Pilu produce can be at your doorstep in less than 48 hours.
RRP $300 + delivery. Phone order 1800 803 570 or snowgoose.com.au
2. Causes and Cures Vermouth
Causes & Cures Vermouth
Vermouth is a a key ingredient in many cocktails and an essential part of a home cocktail bar. For drink enthusiasts, Causes & Cures Vermouth is an Australian craft spirit hailing from the Yarra Valley in Victoria.
They produce two styles, Causes & Cures Semi Dry White Vermouth (ABV 17%) suitable in cocktails such as the martini and Causes & Cures Semi Sweet Red Vermouth (ABV 18%) which goes well in a Negroni. Read our review of Causes & Cures vermouth here.
RRP $40 each.
3. The Spice and Herb Bible by Ian Hemphill
Ian ‘Herbie’ Hemphill is synonymous with spices and herbs. His latest book, The Spice and Herb Bible is a beautiful tome and authoritative guide to a wide range of global herbs and spices used in modern kitchens.
In this third edition, you’ll find 6 new spice entries (for a total of 97), 33 new spice blends, and 125 new recipes by daughter Kate. The entries are listed alphabetically with a colour photo of every herb and spice, handy storage suggestions and inspiring recipes. There’s information on the art of combining herbs and spices for the home cook which makes it a must-have reference book in the kitchen.
RRP $39.99 for Paperback/$49.99 for Hardback
4. Sodastream and ABSOLUT Vodka
For the home beverage maker, SodaStream is a simple to use machine that is used to make carbonated drinks. In time for summer and the holiday season, they have teamed up up with ABSOLUT Vodka to bring a range a collection of cocktail recipes that are simple to re-create at home. The cocktails were created by Pernod Ricard’s Spirits Education Manager, Ben Davidson and include the Kiwi pear Muddle, Raspberry & Vanilla Screwdriver and Vanilla Cosmopolitan. SodaStream Caps are used to add the flavour and you’ll have a drink made in no time.
SodaStream Play Drinks Maker RRP $99.00.
Note: From 5/1/2015 until 28/2/2015, if you spend $50 or more in one transaction on 750ml Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh or 700ml(+) Jameson, Absolut or Havana Club from a participating store (details coming soon here www.herestosummer.com.au), you can claim a SodaStream Play Drinks Maker for free plus a charge of $9.95 for postage and handling.
5. The Balvenie 14 YO Caribbean Cask
The Balvenie 14 YO Caribbean Cask
Give your taste buds a Caribbean flavour with the new Balvenie 14 YO Caribbean Cask. The single malt comes from a distillery renowned for its craft methods. The spirit is matured in traditional American oak casks for 14 years before it is transferred into casks that contained Caribbean rum.
A well-rounded whisky, it lingers on the palate with toffee, sweet fruit, some oak and spice along with a dark chocolate finish.
RRP $120.
For other spirit gift ideas, refer to our guide to Top 10 Gin and Top 10 Australian Craft Spirits.
