Nothing compares to a delicious dram on a cold winter's evening, and what could be better than a new bottle of liquid gold under the Christmas tree?
If you're on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift for the whisky connoisseur in your life or you want to introduce a newbie to Scotland's national drink, our very own Whisky Ambassador, James Gillies has put together a few of his favourites to guide your way!
Gifts for Connoisseurs
Arran Machrie Moor (Cask Strength)
"The fruity drams from Lochranza Distillery are excellent and, on the rare occasions that they do a peated run [branded as 'Machrie Moor'], those expressions wonderfully combine that fruit with smokiness and, when bottled at cask strength, it turns up the 'volume' of both exquisitely."
For something a little milder, try the other two expressions from the Machrie Moor range: the Original Machrie Moor, and Machrie Moor 10 Year Old.
"This outstanding distillery in the 'Wee Toon' releases excellent quality malts, and this one is extra special, as it is traditionally crafted in honour of those halcyon times of whisky production during the Victorian era. Bottled at cask strength, this has the sheer delight of being like liquid caramel, with a touch of brine, and bonfire treacle toffees."
You can explore the full range of Glen Scotia malts online and in-store, and for a limited time you'll get a free Glen Scotia tasting glass with every purchase of a 70cl bottle!
"Although a relative youngster in Islay distillery terms, Kilchoman's "barley-to-bottle" philosophy has resulted in first-class whisky, with 'Sanaig' being a quintessential example of how magically their spirit matures in Oloroso-seasoned hogsheads, and when then vatted with spirit matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the result is a sweet and smoky marriage of bliss."
You can also try the flagship malt from Kilchoman, Machir Bay.
Gifts for Newcomers
"Those ten years of maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, along with a smaller proportion of first-fill and refill sherry-seasoned hogsheads, lend a more approachable ["smooth"] introduction to single malts. Lochranza Distillery have been able to replicate the magic of Speyside, but with an island twist; resulting in something unique and wonderful."
It's our bestselling range for a reason! Explore all the delicious drams from the Isle of Arran Distilleries online and in-store.
"An outstanding introduction to the wonderful world of Blended Malts, with all five brands from the 'Wee Toon' vatted to produce this belter: Glen Scotia, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, Longrow and (the mighty) Springbank. The well-renowned "Campbeltown funk" is captured in this bottle... And, there's a well-kent song that goes along with it!"
Campbeltown produces some of the most exclusive and well-renowned whiskies in the world. Explore some of the other malts from Glen Scotia, Hazelburn, Kilkerran, Longrow and Springbank online and in-store.
"Arguably *the* best value-for-money single malt produced in Scotland. Glengyle Distillery [sister to Springbank] hit gold when they discovered just how amazing their 12 year old expression is. This expression's cask marriage of 70% ex-bourbon with 30% sherry results in delicious citrus notes, oiliness and campfire embers."
If peated whiskies are your favourite, you can't go wrong with Kilkerran Heavily Peated from Glengyle. We have Batch 10 and Batch 11 online and in-store.
You can explore our full range of delicious drams in-store and online, and read more from James on our blog.
