11 Best Whiskey for Gift Giving Your Recipient Will Love [+ Guide]

Mar 22, 2023 - Views: 3027

Rating: 4.8 - 50Votes

Choosing the best whiskey for gift giving will become easier with the 11 great ideas in this article. 

All are outstanding products from well-known brands suitable for the perfect gifts to give your beloved person on any occasion. 

We also offer useful tips to help you pick the best whiskey gift with the typical features and criteria. 

Let’s go through this article for a thorough look!

Best Whiskey For Gift Giving

Best Whiskey For Gift Giving

Best Whiskey For Gift Giving

Not all whiskey is the best for gift-giving. Look at the updated list of the top products below for more great options.

Redbreast 15

Redbreast is a respected Irish whiskey brand and is currently the world's best-selling single whiskey.

Being a blend of malted and raw barley and triple distilled, this whiskey product has been aged for at least 15 years.

It is sticky and dense with honey malts, intense spices, dried fruit, and gentle wood notes fading into creamy vanilla.

The whiskey has a bit of spicy restraint, and is not overly sweet; with a long finish, cinnamon lasts longer than other spices. 

Redbreast 15-A good whiskey for gifting

Redbreast 15-A good whiskey for gifting

This unique blend improves the whiskey's flavor through additional aging processes. 

A balanced and rich blend of aromatic oils and berry fruit complements the spice of round, delicate, fleshy fruit, and burnt wood, leading to a refined, lingering finish. 

For these reasons, you should choose this ideal whiskey as best gift for whiskey lovers like your friends, colleagues, or someone special.

  • ABV: 46% 

  • Origin: Ireland County Cork

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

It's no surprise that Blue Label is known worldwide as a luxury symbol since the brand uses a secret blend of malt and grain whiskey from distilleries throughout Scotland to produce phenomenal blends. 

Blue Label is smooth on the palate and slightly sweet, with a smoky, cigar-like finish. 

It falls off comfortably, so it doesn't burn easily and feels solid from the nose to the finish. This product is the best gift whiskey lovers of Johnnie Walker with a pleasant sip.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

With just the right heat amount, light smoke, and delicious flavors like chocolate and caramel, it makes for an incredibly easy-drinking, all-around satisfying Scotch. 

Most retailers engrave their bottles for personalized gifts. This gift also becomes proudly displayed on the shelf of any whiskey drinker as a crowd pleaser.

  • ABV: 40%

  • Origin: Scotland

Blenders Pride Rare Premium Whisky

Blenders Pride is a combination of imported Scotch malts from Chivas Brothers and Indian grain spirit.

Launched in 1995, this smoky and smooth premium whisky benefits from Scotland’s long tradition of blending fine whiskies, tailored to the tastes of this nation of whisky enthusiasts.

Blenders Pride Rare Premium Whisky

Blenders Pride Rare Premium Whisky

The smooth flavor of Seagram's Blenders Pride Rare Premium Whisky is attributed to its well-balanced flavor mixture, which includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and wood. 

It's frequently consumed neat, in cocktails, or on the rocks.

Before buying Blenders Pride, make sure you head over to our compilation of Blenders Pride price in India to get the most reasonable purchase.

  • ABV: 42.8%

  • Origin: India

Booker’s Bourbon

Several times a year, Bookers releases small batches of its signature bourbon, bottled straight from the barrel and bottled without the addition of water. 

The exact strength changes from batch to batch, but usually, this product is well over 60% alcohol content. Booker's stems from the Jim Beam distillery. 

Besides, its tastes are similar to common brands, but with age, strength, and intensity all cranked up. 

The current batch, Kentucky Tea, has been bottled for 7 years and is rich in vanilla with molasses sweetness.

Booker’s Bourbon

Booker’s Bourbon

Booker's lets you add as much water as you like and try drinking at home until you arrive at the perfect profile.

Besides, this bourbon is cask safe, so you can feel surprised at how simple it was to drink. It was very sweet and delicious. 

