5 Gift-Worthy Bottles
A bottle of something special to drink has always made an ideal gift, but before you just pluck a random red off the shelf, consider locally made wines, spirits and beers. From a bottle of bubbly to a growler of festive beer, here are our picks for drinkable local gifts that feel special for the holidays.
Holiday Growler from Flat 12 Bierwerks
Flat 12 crafts 12 holiday beers for tapping throughout December at its brewery in downtown Indianapolis. Each lasts just a day or two. Grab a couple growlers of crazy brews like Chestnuts Roasting Brown Ale, Glazed Ham Porter and Cocoa B. Ware, a milk stout with flavors of Dutch cocoa and marshmallow fluff.
$12, Flat12.me
Spring Mill Bourbon from Colglazier & Hobson Distilling Company
Give an Old Fashioned a local twist with this straight bourbon distilled in Indianapolis. Barreled in new charred American oak – twice, for more intense flavor – it has a sweet start and spicy finish.
$29.99, HeartlandDistillers.com
Indiana Champagne from Easley Winery
When the night calls for some bubbly, pop this sparkling white made with Cayuga and Traminette grapes grown in New Harmony and Jennings County. Semi-dry with floral and honeysuckle notes, it's just right for a mimosa at brunch, too.
$15.60, EasleyWinery.com
Dry Blueberry Honey Wine from New Day Meadery
Yes, it's made from fermented honey, but zero residual sugar in this light-bodied red means it's pleasantly dry. With tart cherry notes and a subtle spiced finish, it's a natural companion for salmon, lamb or pork.
$20, NewDayMeadery.com
Vidal Blanc Ice Wine from Oliver Winery
Grapes for this dessert wine are harvested from Oliver's own Creekbend Vineyard in Bloomington when temperatures hang below freezing, which concentrates the sugars. The frosty bunches yield a sweet-yet-balanced wine with flavors of peach, mango and honey.
$50, OliverWinery.com
Spring Mill Bourbon photo by Grant Heger; other photos from companies
