For whiskey lovers, a good bottle of whiskey is a great gift for any occasion. But the challenging part is choosing the right one.
With such a wide variety of choices, it can be tough to find the perfect bottle.
So what is a good whiskey for a gift? We got you. Here are the best whiskey gifts that every whiskey lover will truly appreciate.
Top 15 Good Whiskeys For Gift Giving
15. Balvenie DoubleWood
Average Price: around $74.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This Scotch whisky makes a great gift to your loved ones.
The unique characteristics of the Balvenie DoubleWood single malt whisky are gained from its maturation process, which takes place in two different wood types.
The delicate character of the traditional barrels and the rich and full flavor of the sherry wood contribute to the complex flavor profile of this whisky.
14. The Macallan 12-year-old Triple Cask
Average Price: around $78.31 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This exquisite blend of dark berries and creamy vanilla is a must-have for any whiskey aficionado.
The combination of baking spices and pepper adds a whiff of class and sophistication to this 12-year-old, which is a testament to the stature of The Macallan single malts.
It’s a Scotch whisky steeped in class and has a reputation for being highly regarded in the industry, making it the perfect whiskey gift for your fancy friends.
Also, its Christmas packaging adds to the bottle’s elegance.
13. Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: around $99.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: The world’s best dessert bourbon is created by Michter’s in a toasted barrel.
This double-barreled whiskey adds notes of caramel and marshmallow to the typical blend, making it a real treat for everyone.
The nose is sweet, but the palate is savory and herbal. This whiskey tastes more like rye whiskey, but it’s definitely bourbon.
We think it’s the best whiskey gift for someone who loves rye and bourbon, as you can get two experiences in one bottle.
12. Laphroaig 28
Average Price: around $799 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 44.4% ABV
Why We Like It: This single malt Scotch whisky is consistently good, showing its characteristic from the nosing to the finish, which is due to its well-done maturation.
The nose is honeyed, giving off hints of smoke. And on the palate, it is rich and incredibly smoky with wood and red meat notes, making it a great cigar pair.
Laphroaig carries the reputation of being one of the best whiskies, and given its age statement, its hefty price tag is justifiable.
11. Old Forester 1910
Average Price: around $49.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This straight bourbon from Old Forester is the best whisky gift for someone who enjoys bolder spirits, as it features an intense wood aroma and flavor.
But the char gives off more sweetness as each sip, with hints of caramel, honey, dark berries, and a touch of banana.
And since it’s double-barreled, this 1910 is really an exceptional bottle among the rest of the expressions from the Old Forester Distillery.
10. Caol Ila 12
Average Price:
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This single malt Scotch whisky [1] is made from malted barley–dried over a fire.
It has a deep smokiness with a distinct style that some people don’t like. However, whisky drinkers who love peat tend to enjoy this much.
Originating from Islay, Caol Ila is known for its robust flavor and fruity notes. At its extreme, this blend of peated and smoked malt has notes of iodine and Band-aids.
But Caol Ila 12 is more balanced. It features a combination of barbecue and bacon, and it’s finished with a lovely spice.
9. Dalmore 18
Average Price: around $267.24 /750 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Dalmore 18 single malt Scotch is magnificent whisky matured using former American white bourbon casks and aged using Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.
Carrying an 18-year-old age statement, this gives vanilla, orange, dark chocolate, and cinnamon aromas, followed by candied fruits, nutmeg, coffee, and licorice on the palate.
Expect a finishing note of rich molasses and citrus fruits, which will surely make whiskey tasting with friends enjoyable and satisfying.
8. Highland Park 12yo
Average Price: around $59.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: For the lover in your life, Highland Park 12-Year-Old Scotch is the best whiskey gift you can give as it’s special and a gold standard among distilleries.
One of the most prestigious single malt whiskies in the world is Highland Park 12-Year-Old.
This is a delightful blend of sweet and savory spices that will keep whiskey lovers feeling warm and satisfied throughout the entire experience.
And given its solid character and reputation, this Scotch is affordably priced.
7. Angel’s Envy Private Select
Average Price: around $99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 54.25% ABV
Why We Like It: This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is ideal for someone looking for a single-barrel version of port-finished bourbon from Angel’s Envy.
This whiskey drink embodies the essence of AE at high proof. In short, this whiskey is an effortless and affordable way to experience the brand’s annual limited release in a Cask Strength version.
The port cask influence shows through its long finish. The fruity notes that appear on the nose are then blended with other spices, dried oak, nutmeg, and hazelnut on the palate.
