By Jennifer Litz
Editor
December 10, 2007

He’s probably already bought himself everything he wants. So what do you wrap and put under the tree? Any or all of this list of to-the-minute good taste will appeal to his sophisticated side—and if he doesn’t have one, it’s time for him to cultivate it.

Averna Amaro

Created by Benedictine Friars in the 19th century, supplied to the Sicilian Royal Household and inscribed with its coat-of-arms, the most impressive thing about this liqueur is its balance of inky, molasses-like depth and herbal, flowery notes. More manly than crème de menthe, definitely, but just as enjoyable a digestive bitter. Most of his friends will not have heard of this esoteric libation; eyeing this regal-looking bottle will make them jealous. www.averna.it.

Finck Cigars

Who wouldn’t love a cigar company whose patriarch sets his checks on fire? That’s what William Finck Sr. did circa 1982 when he was elected Bexar Country Treasurer. He had run on a platform of abolishing the gratuitous post, and “smoked” his first $2,700 check for it at a press conference on the steps of the Country Courthouse. The flame catalyst? One of Finck’s finest: a Travis Club cigar. But there are also Padrons, Havana Blends, and several samplers at this world-class cigar emporium, which is one of the last small, family owned factories of its kind. www.finckcigarcompany.com.

“The Rockabilly Legends: They Called it Rockabilly Long Before They Called it Rock and Roll”

Have a music historian for a husband/son/father? Chances are he’d be interested to know the trajectory of that runaway fireball Elvis started with his mix of rock and roll and Southern spirituals. It was Rockabilly, and it tore through everyone from Buddy Holly (“Holly” is a bastardization of “Holley,” so says the book) and his band, The Crickets, to Jerry Lee Lewis, of course. But did you also know that George Harrison had his band members call him Carl, as in Carl Perkins? Yep, those famous pop Brits were actually influenced by Southern Americana. Give the gift of such enlightenment with this book, which also has some really cool pop art collages, as well as an hour-long DVD. Written by Jerry Naylor, who replaced Holly after his tragic airplane accident. www.amazon.com.

Guayaberas

These Cuban-born dress shirts have everything. Four pockets in the front for carrying pens, pencils, cigars, cigarettes—or a ring, if you’re getting married in it. Linen or a poly-cotton blend for keepin’ cool. Two sets of vertical pleats for lookin’ sharp. Is there anything this exotic shirt can’t do? Everyone should be wearing one. But they’re not, so the man who wears one is fashion-forward. Visit www.doscarolinas.com, or www.pennersinc.com.

Zirh

This skincare line for men is not high-maintenance. Just look at its no-nonsense blue, black, and white packaging: It’s says, “This is not Philsophy or Kiehl’s,” unisex face and hair products. Men won’t be deterred by straightforward names like “Scrub,” “Fix,” “Defend,” and “Restore.” The line doesn’t even seem to have an eye cream, which boosts the macho factor. But this stuff works for the face—at least better than Lever 2000. www.zirh.com.