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This story was created by Men’s Journal in partnership with Total Wine.
With the holiday season here, it’s officially full steam ahead on joyous festivities, favorite traditions, and celebrating with those you love. It’s also time for gift-giving and all manner of seasonal get-togethers — so it’s a good idea to start figuring out presents for your in-laws and the host and hostess gifts you’ll be toting to all of the holiday parties on your agenda.
You could spend hours stressing about what to bring and conducting never-ending runs all over town trying to find the perfect present… or you could snag a bottle of well-priced whiskey from Total Wine. Not only is it a thoughtful, practical gift, but it’s also one that comes in a range of price points. Total Wine is also offering up to 25% off select whiskeys through Jan. 1, so you can stock up on your or your loved one’s favorite single malt scotch or Kentucky bourbon — and save a little bit of money while you’re at it.
Since time is of the essence, we went ahead and selected nine of the best whiskeys below, and you can shop the sale and all things whiskey at Total Wine.
While this particular bottle of Isle Of Skye 21Yr Scotch Whisky isn’t on sale, it’s certainly a crowd favorite. The mild spirit has aromas that feel appropriate for the coziness of the season (shelled walnuts and brown sugar) but it’s balanced by tropical fruits and soft peat smoke flavors. A number of shoppers confirm it’s a smooth whiskey, but one noted its complexity is definitely still apparent as it “has enough distinct flavor to make it interesting.”
If you’re searching for a party-ready whiskey (well, whisky, since it hails from Scotland), look no further than the Grangestone Bourbon Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It pairs well with dried fruit, chocolate, and salty snacks — which you’ll likely find on the appetizer table — and the mix of citrus and oak flavors is sure to please those who favor stronger, more complex spirits.
This one’s for the person in your life who likes their whiskey neat — no mixers or other add-ins needed. The Old Emmer Toasted Barrel Bourbon was aged in Kentucky, where it matured in charred and toast oak barrels (one of the requirements to be legally considered bourbon) and transformed into a rich, complex drink. Expect notes of toffee, caramelized sugars, and stone fruits.
Anyone who always opts for the Old Fashioned will appreciate receiving a bottle of First Call Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Butterscotch and vanilla aromas pair with notes of dark fruit and oak, leading to what one shopper called an “explosion of taste followed by a lingering, luscious six to eight-second aftertaste.” Whether it’s enjoyed with a sugar cube and a couple dashes of Angostura bitters or on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a savory smoked pork or a salty snack.
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea — or lowball, rather — but the Skatterbrain PB&J Whiskey will certainly be a topic of discussion at your next holiday party. As the name suggests, the liquor is defined by its peanut butter and raspberry jelly flavors; it’s part sweet, part nutty. Of course, you could drink it straight, but another option is to enjoy it over ice cream. It’s the holidays, after all.
When you gift the Wolcott Kentucky Straight Bourbon, you gift a bit of history; the spirit comes from the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, otherwise known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Described as an “excellent bourbon from start to finish,” this dry, spicy bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, and rye. You may even notice a lingering hint of apricot.
You may have tried Scotch, and you may have tried bourbon… but have you tried Japanese whisky? Kaigan Japanese Whisky is a liquor you’ll want to pair with seafood, smoked finish, or anything spicy. The blend is aged at least three years, a process that results in a golden liquid that gives off oak and citrus aromas. The honey and vanilla notes also play a role in giving it is unique finish.
From the Glentauchers distillery north of the Cairngorms to your next holiday function comes Battlehill Glentauchers 12 Year 2011 Bourbon Cask Single Malt Scotch. The bottle itself is a stunner, and the notes are equally intriguing. There’s a bit of buttery apple strudel, a touch of raisins, some gooseberry, and a hint of green apple. All in all, it’s “light, floral, and delicious,” notes one five-star reviewer.
Want to buy a bottle for your friend, but unsure what they’ll like? Go with something like the Carlyle 12 Yr Blended Scotch Whisky, a gentle, well-balanced spirit. The tasting experience includes notes of almond, raisin, and vanilla, and the finish is rather lengthy, thanks to the complex and well-developed flavor profile.
