Easy Drinking

By Lisa McLaughlin

Say goodbye to single-malt snobbery. It's time to toast the arrival of more approachable--and affordable--blended whiskeys. Scotland's Jon, Mark and Robbo's Malt Scotch Whisky blends--the Smokey Peaty One, the Rich Spicy One and the Smooth Sweeter One--are already hits with the 18-to-35-year-old set in Europe. Now American distillers like Phillips Union are hoping to crack open the U.S. market with vanilla- and cherry-flavored blends. Connoisseurs may turn up their noses, but the new Scotches are surprisingly smooth.

Big Spender

Looking to break the bank or give a very impressive gift? Here are some costly tipples that are worth the splurge. Louis XIII Cognac ($1400) is made from 100% Grande Champagne grapes and been produced since 1874.

The Balvenie Thirty ($549) was aged in oloroso sherry barrels and bourbon casks for a truly singular single malt. Milagro Romance Tequila ($149) bottle within a bottle offers a marriage of reserve anejo and reposado