Style -- 5 days ago
These are the best whiskies to gift this Christmas
From Glen Scotia’s punchy youngster to Ardbeg’s refined ‘young adult’, these are the perfect presents for enthusiasts of the strong stuff.
- Words: Gentleman's Journal
There are festive rituals we cherish: the soft crackle of a fire, the rustle of wrapping paper, that first deep inhale of pine and citrus as the tree goes up. But few seasonal pleasures are as quietly luxurious as unveiling a truly exceptional bottle of whisky. A thoughtful whisky gift is never just a drink, it’s an evening by the hearth, a story shared, a promise of time well spent. It’s possible that we might be romanticising a touch, but nevertheless, with that spirit in mind, we’ve uncorked the finest bottles of the season, selecting drams across ages, styles, and provenances, each worthy of pride of place beneath the tree.
12-Year-Old Scotch
Among the 12-Year-Olds, Glenmorangie Original remains a perennial favourite, all honeyed citrus, silky vanilla, and effortless charm, the kind of whisky that softens even the frostiest December night. From Campbeltown, Glen Scotia’s bright and lightly maritime expression offers a refreshing counterpoint; crisp and coastal, with a breezy elegance that makes it ideal for long winter afternoons. And for those who gravitate toward richer, rounder drams, Glenfarclas 12 delivers classic Speyside warmth: dried fruits, gentle spice, and that unmistakable sherry-kissed richness that feels like settling into a leather armchair by the fire.
15-Year-Old Scotch
Move into the 15-Year-Olds and the flavours grow deeper, more assured. Highland Park 15 brings Orkney’s signature blend of ruggedness and refinement, weaving whisper-soft smoke through sweet heather and spice. The Macallan 15 Double Cask, meanwhile, is gifting at its most generous: polished, poised, and richly layered, with baked apples and toffee unfolding in quiet luxury. Then there’s Tamdhu 15: a sherry-oak devotee’s dream, decadently spiced and gorgeously textured, offering a festive flourish that feels tailor-made for winter evenings.
18-Year-Old Scotch
At 18 years, we enter the realm of true seasonal indulgence. The Glenlivet 18-Year-Old is smooth and confident, all orchard fruits and caramel gently framed by oak (quite possibly the whisky equivalent of a velvet dinner jacket). The Singleton of Dufftown’s 18-Year-Old continues in a similar spirit of elegance, beautifully balanced and mellow, a dram that wins hearts through understatement rather than bravado. For something bolder, Laphroaig 18 brings Islay’s elemental magic to the fore: deeply smoky, yet unexpectedly soft at its core, a whisky that feels like a pilgrimage for peat lovers.
American Whiskey
Across the Atlantic, the American selection offers a different sort of festive charm. Sazerac Rye leads with spicy confidence - punchy, stylish, and effortlessly at home in a Manhattan or swirling neat by the fire. Buffalo Trace follows with its dependable warmth: vanilla, caramel and gentle spice in a profile that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned aficionados. Maker’s Mark rounds out the trio with its signature red-winter-wheat softness, a smooth, sweet bourbon whose easy-going nature makes it a generous and friendly festive pour.
Special Mentions
And then there are the showstoppers - rare, remarkable bottles that earn their place in the realm of “special mentions.” Last Drop Distillers’ 22-Year-Old Japanese Blended Malt is a contemplative, almost ceremonial whisky, crafted for collectors and unforgettable Christmas moments. One Cask at a Time 15-Year-Old Glentauchers offers boutique Speyside charm in elegant, citrus-bright form, the sort of discovery that seasoned enthusiasts delight in unwrapping. Finally, Ardbeg’s Vintage Y2K 24-Year-Old stands as a true statement piece: bold Islay smoke intertwined with two decades of depth and maturity. A gift with real gravitas.
Whether your recipient is a dab hand at deciphering terroirs or simply loves a quiet dram on a winter’s night, these whiskies offer something far richer than a festive indulgence. They’re gentle prompts to slow down, sip a little longer and toast a little louder. And, in a season built on generosity and good company, few gifts fit the brief quite so perfectly.
Want more gift ideas? These are the best presents for style aficionados...
