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Erin Brains/Insider, BarnWorksDesigns/Etsy
If you don’t know much about whiskey, it can be intimidating to get the whiskey lover in your life something they’ll truly love and don’t already have. Fortunately, there are virtually limitless gift options out there if you know where to look. Over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in whiskey culture, traveled the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, interviewed countless experts, and polled whiskey enthusiasts in several whiskey-focused Facebook groups.
Based on my research and personal testing, the following 27 gifts will surely please the whiskey lovers on your holiday shopping list, regardless of your budget.
Our favorite top shelf whiskeysFrom left to right, Weller Special Reserve Bourbon, Knob Creek 12-Year Bourbon, WhistlePig 18 Year Double Malt Rye, Eagle Rare Bourbon, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon.
James Brains/Insider
Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, whiskey is the perfect gift for whiskey lovers. But, you shouldn’t just snatch up any old bottom-shelf bottle you can find. Instead, consider whiskies that may not be in the local liquor store, but are easy to find online. Weller Special Reserve and Pappy Van Winkle are two of my favorites, and here are a few other excellent picks.
Glassware that enhances their drinksThe Glencairn whisky glass is the standard for whiskey tasting.
Amazon
Whether a spirits lover prefers whisky or whiskey, they’re sure to appreciate a stylish glass for enjoying a drink. The Glencairn Whisky Glass is the standard for aficionados who like to savor the aromas and flavors of their whiskeys. Rocks glasses are also popular because of their versatility, great for cocktails or neat drinks.
Barrel aging kitsThe Red Head Barrels Custom Engraved 1 Liter Oak Barrel lets whiskey lovers participate in the barrel-aging process.
Red Head Barrels
Arguably the most important part of the whiskey-making process is barrel aging — this step imparts much of the liquor’s nuanced flavors. Whiskey aficionados will get a kick out of trying the process on their own. Consider including a bottle or two of “white dog” or Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 to complete the gift.
Whiskey cocktail essentialsA bar cart keeps their cocktail ingredients organized, from the liquor to muddlers.
Burrow
While some enthusiasts are strict neat-only drinkers, others like to mix it up and indulge in the occasional cocktail. The key to making a great whiskey cocktail is using a high-proof spirit, so it doesn’t get lost in the mix, and having the right tools and ingredients. Get them everything they need to make the perfect Manhattan or a bright whiskey sour.
Stylish whiskey tote bagsWe found the Tom Beckbe Canvas Tailgater Bag can hold up to 10 standard liquor bottles.
Erin Brains/Insider
Does someone on your shopping list always have a bottle or two with them to share with friends? Get them the perfect tote bag for carrying their favorite liquors. The following are subtly stylish, durable, and feature plenty of pockets for holding extras.
Ice cube trays and whiskey stones to chill the spiritRegular ice chunks can dilute a neat drink and melt too quickly.
Siligrams
When whiskey lovers want their drinks on the rocks, your average, ordinary ice chunks won’t do. Instead, large ice cubes or spheres are a must, since they melt slower and dilute the spirit less. Plus, a well-crafted ice cube just looks cool.
Whiskey barrel furniture and decorWhiskey barrels are striking to look at even after the spirit has been bottled.
BarnWorksDesigns/Etsy
Whiskeys are usually aged in new barrels, but the used barrels rarely go to waste. Some talented artists snag these symbols of whiskey culture to create beautiful and functional furniture and design pieces. Even casual whiskey drinkers will appreciate these repurposed barrels.
