The last few years have been strange, and this year with the election, prices rising, and lots of uncertainty, this year is the same.  The end of the year brings lots of joy, time together, and of course, gifting.  With so many people being quite difficult to shop for because we buy what we want, it’s hard to find the right gift.  We do have some favorite stuff that will be sharing over a few posts.  To kick things off, C&D Tools.

We first heard of them from Craig Douglas of Shivworks.  The owners attended an ECQC and the company is based in Pittsburgh.  Those two things were enough, but their products are all American made and they’ve had some struggles making that happen.  They are great shakers and have an amazing feel.  The weight is perfect and there’s just that intangible thing with them.  Not many barware items inspire pride in ownership, but this does.  We also have their spoon, which is also made right here in the USA.  Personally we’ve put off buying the strainer, but with their sales this year that will change and we’ll snag a strainer and spare spoon.

The next one is Oak Street Bootmakers.  OSB is one of those brands that has great sales that push the price of their product well into the next lower price tier, but give you a product that kicks above it’s coverage at retail.  They are our standard suggestion for a boot when someone asks and we’ve now reached 12 pair that people have bought on our suggestion and reached back to us to share their love for them.  There are some new leathers dropping now, but the bigger thing is an expected 25% off.  If you get a pair, please let us know how they do for you.