A different kind of Christmas

These days, Christmas seems to come even faster than in previous years. Regarding the anticipation of the Christmas season, opinions are divided. Some don't quite feel like getting into the Christmas spirit at the moment, and fear that we are in for a less than festive Christmas. Others, on the other hand, say 'Now more than ever!' and use the free time at home to get in the mood with Christmas decorations, music by Bing Crosby or home-baked biscuits. Christmas Day will be here in two weeks.

And suddenly the supposedly peaceful time begins, when for many people it's just a matter of ticking off all the to-dos on their list so that the truly peaceful festivities can begin. So it's no wonder that the topic of Christmas presents is once again a burning issue for many. Perhaps you too have already thought about delighting your friends or relatives with a good dram of Whisky. But which is the right gift for each person? After all, not everyone will have the same connection to Whisky as you do. Some may only have a little experience, or already so much that even you will get to your Whisky wit's end. But let's start from the beginning.

Liqueurs are all-time favourites as gifts: mild and sweet, they not only taste good to Whisky fans but are also a real treat for the 'inexperienced'. Baileys, for example, now offers a wide range of special editions with flavours from Red Velvet Cupcake to Apple Pie. Those who don't like it creamy might enjoy other liqueurs, such as the fruity Bramble Liqueur from Kilchoman, the intense coffee liqueur Jameson Cold Brew or the sweet and nutty Tennessee Honey Liqueur from Jack Daniel's - sweet treats for those with a sweet tooth.

For Whisky fans, of course, it may be a little more than sweet and mild. You want to give a gift to someone who is interested in Whisky but has little experience? Perhaps you would also like to infect other people with your enthusiasm for Whisky. In this case, a mild, soft Single Malt Whisky from the Scottish Highlands is suitable. We recommend, for example, a soft and mild Balvenie 12, a fruity and smooth Glenfiddich 15, a balanced and creamy-sweet Macallan 12, a soft and fruity Aberlour 12, a sherried and slightly smoky Glenfarclas 12, a likewise sherried and sweet Glengoyne 12, a spicy and chocolaty Knockando 15 or a creamy and warm Glendronach 12. Another way to get your loved ones into the taste of Whisky is with Mini Gift Sets - whether it's from a specific brand or distillery, an entire region or even a colourful mix.

If the presentee has been interested in Whisky for a long time, he or she may certainly prefer more intense flavours. You can choose Whiskies with a stronger cask maturation. Here, we particularly recommend Whiskies that are in a somewhat higher price segment, but offer especially good value for money: an incredibly full and complex Dalmore 15, a lush and soft Glenmorangie 14 Quinta Ruban or an especially long-matured Glenrothes 18 Elders' Reserve. If you know you're gifting a Single Malt fan, you may also know which distillery in particular they're into. How about an independent bottling from that distillery? Independent bottlers like Signatory Vintage or Gordon & MacPhail take single casks from distilleries and bottle them uncoloured, unfiltered and sometimes at cask strength. So there are often only very few bottles of an independent bottling, depending on the cask size only a few hundred - worldwide. Once the cask is empty, it will no longer be possible to produce such a Whisky in this form. Here, you are dealing with unique pieces with which you can make connoisseurs really happy. Or treat yourself for Christmas with our recommendations.

We wish you a Merry and Malty Christmas!