Once upon a time, I worked in retail alcohol, and I loved this time of year. Sharing my recommendations on what drinks to bring to friends and loved ones for celebrations is one of my favorite pastimes.
Before I advise, I run through a list of qualifiers: What’s your mood? Are you trying to impress these people? Who will be drinking with you? Are you trying to leave early? Do you even like these people?
Many factors go into choosing the tableside tipple, so I want to share some of my unique Northern Nevada picks for your harvest-time celebrations, based on the more common occasions you may run into this time of year.
“I want to impress my whiskey-loving dad with something cool and new.”
Minden Mill Distilling, formerly Bently Heritage Distillery, has been aging some of Northern Nevada’s most anticipated whiskies. This multi-million-dollar distillery has been quietly filling barrels with estate-grown and distilled whiskey, and after four years, they are finally being released. Minden Mill’s bourbon and rye are the newest additions to the local whiskey scene. The bourbon is balanced and at a perfect proof for drinking on the rocks, with vanilla and sunflower oil notes. The rye is bold with spice and body, screaming to be used in a Manhattan. Nothing makes people forget that you burned the green beans last year like bringing bottles of whiskey everyone is dying to try.
“I am meeting some out-of-town friends from college for a Friendsgiving.”
It’s the week before Thanksgiving, and all your buddies who moved away are coming back into town and want to get together. What better way to show a little hometown pride than popping open a bottle of the limited University of Nevada 150th anniversary edition of the Frey Ranch Four Grain Bourbon? The fine folks at Frey Ranch are making world-class bourbon out in Fallon and growing quite a cult following with their single barrels and limited-edition releases. Besides the slick silver-and-blue label, the best part of this bottling is that for every bottle purchased, 10% of proceeds go to the Pack Excellence Fund, which supports Wolf Pack student athletes. The four-grain bourbon is perfect for cocktails, shots or adding a bit to your turkey brine.
“I need to bring something to my aunt’s house, and all she drinks is pumpkin spice-flavored whipped cream.”
We all have that person in our lives who breaks out the apple candles and fills their house with pumpkins and pumpkin-flavored anything when the first leaf falls. We love these people, and we want to make sure they get to drink something local that speaks to their Taylor Swift-flavored soul. Good thing the smart-as-heck folks at 10 Torr have canned up their seasonal Spiced Apple cocktail. This blend of cinnamon, apple juice, brown sugar and award-winning 10 Torr vodka is lightly carbonated to satisfy even the most basic of drinkers. Want to dress this drink up for your Instagram-loving cousin? Pour it over ice, and garnish with fresh apples, cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
“I have been to eight Thanksgiving parties this week, and my wallet hurts.”
Finding a bottle that won’t make you feel like you shopped at the gas station on your way to the party can be tricky when you’re on a budget. Enter our friends at Sonoma County, Calif.’s own Russian River Brewing. This legendary brewery makes Pliny the Elder, one of the most sought-after beers on the West Coast. This imperial IPA boasts a perfect score of 100 on Beer Advocate and is ranked No. 38 on its list of best beers worldwide. Pliny is now distributed in Northern Nevada, so you can buy bottles all over Reno, but here is the best part: This large, 17-ounce bottle is around $10 in most places. It’s big enough to seem like you brought enough for everyone, and it’s rare enough that people will get excited.
“I need to bring something for my friends who are way too into making drinks at home.”
Many people became exceptional home bartenders during COVID-19, and more people’s home bars are now fully stocked. So, what do you bring to the people who appreciate spirits but have every base spirit under the sun? Down at Ferino Distillery on Fourth Street, owner Joe Cannella distills his namesake cordial, Cannella Cinnamon Cordial. This bottle of lightly sweet cordial is cinnamon in a shot. Cannella Cinnamon Cordial is perfect this time of year for throwing in a hot chocolate on the mountain or adding a fall-time twist to a classic. A half-ounce of Cannella in your margarita is like drinking Thanksgiving in Cabo.
Always remember—it’s better to ask a pro than it is to grab a random bottle of something that looks good. Specialty retailers like Whispering Vine Wine Co., Craft Wine & Beer, Drams and Smoke, and Battle Born Wine & Whiskey have some of the most knowledgeable staff. Because, like I always say, “When in doubt, ask a nerd.”