Chateau Talbot 1995, St. Julien, $43
Talbot falls squarely in the "sure bet" category of gift-giving. Says Michael Aaron, an expert in fine spirits, "I'd recommend this wine to anyone. It will satisfy anyone's palate." Anyone, that is, who enjoys a lip-smacking, earthy vintage with a hint of black currant. And most people do.
Lecompte Calvados, 15-Year-Old, $60
Normandy's Pays D'Auge region produces tart, sweet apples-perfect for Calvados, a member of the brandy family. Aaron's word for what this does to the taste buds: finesse. And an employee who knows how to finesse is an employee who moves up. Quickly.
Corton-Charlemagne 1998, Bonneau du Martray, $70
Wines come and wines go. To show that you recognize the value of staying power, wrap up a tangy bottle from the winery once run by Charlemagne himself. As in 1,200 years ago. Seriously. That's why his name's on the label.
Tanqueray No. Ten, $24
Gin is typically made from a witch's brew of botanicals that complement the main element, the juniper berry. This one combines an unprecedented 10 natural ingredients, including chamomile, orange, lime, and grapefruit. It whispers sophistication. Shhh, can you hear it?
Silver Patrón, $50
Aaron's clientele is upscale and urbane, so the tequila he stocks doesn't come in a bottle that screams "Spring Break Cancún '92." This premium blue agave tequila is perfect for mixing, sipping . . . and setting yourself apart from the gift-giving pack.
Macallan Gran Reserva, 18-Year-Old, $145
One of the first items Aaron put on our list was Macallan Gran Reserva Scotch. Why? Because Macallan uses tiny stills for the greatest concentration of flavor, and oak sherry casks for unparalleled richness. That's why.
Iichiko Shochu, $17
At the tony restaurant Inagiku, in New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel, they've been serving high-end sushi since way before it was cool to do so. They've also been serving Iichiko shochu, a silky barley-based spirit ideal for mixing with lemon or plum juice or oolong tea, as Inagiku's expert manager recommends to his best customers.
Disaronno Originale Amaretto, $24
For some bosses, a bottle of Scotch may feel a little too old boy. Thankfully, there's the smooth, slightly apricoty taste of Disaronno. Sweet yet still strong. Sound like anyone you know?
Danflou Poire William, $70
"Not a lot of this type of brandy comes into the U.S.," Aaron says. "And Danflou is the brand that people in the know tend to buy." Sixteen pounds of pears go into each limited-edition, numbered bottle, creating a pungent taste.
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve, 20-Year-Old, $80
The truth about Pappy: Aged 20 Kentucky summers in charred mountain oak barrels. Hailed as the number one bourbon in the world at the World Spirits Championships. Fairly certain to put you in permanent good stead with the higher-ups.
Vox, $27
Vodka has been prone of late to gimmicky alterations. This new Dutch version marks a return to purity: It's distilled five times for what Aaron calls "exceptionally smooth taste, clean finish, and vibrant clarity." And, needless to say, no involuntary shuddering.
Jacopo Poli Amarosa di Merlot, $60
Grappa used to be a peasant's drink, distilled from the leftovers after grapes were pressed for wine-skins, seeds, stems. It's harsh stuff. In Italy, they still slurp it out of coffee cans. Over here, it's fast becoming the daredevil elixir of the business set. Surely your colleague will want to be an early adopter.
