Whisky is a popular gift. But buying for that special someone – be it a partner, relative or work colleague – can be awkward, especially if you are not a massive whisky fan or expert yourself. If you do not know what they like, then the key is to do research. A few simple questions will help to establish what flavours of style of whisky they may prefer. This will aid your choice and make life easier when time is short.
Here are some of our favourites that cover differing styles and price points. We hope that this list helps you on your way to choosing a great gift ofr the whisky lover in your life.
Under £25
This budget is great for that extra stocking filler or Secret Santa gift for a whisky lover. Few bottles, outside of those on promotion in a supermarket, will be available at this price point but it is easy to still purchase a thoughtful gift.
The Malt Whisky Yearbook
This book by Ingvar Ronde is a thoughtful gift. Since the inaugural edition was published in 2005, each Autumn this must have book is released. It is packed with information about distilleries and brands, statistics and trends from around the whisky industry. There are articles by eminent whisky writers on current hot topics also. The book is deeply informative and factual and has become an important resource for both whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. An easy win.
Wire Works Whisky Miniature Gift Set
The White Peak distillery in Derbyshire has had a great year and have now produced this great miniature gift pack. It is the perfect way to get someone to taste the quality of their award-winning English single malts. The set features three expressions in 5cl bottles – Caduro, which is matured in STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) ex-red wine casks, Bourbon Barrel, which has recently won The Whisky Exchange’s Whisky of the Year award, and Virgin Oak, which has been matured in new American white oak barrels.
Under £50
Many whiskies fall into this price bracket especially at peak gifting times when many retailers, especially the larger supermarkets and liquor stores, will have promotional offerings with prices slashed. With the price of single malts creeping ever upwards, blends give particularly value for money at this budget.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
The world’s biggest selling Scotch whisky brand launched this new product earlier this year. Black Ruby is an extension of Johnnie Walker’s popular Black Label and has single malt from Diageo’s Roseisle distillery at its heart. And it is one of our favourite new releases of 2025. Jour casks are used for maturation – ex-bourbon, ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry, and ex-red wine. Perfect for sipping neat or over ice, but especially good when mixed as a classic whisky cocktail. A sure-fire hit that does not disappoint.
The Antiquary 15 Years Old
This lovely old blend has seen somewhat of a resurgence in recent years. It was first registered as a brand in 1888 and named after Sir Walter Scott’s gothic novel The Antiquary. Its heyday was the 1970s and 80s. The Antiquary 15 Years Old features whiskies matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks before a lengthy finishing period in ex-Claret red wine casks from the Bordeaux region of France. Excellent value and with bags of flavour, this whisky is a beauty. And the bottle has a wonderful retro charm to it.
Togouchi Premium Blend
This blended whisky is one of the most affordable Japanese offerings on the market. Part of the reason for this is that it includes Scotch single malt and Canadian grain whiskies, as well as some Japanese whisky. This is a true world blend if ever there was one. Togouchi is full-bodied, rich and sweet with a lovely background wisp of smoke. Notes of milk chocolate and honey also come through and mingle nicely with vanilla pod and white pepper. This will make you want to pour another glass.
£50 – £75
Lots of single malt whiskies sit in this range, covering at least the first and second expressions in a distillery’s core range. You will also find a good selection of limited editions in this price bracket, with literally something for every taste.
Glendronach 12 Years Old
One often thinks of ex-sherry cask matured whiskies at Christmas time. They present a sumptuous set of festive flavours including dried fruits and spices. Glendronach 12 Years Old is a classic example of this and uses ex-Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for maturation. Historically, the Highland distillery was one of the first to use such casks in any quantity. The result is a whisky laced with raisin, toffee, nuts and a sprinkling of mulling and baking spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
Paul John Christmas Edition 2025
Each Christmas Indian single malt brand Paul John release a limited edition whisky for festive sipping. It is the perfect bottling for introducing someone to the bold flavours of Indian whisky. This year’s offering sees five years in ex-bourbon, before being split for two extra years in ex-Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. These are re-combined for a year before bottling. This is Christmas in a bottle – expect notes of plum, orange peel and dried fruits combined with hints of spiced rum and butterscotch. Sip and savour.
Port Charlotte 10 Years Old
Smoky and peaty whiskies can be divisive. But if you know that the recipient likes them, they can be an inspired and thoughtful choice. Port Charlotte is a great example and offers plenty of punchy peat smoke. It is made at the Bruichladdich distillery on the famous Scottish whisky island of Islay, which is renowned for this style of Scotch. A combination of ex-bourbon and French oak ex-wine barrel maturation adds sweetness and fruitiness to the intense ash-like smoke. Bold, rich and unmistakably Islay.
£75 – £100
If your budget stretches a little further then you can find some really exceptional offerings when spending up to £100. The choice is almost endless so it is important to zone in on a particular category of whisky. Limited editions or single casks are a great option.
A Good Old Fashioned Christmas Whisky 2025
Leading spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange releases a highly anticipated festive dram each year. This year is no different. The 2025 edition is a 16-Year-Old single malt from an undisclosed Highland distillery and was distilled in 2009. Full maturation has been in first-fill ex-Oloroso sherry casks, which deliver a rich and festive flavour profile. This is laced with dried fruit, toasted nuts and warming baking spices with hints of sweet cherry and cocoa. Everything you want from a Christmas dram and will be excellent with a mince pie.
Over £100
This category allows you to spend big and find that extraordinary bottle. The ever-expanding world whisky category comes heavily into play here with many boutique offerings from around the globe. These sit alongside high-end classics from the traditional whisky making powerhouses.
New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt
American single malts are having their day in the sun right now. As is the New Riff distillery, so this release presents a perfect storm. This hails from Kentucky, the traditional heartland of the US whiskey industry and home to many famous bourbon and rye brands. Complexity comes from a marriage of five whisky types made from 11 barley strains, including several heritage varieties. Add in a multitude of cask maturations and you have a full-on flavoursome cereal-led whisky perfect for the holiday season.
Glenmorangie Signet
This sublime Highland single oozes class and sophistication is a definite for the larger budget. For this bottling, Glenmorangie make their spirit using heavily roasted chocolate malt. This is more commonly used to produce dark beers such as porter or stout. The result is a brooding, heavier version of Glenmorangie than seen elsewhere in their range. Notes of dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee and candied orange mingle with dried apricot, warming spices and a hint of gingerbread. A stunning Scotch.
