1) Prunier Axel Gay

Prunier is not one of the best known of the Cognac houses, but their Axel Gay Cognac, from 100% Grande Champagne grapes, is phenomenal, as good as many Cognacs two or three times its price. Many Jackson’s regulars already know about this great find, because they push it, and deservedly so. Currently, Bevmo has it for a bit less than Jackson’s.

Get it at BevMo for $40; (Jackson’s has it for $43.)

2) Citadelle Gin

Citadelle is better than Bombay or any of those other common ‘top-shelf’ gins. It is so aromatic that you can skip the lime in a gin and tonic and it is perfect for ice cold martinis. This complex gin is made by a the Ferrand cognac distiller in France and has a complex taste and gentle aroma. Jackson’s has it for $3 less than BevMo, but it would be a great deal at $25.

$18 at Jackson’s

3) Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon 1997 (barrel year)

Evan Williams may not be everyone’s idea of a top-shelf bourbon, but I have always held their inexpensive booze in higher regard than many better American whiskeys, including Jack Daniel’s. I do not, however, make a point of keeping it in the house. This single barrel bottling is an exception. It is excellent and not nearly as expensive as many other great bourbons. This whiskey is great for Manhattans and other bourbon cocktails, but is surprisingly enjoyable alone, on the rocks.

$23 at BevMo.

4) Grappa Poggio Basso Grappa del Piemonte

Grappa is not for everybody. Many people find it too fiery and do not appreciate its fruit-forward lack of smoothness. If you want to try some, or need a grappa that you can drink regularly - it makes a great digestif - without going over-budget, this grappa is priced at only $10 for a half bottle at Trader Joe’s and it is good. BevMo charges $14 for the exact same liquor. Anyways, this is a good example of a well-made, but non-artisan grappa. The truly unique grappas can get quite expensive, but this guy will serve you well, whether you are a grappa novice or enthusiast.

$10 for a 375 mL bottle at Trader Joe’s.

5) Hangar One

Hangar One is a brand of vodka made by St. George’s Spirits in Alameda, with Germain-Robin from Ukiah as a partner. It is clean tasting and every bit as good as any of the top shelf vodkas out there. They also make a variety of different flavors. Unlike other flavored vodkas, these are not just vodka with chemical flavors added. They come from exotic plants that are then macerated in the vodka (the exception being the Fraser Ranch Raspberry, which is infused into the vodka). They use the finest ingredients and the methods of true craftsmen. The regular vodka, made from viognier grapes, is great for martinis and mixes incredibly well. Add a splash of the Mandarin Blossom to mimosas; use the Kaffir Lime for vodka and tonic; and try both the Buddha’s Hand Citron and the Fraser River Raspberry on ice with just a splash of club soda. The Buddha’s Hand Citron is also great for a martini with a twist of lemon.

$34 at Jackson’s.

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