For anyone with a whisky lover in the family, buying a Christmas gift is normally pretty straightforward but if you want to push the boat out for your whisky aficionado this festive period, you might just want to check out our pick of 10 delicious whiskies to buy as a gift this Christmas below.
GlenAllachie 8 Year Old
Matured in Sherry, red wine and virgin oak casks, this Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is incredibly indulgent with an overriding Christmas cake character, alongside dark chocolate truffles, stem ginger and nutmeg-covered eggnog. Truly the ideal whisky for cosy festive nights by the fire.
GlenAllachie 10yo French Virgin Oak Finish
With a passion for exploring the impact of oak genus on whisky flavour development, Master Distiller Billy Walker sourced French oak (Quercus Robur) from the Haute-Garonne region to be toasted and charred ready for ageing GlenAllachie. The resulting single malt boasts tones of caramel, pink grapefruit, earthy tannins and root ginger.
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old
GlenAllachie’s flagship bottling, this mahogany malt was expertly aged in Sherry, virgin oak and red wine casks by Billy Walker. With notes of sticky raisins, winter spices, espresso and damson plums, this is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas day dessert.
GlenAllachie 15 Year Old
A true Sherry bomb, the 15-year-old underwent maturation in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks. Spending time in this rich wood has bestowed a rich chestnut hue as well as a festive medley of clove-studded oranges, Yule log, dark fruits and treacle tart.
GlenAllachie 11yo PX Sherry Finish
Following a nine-year stint on American oak barrels, secondary ageing in Pedro Ximénez puncheon casks has added complexity and a sweeter, fruitier flavour experience. You can anticipate spiced pineapple, orange zest, fruitcake and chocolate-coated strawberries.
GlenAllachie 13yo Madeira Finish
Before hosting the GlenAllachie spirit, the Madeira casks held wine made from Malvasia grapes; one of the richer Madeira styles. Ageing in this wood has brought about waves of vanilla pods, apricot jam, butterscotch and toasted almonds.
Lum Reek 10yo Cask Strength
A marriage of Single Malts from Speyside and Islay, Lum Reek contains both peated and unpeated spirit for a perfectly balanced yet satisfyingly complex dram. The whisky takes inspiration from the old Scottish saying, “Lang may yer lum reek”, literally meaning “long may your chimney smoke”, which wishes someone a long and healthy life.
White Heather 15yo
Following maturation in Sherry, Bourbon and virgin oak casks, this premium small-batch blend contains single malts from Speyside, the Highlands and Islay, alongside specially selected grain whiskies. With charming notes of clove-studded oranges, dark chocolate truffles, sticky toffee pudding and a gentle wisp of smoke, this exceptional Scotch whisky is full of festive cheer.
Exploration Rum Jamaica Peated
After slumbering in red wine, Rye and virgin oak in the cool Scottish climes, this Jamaican-produced pot still rum was transferred to casks that previously aged peated Scotch whisky for an interesting twist. Expect smoked Caribbean jerky, vanilla, toasted banana bread and cocoa. A ray of sunshine during the colder months.
Exploration Rum 7yo Panama Peated
Initially aged in American oak in the tropical Panamanian environment, this rum was specially selected by Master Blender Billy Walker and brought to the GlenAllachie Distillery for additional maturation in casks that previously hosted peated Scotch whisky. The resulting rum brims with toasted coconut shavings, cigar smoke, barbequed pineapple and rich mocha.
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