6. Maker’s 46
Average Price: around $30 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Maker’s 46 is one of the best whiskeys for those who love classics.
The hints of toasty French oak, spices, and caramel compliments the sweet, deep rich tone of vanilla and spice.
But regardless of the style, any whiskey enthusiast will like the velvety, mellow, and long finish of Maker’s 46.
This whiskey is a must-have for every home bar.
5. Glendronach 12
Average Price: around $48 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This Scotch drink is dense and intensely sherried, coming from the oldest-licensed distillery in Scotland.
If you want to give gifts to whiskey drinkers, you can’t go wrong with Glendronach 12 because of its rich, sweet, and spicy fruit aromas with toffee, caramel, and dark fruit flavors.
The medium-long finish has hints of raisins, dusty wood, and sugary fruit leaves, making this a perfect sipper after a meal.
4. Hibiki Harmony
Average Price: around $160 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: The Hibiki Whisky has a mash bill of various grains and numerous malt whiskies– carefully blended to create a full-bodied and harmonious experience.
Instead of the usual Tennessee whiskey, straight rye whiskey, or Irish whiskey, why not try Japanese whisky this time?
3. Booker’s Bourbon
Average Price:
Alcohol Content: 60% ABV
Why We Like It: Booker’s released a limited-edition special bourbon made with only the finest ingredients and is bottled without adding water.
If you know someone who loves high-proof spirits, this bourbon bottle can be the best gift.
This is typically over 60% ABV, and it varies from batch to batch. Booker’s arrives from the Jim Beam distillery, with its flavors similar to that popular brand.
The current batch, which is seven years old, is heavily infused with vanilla and has a rich molasses taste.
2. Blue Spot 7 Year Old
Average Price: around $95 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 58.7% ABV
Why We Like It: This Irish whiskey embodies the flawless qualities of a Pot Still whiskey.
Blue Spot’s whiskey makers ensure to deliver a smooth mouthfeel to every whiskey drinker, with a lingering and unique flavor balance of exotic spices and fruits.
If you want to encourage someone to drink whiskey, then let them try the Blue Spot 7-Year-Old.
It’s a nice introduction to the whiskey world besides Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey, Small Batch bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle, and other rye whiskeys [2].
1. Redbreast 15
Average Price: around $115.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Our highly recommended whiskey to gift for your friends, family member, colleagues, and special someone is the Redbreast 15 whiskey.
Its balanced blend of first-fill and refill barrels contributes to the complexity of Redbreast’s spices.
“It is with absolute pleasure that we reintroduce Blue Spot and bring a piece of Dublin’s rich whiskey history back to life.”
— Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery
This unique blend enhances the flavor of the whiskey through the additional maturation process.
The fully rich and balanced mix of aromatic oils and berry fruits match with the rounded and subtle fleshy fruit and charred wood spices, leading to a sophisticated and long finish.
Note: Other bottles that are worth considering include:
- Wild Turkey Master’s Keep One
- Jefferson’s Ocean Aged At Sea Rye Whiskey
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Wild Turkey Longbranch by Matthew McConaughey
FAQs Related to What Is A Good Whiskey For A Gift?
Is a bottle of whiskey a good gift?
A bottle of whiskey as a gift means bringing your loved ones a drink they can enjoy or introducing them to fresh flavors. It can also make a fine present for any passionate whiskey collector.
What bourbon whiskey makes a great gift?
Booker’s bourbon makes an excellent gift for experienced drinkers due to its high alcohol content. Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon is also great for beginners due to its bourbon and rye feel.
What makes whiskey a good gift?
Whiskey can be a good gift because it’s a timeless and sophisticated choice appreciated by many adults.
How do I choose a good whiskey for a gift?
Consider the recipient’s preferences, budget, and occasion when selecting a whiskey. Look for reputable brands with high-quality offerings.
Are there specific whiskey brands known for being good gifts?
Yes, some whiskey brands are popular choices for gifts due to their quality, presentation, and wide availability.
What types of whiskey are suitable for gifts?
Single malt Scotch, bourbon, Irish whiskey, and Japanese whisky are all popular options for gifting, each offering distinct flavor profiles.
Do whiskey gift sets make good presents?
Yes, whiskey gift sets that include a bottle of whiskey along with glasses or accessories can make thoughtful and complete gifts.
Final Thoughts
While some people think alcohol doesn’t make a nice gift, if the recipient is a whiskey enthusiast, then this gift will not disappoint.
Since every great whiskey has its own historical background, it can be a great icebreaker and conversation starter.
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