Celebrate Whisky - The Ultimate Gift Guide

Each and every bottle has a compelling story and creative process that produces its remarkable character.

Like wine, whisky develops unique aromas, flavours, and complexity during the production and aging processes. Whether you are shopping for someone who is new to the occasional dram of whisky, or an aficionado looking to expand their rare whisky collection, we have the perfect option. After all, no whisky collection is ever truly complete.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single malt whiskies are considered more traditional and revered by Scotch Whisky purists. That is not to say however that single malts are better than blends, simply different. Single malts tend to benefit greatly from the aging process which is exemplified in a bottle of Benriach 22 Year Old Triple Distilled, a Dufry Ultra Premium exclusive.

Benriach Benriach 22 Year old Triple Distilled is an unpeated, triple distilled single malt matured for 22 years in Sherry, Bourbon, and Virgin Oak casks and bottled at 46.8% ABV. It’s described as having a natural cask-imparted “dark copper” color, aromas of “crystallized orange peel, chocolate, sultana, red apple, spiced apricot, and mellow nutty oak,” and notes of “smooth caramel mocha and morello cherry with hazelnut, chocolate, and medjool date” on the palate. This elusive bottle is an exceptional gift for the discerning traveller.

Another travel exclusive, The Macallan Enigma is a testament that every end has a new beginning, always venturing on the brink of a new discovery. A rich and intense single malt whisky, drawing out a full and lingering oak, subtle cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and lasting flavours of spicy dried fruits.

Glenfiddich has been producing fine Scottish Whisky since 1887 and is a trusted name amongst all Scotch Whisky lovers. Glenfiddich 15 Year Distillery Edition is a single malt not to be missed. This high-strength malt is aged in American and Spanish oak casks and possesses subtle warming flavours with a velvety finish.

Blended Scotch Whisky

Blended Scotch Whiskies are a combination of multiple whiskies blended by master whisky makers to create a unique elixir of perfectly-balanced flavours and texture. If you are shopping for an experienced Scotch drinker with strong preferences that you may not be privy to, blends are a safe bet. When it comes to blends, there is a gold standard such that any Scotch drinker would be ecstatic to receive as a gift.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label combines the very best whiskies from around Scotland to produce the perfect mix of bold flavours while maintaining the smoothest finish imaginable. Johnnie Walker Blue boasts tastes of chocolate, sweet malt, warming spices, and honey on the palate. This blend is truly the perfect bottle for any special occasion.

Ballantine’s 21 Year is a sophisticated blend of complex flavours and aromas. Ballantine’s Distillery can be traced back to 1827 and is still among the most trusted and renowned distilleries in the world. This 21-year-old blend is floral and aromatic and is cause for celebration for anyone who knows and loves whisky.

Grant’s Elementary Oxygen 8 Year Old dazzles with luxurious toffee popcorn notes that give way to citrus lemon. This travel exclusive checks all the boxes with a more entry-level price point, a smooth buttery sweetness with some spice creeping in, and indulgent creaminess and delicious sweetness.

Irish Whisky

Ireland has a history of distilling whisky that predates even Scotland. Ireland’s proud past of distilling has created some of the most beloved, and commonly drank whiskies in the world. Jameson is a universally recognizable whisky brand, and for good reason. Jameson Black Barrel pays tribute to the history of whisky production and utilizes three different types of barrels to give it its intense tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices. Using American oak, sherry casks, and then finishing the aging process in double charred bourbon barrels allows those warming flavours to develop and shine. Jameson Black Barrel is triple distilled for smoothness and offers excellent drinkability.

Available exclusively in Global Travel Retail, Jameson Bold is an excellent option. With a heavy emphasis of Pot Still distillate, Jameson Deconstructed Series Bold has an undoubted spiciness which gives its fruit and spice notes centre stage.

American Whisky

While American Bourbon Whisky enjoys a much younger tradition than that of Irish and Scottish distilleries, bourbon has every bit of complexity of texture and flavour as its European counterparts. Woodford Reserve began distilling bourbon whisky in 1812 and continues to make some of the best bourbon in the United States. Woodford Reserve is a well-balanced bourbon containing floral aromas and hints of sweet aromatics on the palate. This bourbon is ideal to serve over ice and enjoyed with friends and family.

Japanese Whisky

Not to be overlooked, Japanese Whisky is becoming more and more coveted. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Masters Select is an unprecedented exclusive blend that brings to life the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. With increased subtle sweet sherry notes the result is a delicate harmonious expression that is at once subtle and complex. More than 10 malt and grain whiskies blend together to create a luminous harmony of flavours and aromas. American White Oak malt whiskies create the base, with rare Mizunara (Japanese oak) and sherry cask malt whiskies as the “dressing”, smoky malt whiskies as subtle accents for complexity, and Chita grain whiskies enhancing the overall harmony. It is a delicate blended whisky that is at once subtle and complex—a perfect complement to any dining experience.

While there seems to be limitless types, styles, and brands of whisky, the most important thing to remember when buying a bottle for that special someone, is that whisky is meant to be enjoyed with friends and loved ones. Whisky brings us together and helps us connect with one another.