Indeed, there are other better raw bourbons, but it's nice to always walk into the liquor store and buy Bookers as the best gift for whisky lovers

  • ABV: 60+% 

  • Origin:  Kentucky, United States

Glenmorangie Signet

Glenmorangie utilizes some of the oldest stocks in their recipes. Signet's Anchor is a signature chocolate malt distilled and aged in custom American white oak barrels for the brand's unique expression. 

The feel is surreal, and the flavors are complex. Layered notes of dark chocolate, sherry fruit, and a sprinkle of spice give this a delicious dram. 

Beautifully packaged and masterfully arranged, Glenmorangie Signet is an outstanding whiskey of unmatched taste and style.

Glenmorangie Signet

Glenmorangie Signet

Signet shows more of what you get from a distillery for whiskey lovers since the malts and casks are changed. 

For those who aren't Glenmo connoisseurs, this offers something different than the usually fruity whiskey. Overall, Glenmorangie Signet is one of the best Scotch for gift giving.

  • ABV: 46%

  • Origin: Highlands, Scotland

Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Michter's has created one of the best dessert bourbons worldwide with Toasted Barrel. 

This double-barrel whiskey adds vanilla notes and marshmallows to the top of popular Michter's Bourbon, making it the best gift whisky for whiskey drink fans. 

This bourbon has subtle and powerful aromas and flavors, including sugar, cinnamon, and graham cracker with plum and slight citrus zest. 

The nose contains no ethanol and will quickly hook the drinker. 

Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Plus, cinnamon candy Red Hot merged with heavy plum shows lingers in the background cutting through the spiciness of cinnamon. 

Also, its sweet fruit spreads through the mouth and complements the cinnamon and brown sugar on the finish, creating a wonderful palate of flavors. 

  • ABV: 46%

  • Origin: Louisville, Kentucky

Blanton’s Single Barrel

Bourbon is in high demand these days, so getting your hands on this whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery can be tricky. 

But when they find the bottle, whiskey aficionados jump with joy to pick up this acclaimed bourbon with oaky, sweet, citrusy notes of clove and profile. 

Regarding the product's palate, it's soft, slightly charred, and at 46.5% alcohol, it's amazing with a mouth-filling and syrupy body. 

Blanton’s Single Barrel 

Blanton’s Single Barrel 

A juicy sweetness with brown sugar, candied pecans, blonde fudge, and vanilla cake frosting makes this whiskey tastier. A second tasting reveals hints of cherry pie filling and red wine tannins.

Also, it's typical with a medium-length finish without bitterness and tannins. 

The second tasting brings out the finish, but the flavor is still thin, with shortbread flavors and hints of sugar. 

  • ABV: 46.5%

  • Origin: Kentucky

Laphroaig 28

Laphroaig is known for having heavy peat in its young core bottling, but the whiskey tends to become pleasantly softer with age. 

Low in alcohol and forward-looking notes of wood and sweetness leave smoke in the background if you were drinking whiskey feet away from a dying fire. 

If your boyfriend loves sipping whiskey as an iconic dram, this is one of the whiskey gifts for him.

Laphroaig 28

Laphroaig 28

In terms of aroma, this Laphroaig tastes ashy and more delicate with a golden look. 

Light sweetness like malt and honey is the main, and the native spirit is well expressed. It is also flavorful and straw. 

The liquid's silky texture rounds out a subtle, delicate presence on the tongue.

The whiskey melts like a sweet tobacco leaf, leaving behind sweetness, a smoke whiff, and spiciness.

  • ABV: 44.4%

  • Origin: Scotland

Angel’s Envy Private Select

This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is perfect for those looking for a single-barrel version of Angels Envy Port Finish Bourbon.

The aroma begins with dark and spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, peach, fennel, dark cherry, copious amounts of cinnamon, cloves, baked apple, toasted oak, and a hint of vanilla. 

