TARN Holiday Buyer's Guide:

When it comes to absinthe, it's not easy to find much in the line of holiday cheer, but upon scouring the web I did manage to find a few fun little things for those nice or naughty on your list.  And by naughty I don't mean kinky sex naughty, mind you...they deserve a special reward that I won't discuss in detail...

 For Someone NICE:

-Angelique Absinthe Pre-Release Label Edition:  What better a gift than something you can drink, but keep as a souvenir at the same time?  Better yet, the pre-release labeled version is the exact same price (albeit slightly different recipe) as the traditional Angelique!  I doubt these will last much longer, so get them while you can!  (Absinth24.net/absinthe; $65)

-Versinthe la Blanche Limited Edition:  A great looking exclusive bottle to house a classic absinthe favourite, and also includes the signature (very nice) Versinthe absinthe spoon for about the same price as the standard edition.  (Alandia.de; about $40)

-Lemercier Amer Abisinthe Giftset:  Enjoy the best of the Lemercier Abisinthe line of absinthes with the Amer Giftset, which includes 2 glasses and 2 spoons in a cozy gift box.  (Available at most online absinthe retailers at a great value; under $100)

-Tououse Lautrec Christmas Edition: Honestly, who knows if this one’s any good?  This is an alternate recipe of the best Czech brand (not saying much, I know), but hey, it IS the Christmas Edition, so even if it’s only mediocre, at least you’ll have an abundance of cheerful thoughts to make it seem better than it is… (absinth24.net;$49)

-Absinthe: Sip of Seduction Book:  This was the first book I read on absinthe and it’s history, and while it is a little dated, it’s still my favourite.  A great way to catch up on the history quickly and includes a great tourist guide and selection of absinthe cocktails.  (Amazon; $14.96)

-Mansinthe: Not really much holiday cheer in this one, but Manson DID promise it would be out in time for Christmas, so by buying a bottle you're fulfilling his wish...  (absinthe.de: $53, 1a-absinth.com;$40)

-Kubler 53 US: No jokes here.  It is simply the best value in the absinthe market today.  No shipping costs, and a full litre of a great la bleu for around $50 (or even less in some places, reportedly) make this offer hard to reuse!   ($52.99 with FREE express shipping at drinkupny.com)

-Absinthe Cocktails and Liqueurs: Be it Kallnacher Red, Liqueue d’Absinthe de Pontarlier, or otherwise, there's a great selection available for under $40.  Why not lighten the mood with something light and casual that everyone can enjoy around the Christmas tree?  Word to the wise, however; if it doesn't say which absinthe was originally used as the flavour base, its probably not very good (ie thujone delirium)...  (Alandia, absinthe.de, and Liqueurs de France are the best sources)

For someone NAUGHTY:

-Tunel Yellow:  Trying to get back at that special significant other or lifelong rival?  At the Christmas party fix them a glass and switch it out with another yellow liquid when they're not looking...or you know, just fix them a glass, either way it will be quite bad. (a24.net; $36)

-Absinthe Eiffel Tower bottle:  The novelty of this should lure any poor chump into a false sense of security to the rancidness found in this bottle.  Once they've vomited (get them away from carpeted areas first, unless of course it's their house) nudge their prized bottle of the edge of the shelf to add insult to injury... (a24.net: $24)

So get ordering now to have your gifts in time for that special day!  Merry Christmas!