The Holiday Spirit – Liquor gifting

2020. It’s been a weird one. And while (touch wood) Australia seems to be over the worst of it, some of the changes to everyday life may have been longer-lasting. With remote working and travel restrictions still in place, most holiday cheer this year will be spread by Australia Post. So, with that in mind, Kaddy is taking a closer look at Holiday spirits – the best liquors and gifts for anyone’s special someone this Xmas.

What to stock to fill the stocking

Short of the cliche, “there’s something for everyone”, there really is an astonishing range of unique, flavourful, and approachable spirits that are suited to special occasions or even a weeknight tipple. We asked some of the suppliers on Kaddy what products they’re seeing particular demand for from consumers, and what you can offer to those hoping to nail the Chrissie pressie shopping.

Moreau Apple Pie Liqueur

From Mobius Distilling Company

Made with fresh Australian apple juice and select spices, Moreau from Sydney’s Mobius Distilling Co boasts luscious sweetness and savory spices over apple, with notes of warm pastry.

Released less than a year ago, this liqueur makes for great gifting due to its originality and critical acclaim. Moreau has recently racked up multiple awards, including a gold medal in the London Spirits Competition and the Champion Liqueur Trophy at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Perfect for: Anyone in need of some warm, comfy nostalgia...and perhaps a little whimsy.

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Hobart Whisky Signature

From Hobart Whisky

EXCLUSIVE GIFT OFFER ON KADDY – Every bottle of Hobart Whisky purchased through Kaddy in November comes with a free bottle of Hobart Whisky’s own BBQ sauce. Sauce is automatically added to your order – no need to add to cart!

Hobart Whisky Signature is a marriage of small carefully selected American oak ex-bourbon casks. A satisfying light ex-bourbon cask single malt that delights with a solid malty foundation, some gentle spice and a long, complex finish. The small batch Tasmanian Single Malt whisky is perfect for gifting – sweet and light, it appeals to a wide audience and boasts dependable availability for those looking to purchase again and again.

Perfect for: Any whisky drinker that appreciates single malt neat, with ice, or a drop of water.

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44°N Gin

From Noble Spirits

44°N has been imagined and distilled in Grasse with a citrus and floral flavour profile achieved by combining botanicals native to the terroir of the Côte d’Azur and France. Local botanicals including cade (juniper oxycedrus), bitter orange, peel, immortelle, mimosa, jasmine, rose centifolia petals and local honey are just some of the 20 precious ingredients used in the creation of 44°N.

This premium gin is developed like a perfume and features stunning packaging to match, making it a premium gifting option with eye-catching shelf appeal.

Perfect for: gin lovers

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Why liquor gifting is on the rise

Even with lockdowns lifted and restrictions eased, 68% of Australian companies still have at least half of their employees working from home. So in a time where employees are less likely to be at their desks, many companies are also rethinking how they’ll thank their employees come end-of-year. While this might not be the death of the traditional company Christmas party, Aussie bosses are looking to replicate the same good vibes in the comfort of their employees’ homes. Whether it’s a bottle of primo champagne or a great gin, people are more likely to splash out on something special this year. “Due to Covid, people order more rare products,” says Grégoire Bertaud, Director of Noble Spirits. “Limited Edition, luxury products, gift packs – people will continue to stay at home and spend more money to treat themselves and provide an experience.”

This focus on bringing a premium experience into the home presents an opportunity for off-premise business owners to build a portfolio of interesting and unique products.  “Focus on more rare products,” advises Grégoire. “Products that deliver a point of difference from the Majors and better margin.”

From Australia, with Love

With Australians unable to travel overseas, Aussies are spreading holiday spirits from afar – both literally and figuratively. Liquor gifting is already sharply on the rise, with early numbers already showing a 600% increase since last year.

While a bottle of liquor may have once been dismissed by many as just a gift for grandad, the flourishing market of Australian independent distilleries has led to a newfound appreciation of artisanal spirits across ages and demographics.

“Being able to say ‘this is made 15 minutes down the road’ is a huge selling point that really resonates with a lot of consumers,” says Alex Hardie, co-founder of Sydney’s Mobius Distilling. Alex and Mobius have seen “lots of people deliberately purchasing quality, locally made booze.”

John Jarvis, Distillery Manager at Hobart Whisky agrees. “I've seen a demand in quality, reasonably priced, consistent Australian whisky.”

These local spirits work particularly well as gifts for those far away – a sense of place almost literally captured in a bottle. And with the pandemic’s effect on the economy highlighted in the food and beverage sector, many consumers are consciously purchasing from Aussie producers – a behaviour seen across a range of categories.

“BBQ Sauce and other condiments,” confirms John of Hobart Whisky, who also ranges a number of artisanal products, often packaged with their whisky. John says the demand for these products has seen a “massive increase due to the buying local mindset brought on by 2020.”

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