This whiskey is encrusted with cinnamon, cloves, apple pie, and surprisingly herbs and packed with caramel, dark berries (cherries and dates), and vanilla. 

Besides, it also comes with fennel, frosting, baked apple, licorice, orange, toasted oak, cinnamon, and cloves.

Angel’s Envy Private Select

Angel’s Envy Private Select

The port cask influence is evident in the long finish. Fruity notes on the nose are mixed with spices, dried oak, nutmeg, and hazelnuts to spread on the palate.

Thus, this product is one of the Christmas gifts for whiskey lovers or any other occasion. 

  • ABV: 54.25%

  • Origin: Kentucky

The Macallan 25 Year Old

The Macallan 25 Sherry Oak is more than just luxury; it's a delight full of spicy goodness that's hard to find on this side of the Spey. 

The product comes with delicate layers of spice and fruit that unfold with each sip. 

If you're feeling particularly generous, it's one of the best gifts for a whiskey drinker you should pick. Its typical flavors are cinnamon, dried fruit, oak, and toast. 

Macallan 25 Year Old

Macallan 25 Year Old

The nose opens with sharp dark sherry fruit, cocoa powder, and ginger. Plus, dark leather and sugar-coated raisins emerge as time passes in the glass.

The palate opens with an explosion of rich blackberry and red currant, sour and sweet grape juice concentrate, caramel, toasted oak, and figs. 

Time in the glass sweetens and simplifies the flavor, bringing out the brown sugar.

  • ABV: 43%

  • Original: Craigellachie, Moray Scotland

Yamazaki 12-Year Single Malt Whiskey

Yamazaki, the pioneer in Japanese distilled whiskey, has grown into a global beverage giant and now owns the former American whiskey brand, Marker Mark and Jim Beam. 

Quality Japanese Yamazaki is at the top of the list regarding whiskeys, and the price is not the key metric. 

This buttery yet fruity and bright whiskey features a unique flavor profile that any whiskey lover wants to enjoy.

Yamazaki 12-Year Single Malt Whiskey 

Yamazaki 12-Year Single Malt Whiskey 

For the nose, it has a nice body with great zest and nut oils, a pleasant floral character with rooty notes, and tropical fruits. 

With a smooth and soft palate, just the right amount of sweetness, and wintery spiciness. 

Besides, a lovely citrus scent develops with rum notes and tropical fruit notes.

  • ABV: 43%

  • Origin: Japan

Additional Non-Whiskey Gift Ideas

You may be tempted to just buy a bottle of whiskey and call it a day when buying for a whiskey enthusiast.

The problem with whiskey lovers, as well as those who like bourbon or scotch, is that they frequently have specific preferences and opinions on the alcohol they consume. 

Therefore, even if you could just purchase them a bottle of whiskey, you could be more successful if you choose one of the whiskey accessories listed below:

 

Find out more:

What to Consider Before Buying a Whiskey As a Gift?

How to choose a good whiskey for gift giving without difficulty. Below are some important criteria you should notice before shopping for a whiskey product for a gift. 

Whiskey type

The first factor to consider when gifting whiskey is the recipient's taste. You wouldn't want to give bourbon lovers Scotch and vice versa, but many whiskey lovers enjoy a little of everything. 

The whiskey style is complicated, but Scotch and bourbon are two major categories. 

Scotch is made primarily from barley, only for single malt Scotch, and prefers a nutty, tangy flavor. Meanwhile, bourbon gets corn as its backbone and is sweeter and candy-like. 

Another whiskey style is rye, which features many fruit and spice flavors. 

For looking for a good whiskey type, the Blenders Pride Whiskey (Half) is the top-picked product with the typical fruity and light aroma. 

You should consider the whiskey types

You should consider the whiskey types

Budget

Wine, whiskey, and the market for rare spirits may be volatile territory.

Thus, keeping an eye on your budget and calculating around it is key to seeking the right and appropriate gift.

Check Whiskey prices on different alcohol websites such as drizly.com, brobasket.com, or totalwine.com,... to compare and choose the best budget product.

