The art of gifting
Buying a gift for a guy is easy and the presentation not at all important – well certainly from guy to guy. However, gifting a woman is a different matter altogether and an intimidating prospect for a simple man like me.
My daughters often remind me that I am terrible at gifting and that I should remember that a well-chosen gift demonstrates that I have put thought and effort into selecting something meaningful. They tell me that the presentation of the gift is important too.
Determined to improve myself, I asked Copilot the definition of gifting and this was the reply:
“Gifting is the practice of giving someone a present as a gesture of goodwill, affection, or celebration. It is a universal act that transcends cultures and societies, often serving to express feelings, mark significant occasions, or simply show appreciation. Gifts can range from tangible items to experiences, and their value is not solely determined by their monetary worth but by the sentiment and thought behind them.”
Brilliant reply, particularly the last sentence, and it gave me food for thought.
I started to think about what made a gift unique and how it could show that I understood the recipient’s personality and lifestyle. This was important as I wanted to thank a particular woman for her wonderful assistance in helping me overcome a difficult problem.
I had no romantic connection with the lady, I simply wanted to show my gratefulness for her wise intervention.
I know she was well educated, had refined taste and that she enjoyed good food. I had also recently seen her enjoy a complex cocktail and comment on its excellent preparation.
So what I was looking for was a stylish gift, with refined provenance and good taste.
The perfect gift for a lady
Immediately my mind turned to Six Dogs Distillery, one of my favourite distilleries and producer of excellent gins.
Everything about Six Dogs Distillery is stylish. Their packing is beautiful, the bottle is shaped like an old-fashioned hip flask and the gin superb.
Six Dogs Distillery produce four delicious gins and a well-aged brandy.
As the gift was for a lady I thought that the gins would be most appropriate. After a brief review of the options, I selected the Six Dogs Blue Gin, with the Honey Lime Gin coming a close second.
Six Dogs Blue Gin – A Colourful Twist on a Classic Dry Gin
Named after the blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea)—a botanical known for its antioxidant properties and curious history as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine—Blue doesn’t just deliver in the aesthetics department.
The natural infusion of this vibrant flower gives the gin its signature electric-blue hue, which undergoes a striking transformation when mixed with tonic, shifting to a delicate pink before your eyes. It’s not just a party trick; it’s part of the gin’s charm and chemistry.
There’s also a personal touch behind the name. “Blue” was the tiniest member of the distillery’s original pack of six dogs, adding a layer of affection and authenticity to the brand’s storytelling.
This gin looked so good that I decided to purchase a bottle for myself too.
But beyond the colour and clever branding, how does it taste?
At its heart, this is a classic dry gin. It doesn’t shy away from juniper, but layers in a subtle floral complexity that sets it apart. On the nose and palate, you’ll catch a gentle bouquet of rose pelargonium, picked in the morning to preserve their fragrant oils, and a fresh, green note reminiscent of just-cut lucerne. The balance is artful—floral without being perfumed, grounded without losing elegance.
At 43% ABV, it’s robust enough to hold its own in cocktails, yet smooth enough for a simple G&T. That magical colour change elevates the experience, turning even the most straightforward pour into a moment of theatre.
In short, Six Dogs Blue is a perfect gift. It’s a beautifully packaged, thoughtfully crafted and visually captivating. My daughters would be proud of my attention to detail and thoughtfulness.
