The ultimate guide to whisky gifts
The ultimate whisky gift guide
Trying to find a whisky gift for someone special? We’re here to help. It’s easy to get lost in the seemingly endless choices there are to make: single malt or blended? Whisky or whiskey? Which region to choose from? Traditional or trendy?
Thankfully, our resident whisky expert, Kirsty Thomson, has compiled the ultimate guide to choosing the right whisky gift for anyone. Whether you’re trying to impress a seasoned connoisseur or introducing a friend to the wide world of whisky, we’re here to make sure your gift is thoughtful, memorable and full of flavour.
Before we begin
It can be overwhelming when deciding what the right gift is, but we have a few tips to help. Firstly, try and do some subtle digging for intel if you can. Do they prefer Scotch or bourbon? Do they like to drink whisky neat or in cocktails? Another bit of useful information to know is what flavours they like. Do they have a sweet tooth and always order dessert, or do they love spicy foods and can’t help adding tabasco to their food?
Hopefully these little nuggets of information will help you make an informed choice. But if you’re at a total loss, you can always give a gift that enhances their whisky experience, like whisky stones or elegant glasses.
The best gifts for whisky traditionalists
For some enthusiasts, whisky is all about classic, heritage brands known for exquisite craftsmanship. When buying for a traditionalist, consider the type of whisky they prefer.
While the two most well-known varieties are single malt and blended, there are actually five in total, including blended malt, single grain and blended grain. There’s also provenance to consider. For a classic Islay single malt, Talisker is a great choice, made by the sea like a true maritime malt. On the other hand, you have The Singleton of Dufftown, based in the heart of Speyside and a wonderful representation of single malts from the region.
Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt
This bottle of Talisker has a famously rich and powerful smoky flavour, with a warm peppery finish. The smoky flavour comes through thanks to the peat that’s burned during the malting process. Crafted on the shores of the Isle of Skye, it carries the salted smoke of an island weathered by wind and waves.
The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old Single Malt
An award-winning whisky, The Singleton 15 is an excellent example of Speyside malts. A longer fermentation process and slower distillation ensure exceptional smoothness and depth of flavour. With a sweet palette and delicately spiced notes of aniseed, this bottle is meant to be sipped, shared and enjoyed.
Ultimate whisky gifts for those who love a touch of luxury
Sometimes only the best is good enough, and at times like these it’s only right to splash out. Buying a special bottle of whisky sends a heartfelt message, showing just how much that person means to you. So, consider something truly exceptional.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
The ultimate whisky experience, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a real treat. With only 1 in 10,000 casks having the right depth of character to craft this smooth whisky, it’s sure to make someone very happy when they unwrap it. Sweet vanilla and honey tones dance with caramel and hazelnut notes, enveloped with a wisp of smoke.
The Singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old Single Malt
Creamy, malty, with a perfect balance of ripe apples and blackberries intertwined with spicy dryness. The Singleton 18 is an excellent gift for those wanting to develop their knowledge of Speyside whiskies, or try something new from this storied region.
Great whisky gifts for those who like to try something different
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, 70cl
Umami. The taste that you can’t quite describe but recognise instantly. With the help of Master Blender Emma Walker and world-renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi, Johnnie Walker has managed to create a limited release blend that encapsulates the enigmatic taste of umami. Pair with caviar to appreciate this whisky on another level.
Haig Club Single Grain
An ultra smooth spirit with delicious notes of butterscotch and toffee, Haig Club is created at the legendary Cameronbridge distillery, using a unique process that combines grain whisky from three different cask types. The result is a whisky with a fresh, clean finish that performs well in cocktails or enjoyed neat.
Whisky gifts for cocktail lovers and home mixologists
Some enjoy whisky in the traditional way – neat, over ice, or with a drop of water to open up the flavours. Others enjoy it in cocktails. Delectable creations designed to tempt and delight, whether they’re shaken, stirred, mixed or simply poured. If your loved one is a dab hand with a shaker, consider buying a versatile whisky that lends itself to all sorts of cocktails.
Bulleit Bourbon
A whiskey with an ‘e’, bourbon forms the basis of many classic cocktails. Whether it’s a stirred down and simple Old Fashioned or a fresh and cool Mint Julep, plenty can be achieved with just one bottle of this American icon.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Bringing a smooth texture to the party, Johnnie Walker Black Label blends beautifully into at-home cocktail creations by giving them a blended whisky twist. Great in Whisky Sours, Sazeracs and Rusty Nails, it offers the opportunity to rethink these classic drinks with a modern, smoky approach.
Best gifts for whisky fans who love to experiment
For adventurers eager to push boundaries in their whisky experiences, look to special releases and limited editions which offer exclusive flavours. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness in helping them discover bold new tastes.
Talisker The Wild Blue
The latest limited-edition release from Talisker, The Wild Blue draws inspiration from the distillery’s coastal home. The first Talisker whisky to be finished in rare Atlantic coastal red wine casks from South Africa, the result is a distinctive expression that beautifully blends maritime smokiness with rich, deep fruit notes.
Bulleit 95 Rye Frontier Whiskey
The ultimate expression of rye whiskey, Bulleit doesn’t scrimp on standards or flavour. Made by 95% rye content versus the industry standard of 51%, Bulleit Rye has an exceptionally smooth and spicy finish as a result. Perfect for experimenting with in cocktails, it can also be enjoyed neat to appreciate its sweet tones of maple and oak.
Gifts for the whisky lover who has it all
If you’re buying for a serious whisky lover who already owns a whisky water dropper, a set of Glencairn glasses, and special ice cube trays, what’s left? Well, there’s always something to discover... Whisky-infused soaps? Whisky-scented candles? A handheld cocktail smoker? The possibilities are endless when you think outside the bottle.
Final notes
When chosen thoughtfully, a gift of whisky is a great way to express your appreciation or celebrate an occasion. And if you present it beautifully wrapped with a special message and a personalised engraving (all of which we can take care of for you) they’ll treasure it forever. All you need to do, is choose the right bottle.
Kirsty Thomson
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