Since plane tickets won’t be realistic holiday gifts this year, we’d like to help get into the “holiday spirit” with gift ideas inspired by our roster of international whiskies. After months of cancelled trips and adventures, these spirited gifts will transport recipients to their most-missed destinations via their taste buds – whether that means sipping aged Japanese whisky in an underground izakaya in Tokyo, Scotch on the rocky beaches of Islay and more.
PHOTO CREDIT BEAM SUNTORY
IRELAND
Since 1757, Kilbeggan Distilling Company has crafted a portfolio of beloved Irish whiskeys unlike any other at its two distilleries: Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest continually licensed distillery in Ireland, and Cooley Distillery, established in 1987 and considered a driving force behind the Irish Single Malt evolution.
- The Tyrconnell 10 Year Madeira Cask, Port Cask and Sherry Cask Finish (SRP for each: $75) are a trio that showcase the versatility of Irish Whiskey. Initially aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, each spirit spends an additional 6-8 months in casks that have been hand-selected for their ability to further enhance the profile of The Tyrconnell.
- Launched this year, Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery has revived Irish whiskey history and tradition with the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (SRP: $45). Featuring a unique mash of malted barley, raw barley and oats, this remarkable whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s.
PHOTO CREDIT BEAM SUNTORY
SCOTLAND
Made at the first distillery on Islay since 1779, Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky is known as one of the most balanced Islay whiskies, which are often thought to be the smokiest Scotch whiskies in the world.
- The recently-announced, exceptionally-rare Black Bowmore DB5 1964 (SRP: $65,000) brings together an iconic whiskey and legendary car in a masterpiece bottle of equal parts, featuring one of the world’s most sought-after single malts and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston.
- With notes of citrus, salt, smoke and vanilla, Bowmore 12 Years Old (SRP: $52) brings out the best in fresh seafood, especially oysters. Together, the Scotch and oysters raise each other’s profile and reveal new flavors on the palate.
PHOTO CREDIT HOUSE OF SUNTORY
JAPAN
For more than three generations, the master blenders at the House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship to produce the legendary Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki whiskies.
- Made at the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first and oldest distillery, Yamazaki 18 Years Old (SRP: $350) is praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world for its signature, multi-layered taste with fruit and Mizunara aromas.
- This holiday season, a special Suntory Whisky Toki Highball Gift Set (SRP: $35) is available in select markets featuring a bottle of Toki, custom Japanese highball glass, wooden bottle glorifier and Toki Highball recipe card. Toki is a unique blend of whiskies that is ideal for making a traditional Japanese highball.