We set Louis loose at Dan’s to get all his Chrissy gifts sorted. From his neighbour to his pilates instructor, Louis found all the perfect bottles.
Louis Hanson has a confession: “I’m trying to become the super-organised-early-shopper type… but I’m yet to assume that role,” he says. “Each year I swear to myself that I’ll get everyone’s presents under control and avoid that last-second Christmas dash, but then I blink and it’s December 23rd, I’m in Westfield at 11pm, squeezing a stress ball, cursing at the winds.” Can relate? Us too. So we set Louis a challenge – find five perfect gifts in just five minutes at his local Dan's. What ensued was equal parts chaotic and informative. Very Louis Hanson.
We believe this year is your year. You’ll have everything chosen, bought and wrapped by December 15, but just in case you don’t, know that it can be done in five minutes (we've got experts on hand to help you), and it will tick all Louis’ good gifts criteria. “Number one, if you don’t know what they like, go broad. Two, buy drinks that work in a summer setting: fun, festive and not too heavy. Thirdly, it’s the thought that counts, so you can’t go wrong. It’s not like the recipient is going to throw the bottle(s) at you in protest of your choice of gift. And if they would, then you probably shouldn’t be hanging around them. Reconsider your friendship group. Maybe call the police.” Solid advice.
Above, enjoy the footage of Louis' mad dash around Dans – it's a riot. Then, read ahead for more on all the bottles Louis grabbed from across the store for his besties to enjoy.
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1. For his neighbour, Karen: DeMorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc
Louis has a failsafe hack for choosing a wine bottle when you know what kind of drink they like, but have no idea about choosing a good one. “If I know someone’s a fan of something that I know nothing about, I’ll whittle my choices down to those within my price range, then I’ll just judge which label is the cutest. I’m Tyra Banks in America’s Next Top Model and pick the most aesthetically pleasing one. Live your destiny. I mean, yes, you should probably ask someone who works at Dan Murphy’s.” Also a great option, the Dan’s wine merchants have your back.
The DeMorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc would please both our wine merchants, and Tyra. Great wine, cute label. Louis is also pleased, “I was really drawn to the aromas of the DMZ Chenin Blanc (green apple, apricot, peach). I feel like it’d be the perfect drink to have in January while the sun is setting,” he says. This South African drop is light bodied and dry with grapes picked from DeMorgenzon’s south-facing vineyards overlooking False Bay, to make sure they get all the goodness from the morning sun.
2. For his high school librarian, Patricia: Pizzini La Volpe
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3. For his pilates instructor, Michelle: Patron Reposado Tequila
When gifting a spirit, Louis has a type: “Tequila! She’s less basic than vodka (not me starting beef with vodka), but still versatile enough to supply the recipient with an oyster-filled world of drinking opportunities,” he says. Specifically, he’s wrapped with a Patron Reposado for his stretchy bestie Michelle. “Patron is such a festive gift for the summer period. It really says, in the wise words of Kesha, ‘The party don't start 'til I walk in.’ Reposado also has that subtle golden glow which I hope to emulate after a month by the pool.”
4. For his brother, Jimmy: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky
What do you get for your beloved family sibling that says, “Sorry I’m so great – you’re good, too”? “I mean, I think we all know the answer to this, right? Scotch whisky is undeniably classy,” says Louis. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky is particularly so. This amber liquid earns its blue label for its exceptional quality, character and flavour and has all the signature smokiness of Johnnie Walker whiskies. “Throw that blue label into the mix and it’s a chic affair. It’s mandatory to drink with a bowtie and monocle.”
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5. For Andrew, the person responsible for his first ever piece of hate mail: Better Beer Zero Carb Lager
