You’ve made your list. Heck, you’ve even checked it twice. But the problem isn’t who you’re getting a gift for this year — it’s what glorious bottle of Whisky to give them. After all, there are only thousands of different kinds out there.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take heart. These pointers can help you navigate our virtual shelves and pick a winning Whisky for everyone on your list.
To help you find the perfect bottle, here are some options to explore:
To help you find the perfect bottle, here are some options to explore:
Take it back to the basics
The first thing you should be racking your brain for are any patterns that point to a general region the giftee might like. Do they lean toward a particular country over others?
Does Scotland tend to strike their fancy or is the corn-bread Bourbon more their style? Getting the lay of land (and their palate) can help narrow down the options.
Does Scotland tend to strike their fancy or is the corn-bread Bourbon more their style? Getting the lay of land (and their palate) can help narrow down the options.
Another good gauge of their style is the type of Whisky they enjoy. Are they fearless in the face of spice? Take a gander at Rye. Do they flock to a summer camp fire and revel in the smell of the smoke and kerosene? Get them an Islay Scotch, stat.
When all else fails, a special bottling from their favorite or a well-recognized brand — like, distillery editions of Macallan, Caol Ila, Ardbeg or Lagavulin — will do in a pinch.
Assess their Whisky knowledge
Next, gauge their familiarity around Whisky.
If they’re aficionados with a well-stocked home bar, they probably have a wealth of knowledge about Whiskey and the accessories to best enjoy it. (That means decanters and glasses are probably out.)
In this case, you’ll want to choose a bottle that’s outside of their go-to category or something less common. If Scotch lines their shelves, consider getting them started on some Japanese Whisky that closely mirrors Scotch’s style and is found on most connoisseurs’ wishlists.
If they’re aficionados with a well-stocked home bar, they probably have a wealth of knowledge about Whiskey and the accessories to best enjoy it. (That means decanters and glasses are probably out.)
In this case, you’ll want to choose a bottle that’s outside of their go-to category or something less common. If Scotch lines their shelves, consider getting them started on some Japanese Whisky that closely mirrors Scotch’s style and is found on most connoisseurs’ wishlists.
For the newbs
If one of your giftees is just beginning their Whiskey journey, a good starter bottle will get them up to speed on the essential Whiskies and lay the groundwork for understanding some of the industry’s iconic flavors and history, while helping them cultivate an appreciation for basic Whisky characteristics.
It’s also a fantastic way to begin building the basics of a Whisky lover’s home bar.
It’s also a fantastic way to begin building the basics of a Whisky lover’s home bar.
Decide if you’re going for mass market or craft.
There are certain things you can bank on if you opt for one of the big name brands in the Whisky game. For one, brand recognition — your giftee is likely to instantly recognize it. Also, mass market Whiskies offer consistency from bottle to bottle in terms of flavor and quality.
Going craft is generally a bit more expensive because their Whisky is made in smaller batches, but it can feel like a more intimate choice. These companies are much smaller than their industry counterparts and offer more variety, experimentation and excitement.
King’s County, Anchor Distilling, FEW, Charbay and High West are only some of the craft producers that Flaviar Members love.
King’s County, Anchor Distilling, FEW, Charbay and High West are only some of the craft producers that Flaviar Members love.
Think outside of the bottle
If you find yourself unable to settle on one bottle, start thinking beyond the liquor store shelves.
Perhaps a graphic tee with some witty Whisky repartee or a fancy new flask they can flash when they’re out with friends. A Whisky coffee table book might be a fine gift, but let’s be real — reading about it isn’t remotely as much fun as drinking it.
Perhaps a graphic tee with some witty Whisky repartee or a fancy new flask they can flash when they’re out with friends. A Whisky coffee table book might be a fine gift, but let’s be real — reading about it isn’t remotely as much fun as drinking it.
In that case, you might consider gifting a membership to Flaviar. Membership gives them access to themed Tasting Boxes and full-sized bottles of Whisky from all over the world along with the opportunity to “choose their own adventure”.
Side effects of being a Flaviarista include becoming an expert aficionado, trying the one-percenter Spirits, taking your hobby to the next level, and sharing your passion for the good stuff.
Never get me a shirt again for Christmas. This is the only gift I want. - Amy’s Dad
Look at the bottom line
Finally, determine your budget for the gift. If you have a comfortable margin to spend on bottles, the world is your oyster.
Keep in mind that Scotch is generally pricier than U.S. Whiskey mainly due to import tariffs, and the popular demand for Japanese Whiskies means bottles command a higher price point.
Keep in mind that Scotch is generally pricier than U.S. Whiskey mainly due to import tariffs, and the popular demand for Japanese Whiskies means bottles command a higher price point.
But don’t let the big ticket bottles dissuade you, there are plenty of memorable picks to be found for well under $100 — just browse our recommendation for best Bourbon choices under $70!
Take it to the next level
We asked our members about the best Whisky gift they’ve ever received. One thing that stood out? Personalization!
For Christmas, my mother and my son got me a personalized bottle of Glenfiddich 18-year-old. I’m taking it on holiday with me and I’m going to pour a dram at my father’s resting place. He loved a good dram.
Adding an engraved message to the bottle is easier than you think. Flaviar offers this unique service making it a simple and convenient one-stop shop for personalized gifting.
Brainstorming tips to keep in mind when crafting your message:
– Keep it short; two to three lines with 15 characters per line.
– Inside jokes make for great material.
– Make it a numbers game! Use birthdays, anniversaries or geolocation coordinates.
Flaviar’s Gift Guide
Best Bourbon Under $70
Smooth sippin’ drams straight from the States.
Best Scotch Under $100
Exceptional Scottish sauce for less than a benjy.
Flaviar Originals
Spirits made by Flaviar, for Flaviar members.
From $38
Flaviar Bar
The best parts of your favorite bar, at home.
From $389
Smooth sippin’ drams straight from the States.
Best Scotch Under $100
Exceptional Scottish sauce for less than a benjy.
Flaviar Originals
Spirits made by Flaviar, for Flaviar members.
From $38
Flaviar Bar
The best parts of your favorite bar, at home.
From $389
Gifts Outside the Bottle
Old Fashioned T-Shirt
Say it with 100% cotton.
$29.99
Flask
Stainless steel, hand polished, 100% clutch.
$39.90
Flaviar Sweater
Wear your priorities with pride.
$59.90
Glasses & Coaster
Raise a Glencairn to great gifting.
From $37.99
Larga Vida Towel
The beach will never know what hit it.
$49.99
Tasting Boxes
A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
$28.99
Say it with 100% cotton.
$29.99
Flask
Stainless steel, hand polished, 100% clutch.
$39.90
Flaviar Sweater
Wear your priorities with pride.
$59.90
Glasses & Coaster
Raise a Glencairn to great gifting.
From $37.99
Larga Vida Towel
The beach will never know what hit it.
$49.99
Tasting Boxes
A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
$28.99
We hope we made your gift-hunting easier. We wish you lovely holidays and merry Christmas. Cheers!
