Whisky really comes into its own at this time of year, so we wanted to highlight some of our favourites that we thought would make great gifts for Christmas - as well as brilliant bottles to keep by your side through the winter. Many of these are also in our super-duper festive giveaway so once you’ve ordered your gifts, make sure you enter here!
Heroes & Heretics, Stateside 8 Year Old Whiskey
H&H are experts in sourcing the very finest whiskies and spirits, acquiring them at the best moments and prices to be able to offer some special kit. They specialise in many kinds of sips from Scotch, to American whiskey to rum. We love their Stateside 8YO Whiskey with its vibrant notes of peach, spice and vanilla.
ABV: 51%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £86.95
Waterford Single Farm Origin - Sheestown 1.1
Sheestown is the first batch of single malt Irish whisky from Waterford made using grain from Sheestown grown on a single farm by Phillip O'Brien. It’s part of the Single Farm Origin series, which explores the impact that terroir can have on a whisky, using barley grown on single farms around Ireland. It’s also one of several great whiskeys also in our giveaway along with Pilgrimage: First Cuvee, Organic 1.1, Ballymorgan 1.1 and Bannow 1.2.
ABV: 50%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £69.95
The Glenturret Triple Wood Scotch Whisky
The Glenturret have seriously upped their game recently both with their whiskies and their stunning new bottles (see Colin’s piece here.) The non-age statement Triple Wood, which uses ex-bourbon, American sherry casks and European sherry casks, knocked us sideways with its great mix of vanilla, spice, and both sweet and dry oaky notes. Yum!
ABV: 43%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £46.45
Arbikie Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky Release 2
Arbikie is the only Scotch Rye whisky in the world! Records show that rye grain was used in scotch whisky production until the late 19th century and these guys revived the tradition. Aged four years, this is a limited edition single grain whisky that’s flavoursome, powerful and tropical. With its copper pot distillation and maturation in first-fill charred American Oak casks and enriched in Armagnac barrels, it is different and delicious!
ABV: 46%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £188.95
Masthouse Single Malt Whisky
The inaugural whisky from Copper Rivet is finally here. Having tasted the spirit along the way, we were very excited about this release. Made from barley grown in Kent and implementing a long fermentation to give a fruity spirit, this is delicious whisky. Having used first fill Bourbon and virgin oak casks, orchard fruits in abundance, touches of tropical fruits, some ginger spice and a little chocolate on the mid palate giving way to pepper and toasty oak on the finish. It's a young whisky but is ready to be enjoyed by all.
ABV: 45%
Size: 50cl
Pre Order: £45
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Illicit Still
The 12 year old, Illicit Still from The Glenlivet is a single malt inspired by the illicit origins of whisky distilling in the 1800s and how its founder, George Smith, illegally distilled whisky in the remote Glenlivet valley and gradually created that fruity, aromatic style that Speyside is now famous for. Think fruity peach, poached pear, caramel and tropical notes. Super special.
ABV: 48%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £49.99
Abelour 12 Year
Fans of Abelour adore its zesty, crisp style and this 12 year old adds beautiful layers to that mix, mellowing the citrus with its double cask maturation and finishing in Sherry butts. Smooth and sweet, this is a great choice for whisky novices. Bottled at 40% abv for an easy drinking style.
ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £39.95 // US $59.99
Royal Salute Whisky - Snow Polo Edition
Named in tribute to the Queen on her coronation day, Royal Salute is famed for its fantastic blends. This new snow polo edition however, is a blended grain, made to celebrate the sport of snow polo. Think lots of cooking spices, a hint of coffee bean, apple pie and honey. Delicious.
ABV: 46.5%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £160.27 // US $250
Macallan 18 Double Cask
Who doesn’t love a Macallan? The Double Cask is matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks, which add delightful, sweet notes of vanilla, chocolate fudge and fruitcake with a kick of ginger. Stunning.
ABV: 43%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £250 // US £339.99
The Dalmore - King Alexander III
This one-of-a-kind whisky was matured in no less than six types of cask: red wine, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, Kentucky bourbon and Port casks. It has the rich, fudgy, fruitness of Dalmore’s quintessential highland style with homely notes of cereal, milk chocolate and ripe orchard fruit, freshened up by a twist of orange peel on the finish, Beautiful!
ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £170 // US $279.99
Looking for some different ‘drinkspiration’? Make sure to check out our wine, gin and luxury gift guides!