Looking for the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life? Whether they are new to whisky or an experienced imbiber, we’ve taken out the guesswork and compiled a list of the finest whiskies from around the world that are sure to delight those on your nice list. Here is a Gifting Whisky Guide featuring bar staples, brand-new launches and limited-edition releases.
For the Self-Proclaimed Foodie: Reifel Rye
Created in honour of legendary distiller George H. Reifel, this brand-new rye whisky is a masterpiece created by the Distillery of the Decade – Alberta Distillers.
Referred to as a ‘Feast of a Whisky,’ Reifel Rye is aged in charred white oak and ex-bourbon barrels and boasts flavours of toffee, vanilla, pear, and chocolate, making it the perfect choice for those with a refined palate.
Want to learn more about rye, or test your “Rye-Q”? Check out Rye Whisky Academy to learn all about what makes Alberta Distillers Ltd. so unique!
Available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $49.95 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For the Purist: Alberta Premium Cask Strength
Alberta Premium Cask Strength, one of the most accoladed Canadian cask strength whiskies, returns this November with its fourth annual limited-edition installment.
Made from 100% Canadian Prairie rye grains, Alberta Premium Cask Strength is a balanced liquid with smooth notes of vanilla, black currant, and spice.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength, which boasts an ABV of 63.7%, makes a coveted gift for those who appreciate premium cask strength rye.
Available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $84.95 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For the Pop Culture Aficionado: Canadian Club 45 Year Old
Batched and barreled in 1977, Canadian Club 45-Year-Old is the fifth and final release of the legendary Chronicle Series and has been dubbed “The Icon” as it celebrates the brands rich history and cultural influence.
Canadian Club has been featured on-screen from the 1960’s to the present day across 50 countries by some of film and television’s most iconic characters and played a prominent role in groundbreaking series, such as Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire.
Canadian Club 45-Year Old’s golden amber colour presents an enticing blend of warm pear, baking spices, toffee, and a hint of leather on the nose, while bringing forward an espresso crema on the mouth balanced with wine-poached pear, and the nutty sweetness of praline.
Available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $499.95 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For the Scotophile: Highland Park 12 Year Old
Bringing together the natural, and often contradictory, influences of the iconic Scottish Orkney Islands, Highland Park 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky is a wild harmony of contrasts.
The liquid boasts a heather-honey aroma, with a rounded smoky sweetness on the palate and smooth finish.
The heart and soul of the Highland Park line-up, this single malt Scotch whisky is the perfect bar cart addition for any spirits lover.
Available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $85.25 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For The World Traveler: House of Suntory Ao
Ao is the first ever ‘World Whisky’ and an invitation to the voyages that broaden our horizons.
Named ‘Ao,’ meaning ‘blue,’ this spirit pays homage to the oceans that connect whisky’s five great traditions, blending Irish, Scottish, Canadian, American and Japanese whisky-making techniques.
With notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and cinnamon, it is the distinctive climate, fermentation and distillation processes in each whisky-making region that give the whisky its unique taste.
Available soon for a suggested retail price of $104.95 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For the Bourbon Superfan: Basil Hayden Bourbon
This bourbon’s richness and complexity provides a unique tasting experience, boasting a distinctive sweetness and fine edge of spice.
This award-winning Kentucky Bourbon is known for its versatility, light, yet full-bodied taste and is the perfect first sip of any occasion.
Available in 750ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $55.95 CDN. Price may vary by market.
For the James Bond Fanatic: Bowmore Masters’ Selection 22 Year Old
Designed and distilled in partnership with famed automobile brand Aston Martin, this limited-edition single malt Scotch boasts intense flavours of mango, passion fruit and acacia honey interwoven with a powerful combination of coffee and tobacco smoke.
Bowmore and Aston Martin share a commitment to heritage, craftsmanship and innovation, making this the perfect gift for both whisky and car collectors.
Available soon for a suggested retail price of $650 CDN. Price may vary by market.