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]]>Here are a couple selections for whiskey glasses, depending on your style and needs. There’s a lot of novelty stuff on Amazon, but there are some old reliables I think you can’t go wrong with.
If home bartending is your thing (or you’d like it to be), there are endless options for individual tools and sets on Amazon. Here are some fun toys, like bartending sets and whiskey smoking kits, I think are a good deal for Amazon Prime Day 2023.
Ice molds are great to have on hand if you like your whiskey chilled, or a big cube in a cocktail. Bigger ice melts more slowly, so it won’t dilute your drinks as quickly. Here are a couple options, depending on your needs.
I’m keeping this list short and stopping here, because a lot of Amazon Prime Deals feel a bit fake sometimes, and I don’t want to fill this list with fluff. If you’re in the hunt for some good gifts, though, try searches for Whiskey Flasks, Decanters, or other whiskey accessories. Good luck!
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]]>I recently reviewed my own experience with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and I stand by my opinion that it’s a great club and value. If you’re looking for something in the world of scotch whisky, a membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will give you or your giftee access to their world class concierge service and exclusive hand-picked, single cask, cask strength scotches in every region and flavor profile.
You can also bundle their membership with the super classy Tasting Kit which comes with beautiful glassware and three 100mL bottles of different scotches that they’ll love to taste and compare. If you’re looking for a whiskey sampler gift for anyone who loves scotch, or maybe just likes to try new whiskey, I can’t recommend a membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society enough. See for yourself.
The first of two sampler gift boxes in this list, a bourbon sampler gift box can make a great gift for anyone who likes a strong drink. A good whiskey sampler gift will include all sorts of whiskeys, including bourbon, scotch, and Irish whiskey.
BroBasket offers a Bite of Bourbon Sampler Box that includes tasters of Woodford Reserve, Balcones, Larceny, Elijah Craig, Maker’s Mark, and Bulleit bourbons (and some snacks and glassware). Check out the entire box and see if it’s the right idea for your gift.
You can also fill a stocking with mini bottles/airplane bottles, usually found behind the counter of your local liquor or ABC store.
Everyone loves a great whiskey cocktail. Bundles are a great way to help a home bartender stock their shelves with both liquor and mixers. You can go down to your local liquor store and do the shopping, or place an online order for a bundle that’s been curated for any number of easy, classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, and more. You can go with big bottles, several small bottles, or any number of combinations depending on who you’re shopping for and what your budget is.
Nestor Liquor offers a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail gift box (in a wooden crate or an old bourbon barrel. It comes with a fill 750mL bottle of Woodford, as well as cherries, Angostura bitters, and some other garnishes and treats. See the whole box.
While you’re at it, make sure to check out various cocktail bar kits (shakers, muddlers, jiggers, etc.) so your aspiring bartender can mix their new spirits accordingly.
If cocktails are the right thought, but you don’t think active bartending is the answer, DRNXMYTH offers ready-to-drink cocktails with fresh ingredients and great spirits. The unique “Twist and Shake” design allows them to keep these cocktails fresh and vibrant by separating fresh ingredients from the hard spirits until it’s time to drink. There are lots of great cocktails and mix packs to choose from, so you can find cocktails for anyone you might be shopping for.
I’ve tried the the DRNXMTH cocktails several times (they sent me a few, but I liked them so much I ordered more). My top recommendations for holiday whiskey gifts would have to be the Whiskey Sour or the Bourbon Berry Smash. The pro-tip, though, might be to order mix box (like the Full Bar Bundle), and divvy them out among friends and white elephant parties as appropriate.
Sticking with the cocktail theme for a bit, it’s worth mentioning that there are dozens of great options out there for people who like a nice drink but want something alcohol free. Spiritless, for instance, offers full bottles of award-winning non-alcohol spirit-alternatives, like their Kentucky 74. Their spirits are actually distilled, but still zero-proof, so they make a great substitute for any cocktail you’d usually use. Shop Spiritless Gifts.
Soul Spirits offers both cocktail kit boxes and subscriptions, so there’s always another booze-free option to look forward to. Their kits come with everything you need to make non-alcoholic versions of your favorite cocktails, so it’s the perfect gift for expectant mothers or those trying to cut back.
Of course, at the end of the day, the best gift for a whiskey enthusiast is just… Whiskey. If you’ll be local to the person, just swing by an ABC or liquor store and pick up something you think they like. Don’t know what their favorite is? That’s okay! A good bottle of whiskey is always a welcome gift. You can also order whiskey online and have it shipped to many locations in the US, including North Carolina, from retailers like Nestor Liquor.
