The Ultimate Guide To Whisky Gifts
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? Traditional or trendy? Thankfully, our resident whisky expert, Kirsty Thomson, has compiled an 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
Think about your loved one’s personal tastes, and pay attention to what they say about whisky, the next time it comes up. Try to find out their preferred type (e.g. Scotch, bourbon) and flavours (e.g. smoky, sweet, spicy) and if they have a favourite brand or distillery. 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 experience, like whisky stones or elegant glasses.
Kirsty’s best whisky gifts for…
1. 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 Scotch, 70cl
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.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a Gold Medal award-winning blend created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge to celebrate nearly 200 years of the art of blending. This blend includes all the bold flavours that make Johnnie Walker legendary. Rich fruit and vanilla alongside spicy, sweet woody notes and subtle smokiness – every flavour shines through in this vibrant whisky.
2. Stylish innovators
Although whisky has a reputation for being time-honoured and perhaps even a little old-fashioned, some distilleries offer a modern twist on tradition. Either through new techniques, unique ingredients, or fresh perspectives, the resulting spirits and serves from these innovative distilleries are original and exciting. Whisky lovers with an experimental side, will love these contemporary ideas.
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.
Singleton Of Dufftown 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl
The Singleton has quietly become the whisky to pair with your desserts. The unmistakable taste of The Singleton comes from a unique combination of European Oak casks that bring rich fruit aromas, and American Oak casks that release honeyed hints of vanilla, make it a perfect accompaniment to moments of sweet indulgence.
3. Home bartenders
A beautiful bottle of whisky is a focal point on any bar cart, and for the budding mixologist, a whisky gift set that features special glassware can further elevate their home bar. Or, for a one-of-a-kind, personalised gift, design your own custom box with a classic bottle, some beautiful tumblers, and a set of whisky stones.
Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl Giftpack With 2 Glasses
Cardhu comes from one of the oldest of the Speyside distilleries. With a light character and notes of honey and sweet baked apple, the 12 year old Cardhu is an excellent starting point for anyone new to Scotch whiskies. The gift set includes two tumblers for serving whisky on the rocks or in a classic Old Fashioned.
Singleton Of Dufftown 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl Gift Pack With 2 Glasses
With a decadent aroma of toasted nuts, rich fruits, brown sugar, and coffee, The Singleton of Dufftown is a well-balanced whisky that can be enjoyed by all. Perfect neat, over ice, or in a highball with soda or ginger ale, these matching glasses are the ideal accompaniment to explore all the flavours of this delicious Speyside whisky.
4. Adventure-seekers
For adventurers eager to push boundaries in their whisky experiences, look to special releases and limited editions – especially those attached to big-name master blenders and world-renowned chefs. Adventure-seekers love to explore and will appreciate your thoughtfulness in helping them discover bold new flavours.
Lagavulin 2021 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2021, this distiller’s edition does not disappoint. The whisky has been double-matured and finished in Pedro Ximenez cask wood for an intense sweetness that blends beautifully with the smokiness of the regular Lagavulin release. It’s a deliciously complex sip that will impress those with more daring palates.
Talisker X Parley Wilder Seas, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Talisker is known for adventure in the world of whisky. For this special release, they’ve partnered with Parley for the Oceans, to create a whisky that’s beautifully balanced, in a bottle that’s 100% recycled. Finished in ex-Cognac French Oak casks, a Talisker first, the maritime aromas and powerful spice crash over you in waves, while rich fruity sweetness and lush complexity rises from the profound smoky depths
6. Seasoned collectors
For the collector, try a rare or limited-edition whisky that could increase in value over time. Distillers periodically release small amounts of highly collectible bottles for special occasions or as part of one-off collaborations. When buying for a whisky collector, find out what’s on their dream list, or set them off on a new series they can continue collecting in the future.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dragon Blended Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Sometimes the bottle is just as impressive as what’s inside. While Johnnie Walker Blue Label has a reputation for being perfection in a glass, this particular version highlights its bottle. Created by contemporary artist James Jean, the bottle’s artwork features an intricate dragon interwoven with botanical elements, echoing the flavour of the Scotch inside. A truly remarkable collector’s item.
7. The one 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.
