The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends and family, and nothing brings more cheer than a festive drink. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a spirits lover, a cozy cocktail to sip by the fire, or something to serve on the rocks at your next party, the perfect libation can help bring all those involved and make them a little closer. We’ve got you covered with our list of the best holiday spirits to buy this season.
One of the best ways to do so is by opting for a classic whiskey, scotch, or brandy — these spirits will add some spice and sparkle to your holiday drinks. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or a curious beginner, you’ll love the festive season with a perfectly selected whiskey. It’s the ideal time to savor your favorite dram or explore new flavors. Whether you prefer it straight, with ice, or in a creative cocktail, there is a whiskey for every mood and moment.
But how do you pick the best whiskeys for your holiday parties? With so many varieties and labels of whiskey available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with options that will impress your guests and warm your soul or be a solid choice for those just looking for themselves. Here are the best holiday spirits to grab this year.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Years
If you are looking for a gift that will delight any whisky lover, or a treat for yourself that will warm your heart and soul, you should consider buying The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is a whisky that has been crafted with care and skill, using two types of casks to create a complex and balanced flavor profile — first aged in a whisky oak, then finished off in a sherry cask. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water, you will appreciate the smoothness, richness, and depth of this whisky. It has notes of sweet fruit, honey, vanilla, nuttiness, cinnamon, and sherry, making it a perfect match for the festive season.
You can savor it by the fireplace, share it with your friends and family, or pair it with your favorite holiday dishes. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not just a drink, it is an experience, and a delicious one to boot. It is a whisky that celebrates the art of craftsmanship, the tradition of excellence, and the joy of indulgence. It is a whisky that you deserve and a top choice for one of the best holiday spirits.
Side note: Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Balvenie also has an advent calendar that you can grab — here.
Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 Years
The Jura 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a refined and elegant whisky that showcases the best of the island of Jura. It is made from a blend of peated and unpeated malted barley, aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in French oak red wine barriques from the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux region. This gives the whisky a complex and layered flavor profile, with notes of red fruits, vanilla, smoke, spice, and oak.
The Jura 18 Year Old is a whisky that can be enjoyed for any occasion, but especially during the holiday season. It is a whisky that pairs well with festive foods, such as roasted meats, cheese, and chocolate. It is a whisky that can be savored by the fire, or shared with your loved ones. It is a whisky that celebrates the craftsmanship, the tradition, and the spirit of the island of Jura. It is a whisky that you, and all others you host this season, will be sure to love.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Years
If words like grandeur, timeless, heritage, or opulence resonate with your palate, then look no further than this scotch for your ideal and best holiday spirits. For this standout holiday gift or a classy way to elevate your celebration, consider Glenfiddich Grand Cru. This top-tier single malt whisky seamlessly blends the essence of Scotland with a touch of French finesse. This exclusive expression undergoes a 23-year maturation process in both American and European oak casks, culminating in a refined finish in rare French cuvee casks — those used in crafting some of the world’s finest sparkling wines.
The outcome? A whisky that’s not just rich, but downright indulgent, boasting layers of flavor set to enchant your senses. Picture aromas of apple blossom, freshly baked bread, and candied lemon, complemented by the taste of vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet, and white grape. The finish is a drawn-out, opulent sweetness, leaving an enduring impression of luxury and meticulous craftsmanship and be prepared to let your taste buds run wild.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru transcends the label of a mere whisky. It’s an experience. It represents the pinnacle of the Glenfiddich spirit, a brand that has garnered more awards than any other single malt Scotch whisky. A fitting choice for those who appreciate life’s finer things and wish to share them with loved ones. This isn’t just a drink — it’s a celebration, and a celebration like these are meant to be shared with others. Perfect for the festive season of giving.
Pendleton Whisky 1910 Rye
Maybe scotch isn’t your thing. Maybe you’re the individual who appreciates whisky and loves the taste of a predominantly rye mash, and if that’s you, then this rye whisky is for you. For a top-notch rye whisky to savor during the holiday season, look no further than Pendleton Whisky 1910 Rye.
This velvety spirit is aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak barrels and crafted from 100% rye, ensuring a smooth and distinctive taste unlike any other. Delve into a flavor journey that strikes the perfect balance and takes your taste buds on an extravagant ride featuring enticing notes of tobacco, charred oak, butterscotch, maple, and sweet cherry. The whisky also packs a punch with a spicy rye kick and a peppery heat that’s sure to warm you up on chilly winter nights.
Pendleton Whisky 1910 Rye pays homage to the inaugural Pendleton Round-Up in 1910, a legendary rodeo event embodying the spirit of the American West. The bottle’s design draws inspiration from saddle tooling, adorned with the iconic bucking horse logo — a true nod to Pendleton’s heritage and craftsmanship, renowned for quality woolen products since 1863.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, Pendleton Whisky 1910 Rye is a surefire way to impress your guests and infuse festive cheer into your holidays. Here’s to a spirited holiday season — ho, ho, ho.
Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask
Choosing bourbon for a holiday spirit means indulging in a rich, limited-edition experience with authentic flavors, individualized character, and the warmth of tradition, creating memorable moments and shared celebrations. If this sounds like what you seek when opting for the best holiday spirits, then this is the bottle for you. The Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask — an American Single Malt whisky is destined to elevate your holiday experience.
Crafted from 100% malted barley, this unique spirit matures for a minimum of four years in first-fill Bourbon casks sourced from Kentucky, ensuring a character and flavor that are unparalleled. Each cask is bottled at its individual cask strength, creating a one-of-a-kind, limited edition in every bottle.
Experience the authenticity of Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask, a whisky that proudly displays the natural color and richness of malted barley without the interference of chill filtering or additives. Infused with the essence of Bourbon casks, expect delightful notes of caramel, vanilla, lemon zest, and cinnamon, harmonizing to create a seamlessly smooth and balanced profile. With a silky body and a soft finish featuring hints of graham cracker and baking spice, this whisky is a complex and nuanced journey, unveiling new layers of flavor with each sip.
More than a drink, Courage & Conviction Bourbon Single Cask is a tribute to the courage and conviction of both its creators and enthusiasts. It embodies the rich tradition and innovation of American Single Malt, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and passion of the Virginia Distillery Company. Perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season or savoring as a personal indulgence, this whisky is sure to elevate your holiday spirits to new heights. Cheers to the essence of the season.