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]]>Well, it’s that time of year again, and we wouldn’t be a diligent blog/website without putting together a holiday gift guide. As genuine whiskey lovers and bourbon collectors, we’ve curated a list of things we would genuinely enjoy receiving as gifts ourselves. So, whether you’re shopping for your significant other, secret Santa, or a close friend or family member, we hope you find this list useful (and not just “markety”).
Believe it or not, the best gift you can give a whiskey lover is actual whiskey. Instead of trying to think of cool tchotchkes or buying some gimmick, just go for actual bourbon! If they are a casual drinker, you can ask around and find out what their go-to bottles are. If you think they’d like something new, you might need to find something unique or ask what’s on their wishlist. Of course, affordable staples like Buffalo Trace are always appreciated. If you want something slightly more expensive, but equally reliable, consider an option like Old Forester 1920.
Another option is to take the gift-pack route. This may be a one-time tasting box, a liquor-inclusive cocktail set, or a good whiskey that’s accompanied by nice glassware. Here are a few options that we really like this year:
Limited Edition – The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky with Sassenach Whisky Hip Flask
Reserve Bar
Angel’s Envy Bourbon & Noilly Prat Rouge Manhattan Kit
Reserve Bar
Whiskey Lovers Collection
Reserve Bar
Reserve Bar offers dozens of great gift packs like this at every price point, so go see what else they have to offer.
Anyone with a whiskey collection, whether new or old, will appreciate a nice addition to their serving and hosting gear. A nice decanter is great for entertaining or creating an infinity bottle. There are some crazy ones out there in the shape of globes or rifles, but most people will appreciate a classic glass or crystal decanter. Our pick for a really nice decanter this holiday season is this modern style crystal decanter. At 25oz, it should fit most of a 750mL bottle of whiskey.
If you’re shopping for someone who likes a little more bold style, check out the decanters from PrestigeHaus. They have lots of unique decanters for all types of people, including military and religious giftees.
Glassware is also a great gift for any bourbon collector. They may already have Glencairn glasses on their shelf, but you can up that game with a pair of diamond-cut Glencairn whiskey glasses. We’re also big fans of the Kentucky Trail bourbon glasses, which have a similar design but are a bit wider and heavier.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t do a little self-promotion here, of course. You can check out our own NC Whiskey Shop for cool hats and whiskey tote bags.
What do you think? Anything specific, whiskey or related, on your gift list this year? Let us know in the comments what you want your bourbon Santa to bring you!
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]]>If you came here for a quick gift idea, I get it. Sometimes you just need a quick gift you can order and deliver, and not have to think about it too hard. These are tried-and-true, and no recipient will be let down.
Most whiskey enthusiasts have a stock of Glencairn glasses. Bourbon Trail glasses are a unique alternative that they may not have. They are designed speicifically for bourbon, too, as opposed to the Glencairn which was originally designed for scotch. A set of Bourbon Trail tasting glasses is an affordable gift that cannot fail. Every whiskey lover I know wants more glasses.
For a higher-end quick whiskey gift, consider a Flaviar gift membership. Flaviar is a great gift if you aren’t totally sure what they really want, because it lets them be in control of their experience. The value is pretty good, especially as a gift, and it’s a gift that will keep on giving for a while.
With a Flaviar membership, your gift recipient will get a quarterly tasting box of whiskey samples, as well as credit towards a full bottle of their choice.
Hobbies rarely overlap like whiskey drinking and cigar smoking. The cigar choices from Pappy & Company have a little something for everyone. From classic cigars to barrel fermented cigars, these pair perfectly with your recipients favorite bourbon.
You have to be 21 to buy these, just like liquor in the United States. Shop all seven cigar options here.
If your bourbon enthusiast likes to carry bottles on trips or to tastings, a good carry tote is a must-have bourbon accessory. Carry two or three bottles and maybe some glassware as well. They can show up to any party, gathering, or whiskey tasting fully prepared for the evening.
We recommend something with lots of padding to keep your precious whiskey safe. Shop options now.
These gifts are for someone who likes to host and keep a nice bar. Whether it’s in a kitchen, bonus room, or man-cave, a home bar is a great entertaining space. Help your giftee outfit their bar with one of these great gifts.
Decanters are perfect for serving a good bourbon at a fancy party, or mixing your own Infinity Bottle. A good decanter set will come in etched glass or lead-free crystal, and will usually contain the decanter and 2-4 rocks glasses.
We recommend this simple, sub-$40 decanter set, but you can browse a wide variety of good options on Amazon.
Every good bar keeper needs the right mixers. Bourbon and whiskey are great neat, of course, but it’s nice to be able to mix a fancy cocktail every one in a while.
This Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned mix from Pappy & Co. is a great simple-syrup mixer. The mixing juice was aged in actual Pappy Van Winkle Barrels and promises to make a quick delicious cocktail.
No good home bar is complete without a good bartending cocktail set. While many of our readers drink their bourbon neat, it’s always nice to be prepared to mix a great cocktail, shaken or stirred.
The crucial elements of a good cocktail set include a shaker, stirrer, strainer, and jigger. We’re recommending this modern kit that also includes a muddler, tongs, and more.
Gifting clothing can be hard, but the right piece for the right person can be a wonderful gift. Hobbyists love to tout their love for whiskey. It can help strike up a conversation or share your personality.
This hat is one of our personal designs, and you can buy it right here on NC-Whiskey.com. The Glass Half Full design features a Glencairn-style whiskey tasting glass with a pour of whiskey in it. Here, you can see it embroidered on a structured Richardson 112 mesh trucker hat.
This design is also available on other products, so shop our full store for more inspiration.
You may not be able to get your loved one an actual bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, but you can get them the t-shirt. These tees sport the Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year bottle label on a dark heather grey long-sleeve t-shirt. Pappy & Co. has great shop of gear like this, and you can shop it all on their website.
Perfect for nights on the back porch sipping whiskey with friends. Bourbon and chilly weather are best friends, so stay warm with a special drinking sweatshirt. Also available in hoodies and tees, this is a great wearable gift for whiskey drinkers.
You can shop all the various styles and find the perfect fit for your gift recipient on Amazon.
These are just a few quick gift ideas to get you started. Of course, a nice bottle of bourbon always makes a great gift. You might be able to find something unique online, or shop your local liquor store.
What are you getting your whiskey friends? Let us know in the comments and maybe we’ll add them to the list!
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]]>Bullet shaped whiskey stones are a unique and entertaining way to chill your liquor libations. Perfect to serve in a rocks glass, you can enjoy your bourbon, scotch, gin, or vodka without diluting the spirit with melted ice.
These whiskey bullets come in both gold and silver. The 304 Stainless Steels chills in under one our in the freezer, and will cool your beverage in minutes. Ideal for whiskey on the rocks or cocktails!
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]]>It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to whiskey or a seasoned veteran, learning how to taste whiskey and understand its complexities is no easy task. I was personally blown away by the thought put into the NoseYourBourbon Kit. The creator puts together an amazing set of nosing materials, complete with instructions for nosing your whiskey alongside these core aromatics. Nose Your Bourbon elects to use actual real ingredients like Corn, Leather, Dried Cherries, and Chocolate (among others) for a side-by-side sniffing experience, helping whiskey enthusiasts hone their palate.
To use the Nose Your Bourbon Kit, simply give an ingredient a sniff, then sniff your bourbon or whiskey (preferably from a nosing glass). This will help draw out the aromas that are actually present in your whiskey, and now you’re on your way to being a pro.
Various size nosing kits and bundles are available from The Vintage Gentleman, NoseYourBourbon.com, and Etsy starting at $70 (though, I’m told a $30 version may be coming). This is a gift every bourbon dad should have for their hobby.
One great gift that can never miss is a good cocktail set. And I’m not talking about shakers and strainers (though that’s a great idea, too). I’m talking the actual ingredients to a great cocktail.
You can either go down to the local liquor store and/or grocery store and pick up all the ingredients yourself, or check out some of the complete cocktail kits from Reserve Bar.
A lot of people buy flowers for Mothers Day, but that won’t swing it for dad. A great alternative, however, is a super cool gift basket. The BroBasket offers really great options at various price points. For instance, the Bite of Bourbon Basket starts at $59 and comes with four 50mL bottles of bourbon (Knob Creek, Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark), as well as some snacks, a tumbler, and a Coca-Cola for mixing. There’s also the Ultimate Whiskey Sampler Basket that comes with TEN different whiskeys, from bourbon to scotch.
If neither of those options tickle your fancy, you can create your own basket for as little as $40, or shop a wide variety of other cool Fathers Day friendly gift baskets.
Whiskey Decanters are perfect for storing a favorite whiskey or starting an infinity bottle (a blend of whiskeys from your home bar). Good glassware is also essential to enjoying bourbon. You can either go with a classic Etched Whiskey Decanter set, or up the game with a Personalized Decanter that’s customized to the father figure in your life.
You can also look for other great accessories like smoke boxes and whiskey stones, all of which make wonderful whiskey gifts for men.
Of course, you can always just head down to the local whiskey store a pick up dad’s favorite bourbon. Make sure you also check out our other gift ideas. What are you getting him Father’s Day this year?
