Most of us will happily drink just about anything — sure, we lust the good stuff but let’s get real here — a sixer of Lone Star gets the job done on the cheap, and fits nicely in that garage fridge.
We all know that there’s a time when pulling out the craft brews, higher priced wines, and guest whiskey is key. And there’s hardly any better occasion for the good stuff than the holidays.
The most fool-proof way to give the very best in spirits this year (and secure VIP status at that Christmas party), is to really know what it is you’re gifting in that fancy little wine bag with the tinsel on top.
Completely understanding the daunting task before you is Twin Liquors, standing by with a bevy of year-round classes and holiday season tastings that come in handy for those of us needing some education on the finer points of liquid gift-giving.
After attending one of these complimentary (you read that right) events, you’ll not only give the best gifts, you’ll be on Santa’s good side for life (as leaving whiskey with those cookies is your ticket off of the naughty list).
As a local business that’s bloomed to over 70 stores, Twin Liquors promotes community in each of their locations with educational courses, tastings and plain old-fashioned, chatty associates.
While we’re on the subject, let’s not overlook one of the greatest aspects of the liquor shop’s classes — conversation. It sounds delightfully cliché but, take one of the many (many) courses offered and though you walk in as a stranger, you leave as a friend. Everyone is just super chummy, full of tales of drinking joys and quick to spout off on booze to avoid and those to be savored.
It’s that free speech platform which brings us back to the best reason to enjoy such a community gathering this time of year — classic gift giving that’s a no-brainer.
There just aren’t likely many names on your shopping list that wouldn’t enjoy a lovely Port, and when you gift it with ripe pears and creamy blue cheese (because you were paying attention at Dessert Wines 101) your place in the neighborhood will be solid. Labeled The Boss of Christmas, you will forever be invited to all the best parties and for once, you’ll know exactly what to bring to truly spread good cheer … or at the very least help everyone forget their grumps.
Though the holiday season is our focus here with shopping you actually enjoy rather than suffer through, it’s worth noting that these classes run year-round at many locations. From French Wines 101 to Tipsy Tech and Tiki Fest, if you’re looking for an opportunity to visit with locals and build community, or even treat your small-business staff to some bonding over great tastings, these classes are the hot spot — and with good reason.
We here at Lake Travis Lifestyle have been hard-pressed to find such casual community banter, truly decent pours (put those wineries to shame) and a bevy of tasting options — all compliments of the house.
And while most places seep with sales pitch — try it buy it shame — Twin Liquors events offer no such angle, hoping rather that you simply enjoy the classes and come away better versed in the fine art of drinking well.
Sure if you just happen to purchase a bottle (or six) of Glenmorangie after attending Whiskey Days, no one’s gonna stop you (and you didn’t exactly need a gun to your head on that choice so don’t play coy here). But the point is, said and done, Lake Travis locals (and all Texans really) attend these classes to get out, meet up and drink on.
Adding easy gift ideas to that list seems like a done deal that may just take some of the stress out of shopping this year. Ultimately it’s the icing on the cake when the holiday season rolls around and we can not only give gifts to be enjoyed, but enjoy giving them because we’ve delighted in them ourselves (and know that they are worthy).
Whatever your motivations may be, have a truly wonderful holiday season. And while you’re braving the crowds for the most perfect of gifts, get yourself something nice — you know, to go with that Lone Star.
For a list of events and locations or to RSVP to a class, see the Twin Liquors’ calendar.
