Liquid

An Appalachian Appellation

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Whiskey is one of those spirits with multiple personalities: the sure sign of a seasoned palate, a stodgy accessory for ascot-wearing octogenarians, and a long-revered fix-it-all home remedy. However, it can be intimidating for people who don’t know much about it, especially because whiskey is, as a subject, incredibly complicated. Whether you’re already an aficionado or simply a curious whiskey-drinkin’ wannabe, Canadian Club 30 Year is a stellar way to enjoy the wonders of grain-mash spirits. This very limited edition whiskey (only 3000 bottles available!) was just released in celebration of Canadian Club’s 150th anniversary, and at around $200 a bottle, it is truly something special — luscious, golden, and smooth, with light notes of brown sugar, caramel, and a hint of freshly whittled oak. In fact, it’s so special that it’s tricky to find. It’s so exclusive, so doggone VIP that there’s not even information about it on Canadian Club’s website, giving the 30 Year the kind of untouchable mystique usually enjoyed by swank A-listers. It’ s the perfect way to pamper yourself when you want a relaxing night in, and it will catapult you to whiskey superstardom in the awed eyes of your friends when entertaining. Special order a bottle from Federal Wine & Spirits (29 State Street, Boston, 617.367.8605) or V. Cirace & Son (173 North Street, Boston, 617.227.3193) for a spectacularly sultry drinking experience.

Tru story

With the onslaught of earth-friendly and health-conscious organic products to the market, it’s becoming easier than ever to respect your mother Earth when shopping for everything from water bottles to faux-leather boots. In fact, green living is no longer a trend but a mainstream lifestyle. And thanks to Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Matthew, the husband-and-wife duo behind Modern Spirits, you can pick up some virtuous vodka for your dirty martinis. Sure, there are plenty of brands that allow you to bring your carbon footprint down to a tiptoe, but TRU Organic Vodka (available in straight, lemon, and vanilla flavors) comes in 100 percent recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging, is USDA-certified organic, and is bottled using 25 percent less glass than most other brands. Need more eco-convincing? The company has partnered with Sustainable Harvest International — a Maine-based nonprofit that’s building a global network of partners to promote smart, sustainable land use — to plant a tree for every bottle of vodka sold. Do your part by picking one up at Kappy’s Fresh Pond ($35.99; 215 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, 617.547.8767) or Federal Wine and Spirits ($36.99; 29 State Street, Boston, 617.367.8605). Drinking, while bad for the liver, can be good for the planet. It’s TRU.