Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/86618
The Holidays Are Upon Us! It may only be October, but in this business, it's the holiday season. Get a jump on ordering products your customers will love! Spooky Cider Along with crispy, multicolored leaves and decorative gourds placed in every available space, nothing says "It's the holiday season!" like some delicious hard ciders. Cider maker Angry Orchard has been making classically-styled ciders for decades, and now, the brand's upping the apple ante with its new Cider House collection, made with heirloom varietals and wood barrel aged, resulting in flavors more nuanced and complex than you knew cider could convey. Angry Orchard Iceman is a sweet-treat delight inspired by the ice ciders of Quebec, aged in oak and with smooth caramel- toffee smoothness. Angry Orchard Strawman is a crisply-sweet, not-cloying and earthy offering, with nuances that will make even the staunchest cider-snob reconsider the category. www.angryorchard.com 124 / the tasting panel / october 2012 Tie One On If retailers know one thing for sure, it's this: The holiday season is a big boon for booze gifts. Whether your customers are stopping in for a last- minute present or are simply en route to a fabulous fête, they'll need to spruce up their favorite bottle with something festive! Answering the call is recently-released Botskis Bottle Ties, mini neckties that wrap perfectly around any bottle, lighting up with festive cheer and adorned with messages from Season's Greetings to Happy Hanukkah. Fun, friendly and economical, we're willing to bet this is one tie you won't mind donning. www.botskis.com Cocktail Fixers While your customers may love entertaining, a great Holiday cocktail can be hard to come by for the at-home-mixologist. Help them make this season a snap with the line of shakers from Cocktail ℞, which make basic bartending a snap. Each plastic tin comes with a specific flavor, and all your customers will need to add is the base spirit, before shaking, straining and serving to their guests. This holiday season, we're into the Peppermint Martini, flavorful and festive with the addition of vodka, and we love the rich red Cranberry Margarita, perfect with the tequila of your choice. The only thing missing is mistletoe. www.cocktailrx.com