What do you get a whisky lover for Christmas? There’s an obvious answer – whisky!

However, for many this is fraught with challenges: What do they like? How much should I spend? There are some safe bets out there but those safe bets are just that – safe and impersonal. If you’ve got the cash to splash out for Yamazaki 18 or Redbreast 27 then go ahead and grab one of those to impress practically anyone. 

However, if you’re not sitting on loads of cash to splurge then here are some better options. We are a UK site and this article is for folks in the UK. However, many of these options do have US/EU equivalents you can look for.

A Subscription

If you’ve got big cash to treat a whisky fan then you can’t go wrong with Summerton Club which delivers unique and interesting bottles every other month. However, as we’re budget conscious folks we much prefer their pocket sized sister venture: Whisky Pioneer. This sees a monthly sample pop through your letterbox every month. The whiskies are on par with the Summerton offering in terms of quality and variety and we’re big fans ourselves.

Gift subscriptions start at the same price as a cheap supermarket bottle and you’ll be giving something far more adventurous and interesting. An alternative like Mr Dram Man will cost more but provides several samples per month and gives a deeper dive into world whiskies and independent bottlings.

A Tasting Set

There are some distillery sets you can pick up at the supermarket or on Amazon that aren’t very adventurous and will do in a pinch. These are usually from major brands like Glenfiddich, Talisker or Jura. However, we’re here to give some better options that’ll show you in the best light. Both Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange, two of the UKs largest whisky retailers offer extensive tasting sets. For readers abroad there are likely similar specialist stores with offers like this in whatever country you’re in too.

What tasting set to pick? If you can get access to your gift recipient’s bottles then looking for words like “Peated” or specific countries like Ireland or Japan will help. Many of these sets from both sites will offer bottles that are less common and more likely to be appreciated.

Birkentree

If you know your recipient likes to take their whisky neat (I’ll give you a few seconds to get Hozier out of your head) then this is a wildcard option. Birkentree is an alternative to adding water and is 100% birch tree sap. It has thicker texture than water so when added to whisky it can provide better mouthfeel and flavour over water. 

Not everyone agrees and our detailed review covers off all the benefits and drawbacks. However, we reckon it’ll be something that most whisky enthusiasts would appreciate, or at least get a curious kick out of. Yes it’s more expensive than water, but with a single bottle starting at around £10 it’s stocking filler price too.

Engraving & Personalization

If you just have to gift a full sized bottle, either out of tradition or necessity then engraving is the best way to elevate a known favourite or make a wildcard pick feel special. The Whisky Exchange offers this service on a wide range of bottles. However, engraving and a bottle can be pricey so do check out Master of Malt’s cheaper personalization services including the tasting sets we mentioned above, as well as presentation boxes. 

What To Avoid?

Glassware – Pretty much every whisky fan is inundated with glencairns, tumblers and other glassware. Unless you’re going for personalization and/or fancy crystal, consider dropping this idea in favour of another.

Whisky Stones – They’re a neat idea but chilling whisky can reduce the flavour which most enthusiasts don’t want to do. Also if you’ve got any pungent flavours in your fridge / freezer they can absorb them!

Coasters and Decorations – There are so many wonderful home decor items out there to suit any taste. So avoid whisky inspired coasters and decorations in favour of ones that suit the home stylings and aesthetic choices of your recipient, not what they put in their glass.

Whisky Flavoured Things – Most things that are whisky flavoured just taste like booze, sugar and cereal. Unless you’re getting them something from a distillery you know they love its all best avoided.

There you have it. Our list of what to buy and what not to buy. If you’re still not sure what to get, or the only thing you know is that they like ‘XYZ Distillery’, then a gift voucher for that distillery’s merch shop or a popular online alcohol retailer is a safe if impersonal backup.

Hope you all get to raise a glass or two this festive period!

The All But Drams Team