There are two kinds of presents: the ones that end up in a drawer, and the ones you open together. A bottle from our distillery in the Amsterdam harbour is the second kind. You hand it over, someone says "shall we open it right away?", and before you know it the evening has a plan. Below, by budget, is what we would give, and to whom. And yes, there's one for people who don't drink.
NO TIME? HERE'S THE CHEAT SHEET
- The gin fan: Most Floral Gin for the G&T, Dutch North Sea Gin for the Martini.
- The genever lover: Ouwe, or Woud while it lasts.
- The whisky lover: Spelt Whisky or Rye Whisky PX Sherry Cask.
- Someone who already has everything: Chateau de Vie.
- Someone who doesn't drink: Virgin 0.0%.
UNDER €30: SMALL MONEY, BIG FRIENDS
- Most Floral Gin (€27.95). For the gin fan, or for someone who thinks every gin tastes of pine needles. Floral and organic, a London Dry from 18 local botanicals. Gold (Organic) at The Gin Masters 2020.
- Dutch North Sea Gin (€29.95). For the gin fan who'd rather have a Martini. Fresh and salty, organic, with Dutch seaweeds, sea buckthorn and local dune botanicals. There's Japanese wireweed in it too, an invasive species: we fight it bottle by bottle. Gold (Organic) at The Gin Masters 2021, back when it was still called Dutch Coastal Gin.
- Ouwe Genever (€27.00). For the genever lover. Organic old genever with 27% spelt malt wine, Citra and Amarillo hops, aged in ex-bourbon casks. Best Dutch Genever at the World Gin Awards 2021. Give it with a pale ale and a lesson in kopstootjes.
- Woud Genever (€27.50). Our winter genever, and a small batch, so don't wait too long. Wild pine cones from the dunes near Zandvoort, lapsang souchong smoked over pinewood, cinnamon, clove and star anise. For sipping next to a crackling fire.
- First Spelt Vodka (€27.50). For someone who says they don't like vodka. Organic, from local spelt grain, malty and buttery smooth, with almond and white chocolate. Master (Europe) at The Vodka Masters 2020.
- Virgin 0.0% (€19.95). For someone who doesn't drink. The alcohol-free sister of Most Floral, distilled on water and steam, truly 0.0%. With tonic and ice, everyone at the table holds the same glass.
Not sure whether they drink? Give Most Floral and Virgin together: two bottles for €47.90, and the same G&T with and without alcohol.
€30 TO €60: FOR THE FRIEND WITH A FULL CABINET
Chateau de Vie is our eau de vie from the grape pomace of city winery Chateau Amsterdam: the skins, seeds and stems left after pressing, distilled and laid down in casks. Each vintage is limited to 500 bottles. Bring one when you're invited for dinner and you'll be invited again.
- Chateau de Vie 2021 (€35.50): the youngest, one year in cask, with fig, apricot and vanilla. The easy way in.
- Chateau de Vie 2020 (€40.50): Pinot Noir and Chardonnay pomace, two years in cask, soft and rich. For after dinner, neat or in a caffè corretto.
- Chateau de Vie 2019 (€45.50): Macabeo pomace, three years in cask, with vanilla and oak.
- Chateau de Vie 2018 (€50.50): Montepulciano pomace, the oldest of the four. Four years in a wine cask, then a sherry cask, then a bourbon cask. It has seen things.
FROM €60: WHEN IT HAS TO COUNT
- Amsterdam Spelt Whisky (€64.95). For someone looking for an approachable whisky. Organic, a single grain from spelt, lightly peated, with a Moscatel finish. Silver at the World Whiskies Awards 2024. 48% ABV, 986 bottles.
- Amsterdam Rye Whisky PX Sherry Cask (€64.95). For the big occasions. Organic, 100% rye malt, finished in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask: cherry, cinnamon, marzipan. 993 bottles of 500 ml, 48% ABV, each with its own number.
FOR THE WHOLE TEAM
Looking for a corporate gift for clients, colleagues or your crew? A bottle from Amsterdam with a story of its own is a present people remember, and with Virgin 0.0% nobody is left out. Email us at info@the-stillery.nl with the number of bottles, your budget and the date you need them, and we'll help you choose. The earlier you ask, the more choice you have before the holidays.
Found the one? Go get it before someone else does. Enjoy responsibly; we only sell our alcoholic drinks to people aged 18 and over.