Get Your Malt Master the Whisky He's Dreaming of This Holiday Season

If you have someone in your life who enjoys a good malt, they're not alone. Particular about the taste and flavour notes in their whiskey, your malt master knows their stuff. Show them that you do too—with one of the finest whiskies this holiday season.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you look for a malt whisky. First, you may be wondering, "what is a malt whisky?". Malt whisky is a spirit brewed in wooden barrels that gets made with almost all malted barley. While some countries add other grains to their malt whisky, the most prominent grain will always be barley. Countries like Scotland require a malt whisky to consist of 100% barley.

There are countless whiskies to consider, but your malt master needs one of the best. Find out a little about the ones they currently own to get an idea about their taste preferences. Then, take a look at these perfect options for your whiskey connoisseur. Whether it's a single malt or blended, we have options for every whisky palette.

Bowmore 15-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Bowmore distillery in Islay of Scotland is one of the classic single malt whisky brands. They've been around since 1779 and have been making exceptional whisky ever since. Though they have many different variations of their traditional single-malt scotch whisky, it's all made from barley, yeast, and water. 

The Bowmore 15-year single malt scotch has a sherry cask finish and tops off with their signature peat smokiness. The nose for this particular variation pulls notes of spice, dark chocolate, and raisin. The taste is intense; with a rich sweetness and hints of cedar and toffee, your malt master will have plenty to enjoy.

The long, warm finish of Bowmore's 15-year is accented with even more rich spiciness.

GlenDronach Revival 15-Year Scotch Whisky

Another whisky finished in sherry casks, this GlenDronach Revival was discontinued in 2015, only for GlenDronach to bring it back a few years later. However, having dubbed themselves as the "sherry cask connoisseurs," you should expect a deliberately rich fruity flavour to shine through.

Sure enough, on the nose, you immediately get candied cherry, dark chocolate, as well as hints of orange and mint. If this isn't complex enough, the first sip brings a sweetness tasting of honey-glazed apricots and ripe figs. Finally, the sip begins finishing off when you start to taste the enveloping flavour of manuka honey and rich dark chocolate.

A good whisky like this needs the right glass to go with it; if your malt master is a whisky aficionado, you can also gift them new glasses! These are always a useful and appreciated gift. 

Laphroaig 10-Year

Welcoming of varying opinions, Laphroaig is no stranger to criticism or the occasion upturned nose. However, for the right whisky drinker, Laphroaig's 10-year-old may be what they've always wanted. It's a traditional old Scottish single malt whisky, full of the same untamed flavours as it had when invented over 75 years ago.

This classic whisky's nose gives off a smoky herbal, almost medicinal smell with a hint of sweetness and saltiness to round it out. The taste is full and strong-bodied, with layers of peatiness. You finish off the sip with a slight and lingering creaminess. 

This whisky is perfect for a no-fuss whisky drinker. This brand and bottle have a rich history. Using hand-picked peat for their whisky, Laphroaig ensures you get a taste of Scotland with their traditional 10-year. Layering up on the smokiness of the peat and saltiness of the Scottish seas, you'll feel like a true Scot.

For another fun gift idea, Laphroaig also allows their customers to claim a small 1-square foot plot on Islay with your purchase of a bottle, so don't forget to mention this to your malt master!

Dewars 12 Year Old- The Ancestor

This blended malt whisky incorporates the flavours from both single malt and single grain whiskies. The blend comes together to form a sweet and aromatic combination. 

The taste comes together to form a bold oakiness with a palette that incorporates citrus, fruits, and creamy, sweet vanilla. On the finish, you get an undeniable malt and smoke to round it off. 

This whisky is comparatively more affordable than some of the other options we mentioned and a great go-to gift. If you also want to gift your malt master a decanter to go with it, this can also make a thoughtful, personalized gift!

Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

We know we're straying from the trend we've created here, but Hatozaki is another blended whisky brand. And though the hype centres on single malts, blended malts offer a unique and distinctive flavour you only wish you could get from a single malt. Its soft golden colour and distillation process identify Hatozaki's Pure Malt whisky. 

The aroma you get from this pure malt is dried fruit, warm sandalwood, and earthiness, with sweet, almost floral notes. The palette offers a full woodiness with the same sweetness that carries over from the smell. 

Wood smoke and a cigar-like smokiness finish it off, leaving a lingering spice behind. 

Gifting Whisky to Your Malt Master

The tricky thing about whisky when you don't know as much as a malt master is that you don't know if they're going to like it. If you're still not sure and want to play it safe, go for miniature bottles and a nice decanter as a gift instead. 

Of course, if you do have an idea of what they like, then you should find one that speaks to your malt master with this variation of malt whiskies. And the best part about gifting whisky? You may open their eyes up to something new and different. 

Do they have their eye on it but won't buy it for themselves? Or perhaps it's so out of their comfort zone they never even considered it. Either way, gifting whisky is a perfect way to show your appreciation for them and their stellar taste.