Hey there, whiskey friends! Randy Warren here from Whiskey Shenanigans, and I’ve got to tell you about some of the coolest gifts I’ve come across for whiskey lovers.
The holidays are coming up fast. What should you buy for the whiskey enthusiast in your life? I’m happy to share my top five picks that’ll make many bourbon enthusiasts light up like a Christmas tree.
1. A Premium Whiskey Decanter Set
I’ll start with something that looks absolutely stunning on any home bar. A high-quality crystal decanter set is one of those gifts that combine beauty with function.
I’m talking about a hand-cut crystal decanter with matching rocks glasses. The kind that catches the light just right and makes even a decent whiskey look like liquid gold.
I love recommending decanters. They are just pretty to look at and serve a purpose. Decanters protect your whiskey from light and help it breathe. Plus, there’s something sophisticated and ceremonial about pouring from a beautiful decanter.
The person receiving this gift will think of you every time they pour a dram. That’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Look for sets that come with at least two glasses and an airtight stopper. The weight matters too. A quality decanter should feel substantial in your hands. You want that satisfying heft that says, “This is a special gift.”
Here are a few decanter ideas from Food and Wine to get you started.
2. A Whiskey Subscription Box
This one might be my favorite on the list— whiskey subscription box.
I’ve tried several of these services, and the good ones are impressive. They send curated selections of whiskeys from around the world, often including bottles you’d never find in your local store.
Some subscriptions focus on full bottles, while others send carefully selected; both approaches have their merits.
What I love about this gift is the surprise. Every month, there’s a discovery waiting. It’s like having a whiskey-savvy friend who’s constantly finding cool bottles and sharing them with you.
Many of these services also provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions. It can be educational and delicious at the same time.
3. A Personalized Whiskey Barrel
Okay, this one is seriously cool. I’m talking about a small oak barrel that you can use to age your own whiskey at home.
These mini barrels typically hold anywhere from one to five liters. You fill them with whiskey, let them sit for a few weeks or months, and watch as the spirit transforms.
The oak adds flavor, smoothness, and character to the whiskey. It’s the same process that happens in full-size barrels at distilleries, just on a smaller, faster scale.
What makes this gift extra special is that you can get the barrel personalized with the recipient’s name or a special message. Every time they use it, they’ll remember who gave it to them.
I’ve experimented with barrel aging at home, and it’s fascinating to taste how the whiskey changes over time. You can even use the barrel to age cocktails, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
This gift may be ideal for the whiskey lover who has, as they say, everything. It’s interactive, unique, and produces tasty results that they can share with friends.
Among the many custom barrel makers, consider these: Gentlemen’s Trove, Motor City Barrels, and Aunt Molly’s Barrels.
4. Whiskey Stones and Steel Cubes
Now, I know what some purists might say about chilling whiskey. But hear me out on this one.
Whiskey stones or stainless-steel cubes may be great for folks who like their pour a little cooler without the dilution that ice brings. I often use these little cubes in the summer months. They sit in your freezer, ready to go whenever you want a nicely cooled drink that stays full-strength.
The stainless-steel versions tend to chill better than the stone ones in my experience. They’re also easier to clean and last for a long time.
Whiskey stones and cubes can be an affordable gift that shows you really understand the recipient’s passion. It’s practical, thoughtful, and something they may use regularly. I keep a set in my freezer at all times.
For a comprehensive review of whiskey cubes and stones, check out Liquor.com.
5. Whiskey Tasting Classes or Distillery Tours
Here’s my final pick, and it might be the most memorable gift of all. Give the experience of learning about whiskey in a hands-on way.
Whiskey tasting classes are seemingly everywhere these days. Bars and restaurants often host events where you can sample different whiskeys while learning about production methods, regional differences, and tasting techniques.
Even better is a distillery tour. There’s nothing quite like seeing where your favorite whiskey is made, meeting the people who craft it, and tasting it right at the source.
I’ve been on distillery tours from Kentucky to Scotland, and every single one has been memorable. I gained such a deeper appreciation for the spirit seeing the stills, smelling the mash, and walking through the barrel warehouses.
Many distilleries offer VIP experiences that include private tastings, bottle-your-own options, and behind-the-scenes access. These make incredibly special gifts.
The beauty of gifting an experience is that it creates memories that last way longer than any physical item. Your whiskey-loving friends may be talking about that distillery tour for years to come.
Our friends at St. Augustine Distillery offer one of the best tours in the United States, in the nation’s oldest city.