Whilst whisky is a drink enjoyed all year round, a tipple or two at Christmas time is perfect for taking the edge off a cold evening. But where do you start if you want to buy a bottle of liquid gold to give as a gift? Amy McCudden makes whisky shopping easy with three key rules and a sprinkling of some favourites for good measure.
Budget
Knowing how much you’re happy to spend can help narrow down the selection of whiskies to choose from. Below you’ll find some top recommendations for all budgets.
Under £30
Tomatin Legacy, Highland Single Malt Whisky, £29 per bottle whilst stocks last (unpeated)Consistently awarded 5* reviews by Tanners’ customers, Tomatin Legacy, Highland Single Malt whisky is a true crowd-pleaser. Matured in Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks, it has gentle aromas of vanilla, white chocolate and juicy citrus fruits which lead to a soft palate of lemon and a sprinkle of warming ginger spice. Currently on offer over Christmas, this is a superb whisky that is not only top-quality but offers exceptional value for money.
Tanners Peaty Creag, 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, £22 per bottle (peated)
A perennial favourite amongst Tanners’ customers and staff, Peaty Creag is a true stalwart of the Tanner own label range following its introduction in the mid-90s. It's a crafted masterpiece by the distinguished Ian Macleod distillers and at only £22 a bottle, it’s a truly exceptional example of a blended Scotch which has a higher proportion of malt than wider commercial blends. For blended Scotch, the skill of combining both malt and grain whiskies from across multiple distilleries is not something to be sniffed at and Tanners Peaty Creag is no exception. The distinct Island-influenced peaty character is wrapped up with aromas of smooth toffee and molten caramel which lead to a sprinkle of peppery spice on the palate.
Under £50
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, Speyside Single Malt Whisky, £45 per bottle (unpeated)
The Glenlivet was the first legal distillery in Scotland and has been the only one to call itself The Glenlivet. With aromas of fresh citrus fruit and a palate bursting with zesty orange and toffee apples, this whisky is fruity and creamy and will make a superb gift to give this season.
Bowmore 12 Year Old, Islay Single Malt Whisky, £43 per bottle (peated)
One of the most well-loved smoky whiskies, Bowmore’s success is rooted in its long history having been established in 1779. The use of American oak ex-Bourbon casks and European oak Oloroso sherry casks contribute to the deliciously complex flavours. With a nose of freshly squeezed lemon and honey, it’s wrapped up by wisps of earthy smoke. The palate is filled with fruit and hints of dark chocolate and more warming smokiness. If you know that someone likes peated whisky, then giving a bottle of Bowmore 12 will be sure to spread some Christmas cheer this season.
Under £65
Tanners 14 Year Old Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt, 46% vol - Gift Boxed, £62 per bottle (unpeated)
Christmas cake in a bottle, this whisky is the perfect seasonal dram. A bottle exclusively for Tanners, this Glenfarclas 14 year old is utterly moreish. Aged in Sherry casks, this whisky is filled with the aromas and flavours of the festive season from rich, dried fruit to butterscotch and toffee. Many people who try this whisky instantly fall in love with it and if you want to give something a little more special, not found elsewhere, then this would be a wonderful bottle to put under the tree this Christmas.
Isle of Raasay Hebridean Single Malt Whisky, £55 per bottle (peated)
The flagship Single Malt from the Isle of Raasay distillery, this whisky is made from a recipe using six different casks which gives it complexity and a gentle peat smoke. Inspired by the rugged landscape, the bottling is a beautiful expression of this Scottish island with fossils and stonework captured in the glass.
Origin
Whisky is produced around the world and although the spiritual heartland of this beloved drink may be Scotland, it’s not the only whisky producing country.
If you’re buying a gift for someone, it’s always helpful if you know what whisky they like to drink. It can help steer you towards the right range of whiskies to choose from. Do they prefer Scottish whisky or American Bourbon? Do they love Welsh whisky, Irish whiskey or Japanese? Explore the full range of whiskies here.
But what if you don’t know? Then it’s helpful to think about flavour…
Flavour
A helpful way to group whisky is whether it’s peated (smoky) or non-peated (not smoky). Often the marmite equivalent of the whisky world, you either love or hate peated whisky!
When you are buying a bottle of whisky as a gift it can be useful to know if the person likes peated or unpeated whisky, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. If you’re unsure of which bottles fall into those styles but you know some bottles they like, that can help narrow down the choices. For example, if you know they love Ardbeg then they are a peated whisky fan. Our sales team are on hand to help offer suggestions so please do contact them here for any advice or assistance. If you just know the person likes to drink whisky, then it’s always safe to choose an unpeated whisky as this style is loved by all whisky drinkers.
Let Tanners help you find the perfect bottle of whisky to give as a gift this Christmas.
Scotland