Shipping

Each US state sets its own rules regarding the sale of alcohol, so ordering whiskey online is a little more complicated. 

Some online retailers connect with local stores to arrange final delivery, but shipping states may vary depending on location. 

The most important thing is in which state the recipient lives. You need to note this information before you start shopping.

Know the occasion

Knowing the occasion is key to choosing the suitable gift for the recipient you want. 

For instance, don't give whiskey at maternity parties because it contains alcohol. Or, you can give whiskey on your 50th birthday, but ensure your gift satisfies the alcohol-content requirements. 

For larger occasions, the rarer and more exclusive bottle may be appropriate. 

The best way to justify an event when handing out alcohol is to understand the occasion. 

Knowing the occasion to give whiskey is important

Knowing the occasion to give whiskey is important

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What's a good whiskey for a party?

The good whiskey for the party is Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey.

Being one of the best Scotch for gift giving throughout India, this whiskey complements any celebratory evening meal with a creamy taste and is characterized by fruity and rich flavors.

2. Is Crown Royal considered top shelf?

Yes, Crown Royal is top-shelf whiskey. Their fine varietals are as fine as other whiskeys worldwide.

3. Can I purchase a whiskey and ship it to someone myself?

No, you shouldn’t buy whiskey and ship it to someone yourself. This is because the US Postal Service never ships alcohol. Also, FedEx and UPS have pretty strict rules about this. 

Thus, you must follow the recipient's and your state's legal requirements.

Conclusion

We’ve listed the top 10 amazing and popular whiskey products you can pick to give someone you love. These products feature outstanding taste, a complete finish, and flavorful ingredients. Also, this article offers additional information about the origin and alcohol content (ABV) of each product. 

Besides, we’ve recommended useful tips to help you pick the best whiskey for gift giving regarding types, shipping, budget, and occasion.

Rating: 4.8 - 50Votes

11 Comments

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  1. Monica Kulkarni

    Monica Kulkarni

    What are some good whiskeys between 60-100$? Also keep in mind, I am giving it as a gift and I know nothing about whiskeys! And thank you for the help in advance

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    1. Theo Ross

      Theo Ross

      It would help to know which kind of whiskey your gift recipient prefers. The variance in flavor is enormous and it is possible to go from lighter, even floral and citric ones, to more smokey, nutty or oaky. But here are my suggestions: Crown Royal, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Jameson 12

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    2. Billie Murray

      Billie Murray

      As Theo noted, there are a lot of choices. My recommendation would be to first try to learn what sort of whiskey the recipient likes and how they like to drink it - then go to a good liquor store where the staff has a reputation for knowing their wares. Ask them what they’d recommend in your price range. I’ve done this a number of times - haven’t been steered wrong yet.

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  2. Taylor

    Taylor

    I’m attending my close friend husband’s bday dinner tonight. I don’t know anything about Whiskey and need help with recommendations. Here’s what I know about him so far. He’s Dutch and is really wealthy due to his job in trading. I don’t want to show up with a cheap bottle of whiskey. I would like to stay under $400. I know he likes smoky whiskey, since he gifted me one once. I live in California, so if they have it at Bevmo or Total Wine would be perfect. Thank you

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    1. Mackenzie

      Mackenzie

      Octomore!! Beautiful bottle and a smokey whiskey lover’s perfection!

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    2. Grover

      Grover

      Highland Park 18 or Lagavulin 16 would be good smokey options Highland Park is a little pricier but will still be under $200. The Lagavulin will be smokier

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    3. Taylor

      Taylor

      Thanks

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  3. Kartik

    Kartik

    Reading through this article definitely gave me some interesting ideas

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    1. Barcodelive

      Glad you liked it

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  4. Finn Wilson

    Finn Wilson

    Can I batch whiskey sours and give as a gift?

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    1. Barcodelive

      A drink that doesn't use any fruit juice would be a safer bet. Manhattan for example.

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