Special Christmas Whisky Gifts for Malts Lovers
Sometimes, no ordinary gift will do, so why settle for an ordinary single malt? But we know how overwhelming it can feel to find the perfect gift for a whisky lover at Christmas. Allow us to do the hard work for you and guide you through a curated list of exceptional drams which are perfect for gifting, and all deserve a place under the Christmas tree this year.
Spicy whiskies are ideal gifts for anyone from whisky beginners to malt masters – with spices ranging from warm, soothing aromatics like vanilla, to full peppery fire.
While The Singleton malts are normally noted for their smoothness, the 14-year-old The Singleton Glen Ord Autumn Walk switches up the spice for a whole new experience. Part of the new Spirited Xchange Second Edition 2024 Special Releases collection, this malt is aged entirely in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. It’s packed full of warming, cosy notes that evoke the feeling of the perfect autumnal walk – fresh orchard fruits, crispness, and subtle sweetness with toffees and spices.
Moving away from the typical style of the distillery and embracing a drier, spicier finish, it will challenge The Singleton lovers to embrace a whole new palate and makes this an inspired present for anyone who loves the taste of a classic bourbon or dry rye.
Another of the Special Releases packed full of spice is Lagavulin’s Fireside Tales. A special gift for any Lagavulin fan, this expression will surely make a few new fans, too. Owing to the thick toffee, vanilla, and coconut notes, infused with just the right blend of warming aromatic spices, the power of the peat meets a delicate sweetness.
Watch as Global Single Malts Ambassador Ervin Trykowski and Special Releases Master Blender Stuart Morrison discuss the flavours of Lagavulin's Fireside Tales together, while enjoying a wee dram.
Hailing from the Isle of Islay - alongside Lagavulin - Caol Ila distillery sits on the Northeastern shores of the island. Famed for distilling peaty whiskies, its newest release may just surprise you. The Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast is a rare unpeated expression, offering orchard fruits, green apples and a spicy accent. Whisky lovers will covet this unusual bottle and enjoy sharing it with those who can appreciate its alternative approach.
Gift maritime flavours to coastal whisky lovers
Coastal distilleries can produce single malts with innovative flavour profiles through their unique ability to harness the rugged Scottish coastline. This makes them fan favourites with whisky lovers around the world, and ideal gifts for those seeking new tastes.
A shining example of this is Talisker, located on the windswept shores of the Isle of Skye. Any Talisker lover will already be familiar with the salty, maritime flavours that are integral to the distillery, but the new 2024 Special Release – Talisker Tidal Churn – brings some expected and excitingly unfamiliar flavours to the fore. After the roar of the waves - the first taste of salt and smoke - this unique malt settles on the palate to reveal fruity and vanilla notes. Waves of pear and apple then emerge alongside blades of seaweed, pepper and spice.
Moving inland to the West Highlands coast, Oban Coastal Orchard offers its own flavour experience, with notes of sea salted vanilla combining with warming baked apple, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. With the distillery itself nestled in the heart of the community, Coastal Orchard offers an opportunity to gift someone special a true taste of the Oban experience.
Lovers of Speyside whisky adore the gentle spirit hailing from this Scottish region. Sometimes described as mild in flavour, Speyside whiskies span a wide spectrum from light, floral flavours through to hearty sherry notes. With such an abundance of Speyside whiskies available, allow us to present four of the finest Speyside malts any whisky lover would be thrilled to receive.
Let us begin with the Cragganmore 2022 Distillers Edition. Boasting sweet, fruity notes, this malt gradually develops to unveil wisps of smoke and a light, woody spice. The Distillers Edition name adds a true hallmark of quality, denoting the expertise and craftsmanship that have gone into every bottle, while the malt itself goes through a two-part maturation process to give more depth and complexity. The cherry on top? This Distillers Edition is made even more special due to its heavily limited nature, with only a finite quantity of bottles available.
For aperitivo lovers
Although, when looking for an exceptional Speyside gift, the true pinnacle of opulence is surely the new Mortlach Midnight Dusk single malt from the 2024 Special Releases collection. Designed for those who love aperitivo hour, this expression is finished in casks that formerly held sweet Ramandolo white wine and earthy Sangiovese red. The result is an unforgettable taste of crisp fruits, caramelised miso and a hint of cured prosciutto notes, ahead of a distinct umami finish.
For fruity fans
An alternative yet equally delicious Speyside dram is the Benrinnes Grand Crescendo, also from this year’s Special Releases collection. Although featuring signature rich, fruity notes, the single malt retains a beautiful balance between ripe dark fruit, caramel and oak spices. Perfect for those who enjoy robust, indulgent flavours.
Our final Speyside suggestion? The Roseisle Origami Kite II, the second-ever expression of the distillery, offers an almost dessert-like sweetness. Think notes of ripe fruits, white chocolate, sweet vanilla and subtle spiciness. These tempting flavours, combined with its novelty expression, make Roseisle the perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth.
Highland whiskies offer a broad range of tasting notes, from full, rich sweetness to light, dry fruits. Perched high between two mountain ranges, the low temperatures help Dalwhinnie distillery produce intense malts, and what better to gift a whisky lover than a bottle from the highest, coldest working distillery in Scotland?
For something very special, consider the limited availability of the Dalwhinnie 2022 Distillers Edition. Bringing forth sweet, tropical fruits mingled with honeyed vanilla, this exceptional malt finishes with a kick, with notes of white pepper spiciness. This bottle deserves to sipped and savoured.
Choosing the perfect whisky gift for the malt lover in your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Each bottle on our list is sure to impress and bring joy this Christmas – whether it be hailing from Speyside, the Highlands or an island, with spicy, maritime or sweet flavours. After all, special people, and special occasions, deserve special malts.
Still drawing a blank? Try our AI-powered interactive quiz, What's Your Whisky. Simply add which whiskies you know they already love and receive a curated list of drams we think they'll enjoy too.
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Browse the drams we've mentioned here, and get the gift wrap ready!
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