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]]>Now it’s important to note that this is NOT a subscription box. Think of this as the 1-800-Flowers or Edible Arrangement, but for those of the masculine nature. Certainly there are plenty of women who would also enjoy these boxes, but from a marketing perspective the target demographic is clearly guys.
So, when you’re thinking of a Congratulations, or Thinking of You gift for men, BroBasket is the best alternative to flowers or chocolates (but you might still find some chocolate in a BroBasket). It’s the ultimate delivery gift for friends and relatives you might not see in person, or want to deliver something to the office. For birthdays, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and anniversaries, these gift boxes are some of the best gift options out there — and I promise I’m not just saying that. Let’s take a look at some options, especially their Whiskey Sampler boxes.
The best value in gift baskets is definitely the BroBasket Ultimate Whiskey Sampler Box. For only $99, your giftee will gets TEN different whiskeys, from Scotch to bourbon. That’s ten different whiskeys in 50ml sample bottles, which allows the receiver to enjoy, share, and compare bourbons like Woodford Reserve and Bulleit, as well as scotches like McCallan Double Cask 12. You’ve got to see the full list. It also comes with snacks and tumbler.
You could also go with the slightly more affordable Bite of Bourbon Basket. Fewer drinks, but a great haul for bourbon lovers.
If you’re looking for something more unique, whether as a gift or for yourself, a craft whiskey gift basket could get you there. The Westland Single Malt Collection is a great option to start with. Westland craft distillery is located in Seattle, Washington and this basket samples the American Oak, Peated, and Sherry Wood expression of this amazing American Single Malt Whiskey. Each of these baskets comes with three 200mL bottles, an 11oz whiskey tumbler, and a spherical ice mold.
So, BroBasket’s whiskey boxes are highly configurable and let you build just the right gift. Let’s talk about the perks of the BroBasket Man Cave Box. It comes standard with a 750ml bottle of Maker’s Mark. That accounts for $35 of the $120 price tag on this box, and if you want to swap out the bourbon for something more affordable (or more expensive) you can do that, too. In addition to the bourbon, this BroBasket also comes with:
Now, in my opinion, that’s all well worth the price tag.
All to say, I think BroBasket is one of the best new trends in the gift-giving world. It’s a great way to find whiskey online, customize a gift, and deliver just the right homage to a loved one. I highly recommend browsing their site and seeing everything they have to offer, from craft beer to whiskey to booze-free boxes.
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]]>Quick links to different sections:
People like to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Here are a few great gift ideas for whiskey lovers that they can wear anytime.
This t-shirt is a simple gift for your bourbon enthusiast. They can wear it to barrel pick events, whiskey tastings, or other whiskey related events.
When the temperature drops outside, it’s nice to get a little cosy. This Whiskey Weather sweatshirt is perfect for anyone bourbon or scotch drinker that prefers the warmth of a nice cotton sweatshirt.
Here’s a simple netted mesh trucker hat with a whiskey glass embroidered directly on the front. This gift claims no allegiance to any whiskey style or brand… just good scotch or bourbon.
Glencairn glasses are the top choice for whiskey drinkers. They allow for better nosing and a more comprehensive analysis of the aromas that whiskey and bourbons emit. If your whiskey enthusiast is into hosting or reviewing, they can never have too many Glencairns.
A rising trend among bourbon enthusiasts, Infinity Bottles are homemade blends of whiskey that are intended to create a new, exciting flavor. Some people choose to go the recipe route, creating drinks like “Poor Man’s Pappy” (a blend of Weller 12 and Weller Antique 107). Others like to add the last few pours of any bottle to create a true Infinite blend of all the bourbon on their shelf.
This decanter is one of the best gifts for bourbon lovers because it lets them begin to craft their own unique whiskey, but also gives it a personalized touch.
Some of the best bourbon is packaged in really cool looking bottles. While these look great on the shelf, they can be a pain to pour from. Enter the liquor pourer. You’ve seen them at bars and restaurants, but they are great for the home bar, too. Liquor pourers make it easy to pour the perfect amount of whiskey without spilling and wasting anything.
Bourbon Pursuit is one of the best bourbon podcasts out there. The crew does a great job talking all things bourbon. Their Patreon subscription comes with some sweet perks, one of which includes the chance to go hang with the Bourbon Pursuit team and select one of their special store pick bourbon barrels.
This isn’t even an ad, I promise. Just a shining endorsement for a great program.
Fred Minnick’s Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey is one of the best gifts for bourbon lovers who love learning about American whiskey has much as they enjoy drinking it. A full history of the American Bourbon tradition, this book looks great on the bar or a coffee table.
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