GIFTING NOTES — THE HOST’S GUIDE
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The turkey is gone, the dishes can wait, and somebody says, “Well, should we?” That’s the after-dinner pour, and the host who has it ready looks like he planned the whole night around it.
You don’t need a full bar. You need a little set-up before dinner, three good bottles, and the right glass for each guest. Here’s how to do it.
Set it up before dinner
Clear a corner of the sideboard or roll out the bar cart while the oven is still on. Set out the glasses, a bowl or bucket for ice, a small pitcher of water, and a towel. When dinner ends, all you have to do is pour.
Three bottles are plenty
| Bottle | For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A familiar bourbon | Everyone | Easy, sweet and well-liked. The safe first pour. |
| A rye or wheated bourbon | The curious one | Spicier or softer, and something to compare. |
| One special bottle | The toast | Something you’ve been saving. Holidays are what it’s for. |
The right glass for each guest
Heavy rocks glasses for anyone taking ice or a splash of water. A tulip-shaped tasting glass for the guest who likes to nose the whiskey neat. Pour about an ounce and a half: enough to enjoy, not enough to rush.
Big ice cubes or spheres melt slowly and keep the whiskey from turning watery before the conversation does.
Out on the porch
If a few of the guests like a cigar, set them up outside: a cutter, a torch lighter, an ashtray, and a couple of chairs. Keep it away from the door and the kids, and take a blanket for anyone who wants to stay out a while.
For the ones not drinking
Put on a pot of good coffee or set out a non-alcoholic option in the same nice glass. Everyone should get a glass to raise. And plan the rides home before the first pour, not after the last one.
Common Questions
How much whiskey should I pour per guest after dinner?
About an ounce and a half. It's enough to enjoy and slow down with, but not so much that anyone feels rushed to finish it.
What whiskeys should I have for a holiday dinner party?
Three bottles are plenty: a familiar bourbon everyone will like, a rye or wheated bourbon for the curious guest to compare, and one special bottle you've been saving for the toast.
What glass is best for an after-dinner whiskey?
Use heavy rocks glasses for anyone taking ice or a splash of water, and a tulip-shaped tasting glass for the guest who likes to nose the whiskey neat.
How do I keep whiskey from getting watered down?
Use big ice cubes or spheres. They melt slowly, so the whiskey stays cold without turning watery before the conversation does.
What's a good host gift for someone who loves whiskey?
A set of heavy rocks glasses with a pair of sphere ice molds is a gift they'll use at every gathering. Bring it the week before the dinner, not on the day, so it's ready for the table, and add a bottle with a note that says "For after dinner."
THE SOCIETY’S GIFTING NOTES
For the one who hosts.
TIER 1
Under $50
A set of four heavy rocks glasses and a pair of sphere ice molds. Ready for a full table.
Our pick: KANARS rocks glasses, set of 4 and Tovolo sphere ice molds
TIER 2
$50 to $150
A glass decanter with a set of glasses, or a solid set of bar tools in a wooden stand.
Our pick: KITESSENSU bar tool set with stand
TIER 3
$150 and up
A brass or walnut bar cart. The thing every evening gathers around.
Our pick: Gold bar cart with wine rack
