With Christmas right around the corner, time is running out to get something special for the whiskey lover in your life. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, coworker, or your significant other, this inaugural edition of the guide has items that every level of enthusiast would love to try. Grab your favorite wrapping paper, prepare a pour of your favorite whiskey, and lets talk whiskey gifts!
GLENCAIRN GLASS
For those who enjoy their whiskey neat, the Glencairn is the way to go. This iconic glass was designed in Scotland with the help of the most prominent master blenders in the country. The tapered shape of the Glencairn directs the esters and other aromas toward one’s nose, enhancing the sipping and nosing experience for the whiskey drinker.
THE ROCKS GLASS
For those who would rather have their whiskey on the rocks (ice), the traditional style rocks glass would make a great choice. Also referred to as a lowball glass or an old fashioned, a rocks glass is large enough to fit a ball of ice or a few cubes. There may be no whiskey lover alive who wouldn’t want to add a nice rocks glass to their collection.
ICE BALL MOLDS
While we’re talking about ice, don’t let your favorite whiskey drinker use just any old cube. Consider getting them a whiskey mold. Molds come in all shapes and sizes. Ice molds are the way to go if you want to class up your favorite pour, and they serve a very practical purpose by melting slower than individual ice cubes.
WHISKEY STONES
Like your whiskey cold without getting watered down? Whiskey stones are the way to go. Made from natural stone or stainless steel, whiskey stones act just like an ice ball but wont melt and dilute down your whiskey.
BARREL HEADS
Perfect for any den, man cave, she shed, or whiskey room, a barrel head from your whiskey lover’s favorite distillery is sure to make Christmas merry and bright. Barrel heads can be purchased online from a variety of vendors including directly from the distillery, Etsy, and Amazon.
DISTILLERY VISIT
Here you go…if you want the ultimate gift idea for your favorite whiskey lover look no further. One of the best gifts I have every received was from my wife – a trip to one of my favorite distilleries. She got me a guided tour, a private tasting, a bottle of their best whiskey, and told me to pick something from their gift shop and then ended it with a photo of us after the experience. Honestly, the gift of the experience with the person I love was the best gift ever. Distillery visits and tours can be book on their website. Word of advice, you will need to do it soon. Most book up fast and are booked out for months.
THE GIFT OF WHISKEY
The Friend
E.H. Taylor (or any other hard to find bottle). Any friend that knows anything abut whiskey knows how hard this bottle is to find and how much its usually marked up. So, when they open a gift like this, they will appreciate your efforts and how much you care more than the whiskey that’s in the bottle.
The Boss
Any of the Old Forrester Whiskey Row Series. Simple, sophisticated, and not hard on the budget. The Whiskey Row series from Old Forrester is a great way to kiss up… I mean show some love to that whiskey loving boss of yours.
Holiday Gathering
Woodford Double Oaked or Penelope Toasted. Want to walk into your next holiday gathering in style? Break out a bottle of Double Oaked. Everyone will know it’s going to be a great time when they see what you’ve brought along to enjoy together.
Someone Special
Store Picks & Single Barrels. When looking for a special bottle for that special person, you have many options. Finding a special or limited run from their favorite brand will always be a special gift to receive. If you aren’t sure what they enjoy, you can even ask for guidance at the store. They can tell you what picks or single barrels they have in stock, or or will soon, and would recommend.
I hope you have enjoyed this article. If you have any suggestion for the next one or any other gift ideas, please let everyone know in the comments! As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff”…. and do it responsibly!