The whisky lover's Christmas wish list
It's a familiar scene in homes across the globe; you've been dropping hints to your loved one for months, but they're consigned to the scrap heap of oh-so-nearly great Christmas gifts the very second that un-pronouncable distillery name fades from your partner's memory. Panic not, help is at hand.
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Or perhaps you've landed on this page, head in hand, desperately seeking the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life? If they happen to enjoy drop of whisky, you're in the right place.
We've put together a cracking Christmas wish list for whisky lovers - you'll find something for all budgets - so forget the Charles and Diana Commemorative Bell's Decanter you had in mind and allow us to strike one more name from your shopping list.
Over £100: Lucky you!
Glen Grant 1960 (G&M) - £273
Gavin D. Smith brought this rich sherried malt to our attention - it's what he's drinking for Christmas this year - and, frankly, who are we to argue?
Nicely packaged in a wooden presentation box, but without being shouty or looking too luxurious, this is a piece of Speyside history... the real deal.
Royal Mile still have some in stock but for how long we can't say. Buy one now before Mrs Connosr does... well we can dream can't we?
37 year old Clynelish - £150
Ok - so older doesn't necessarily mean better - but there's no doubt about it, if you're looking for wow-factor, a whisky that was distilled nearly 4 decades ago is going hit the spot.
For £150 - it really doesn't get much better than this - a 37 year old whisky from one of the finest distilleries in Scotland. This was bottled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Whisky Exchange.
£50 - £100: What a treat!
A year's membership to SMWS - £100
SMWS - put in the simplest of terms - is a society of whisky appreciators who club together, buy whisky straight from the distilleries, and bottle it for their members without messing around.
New and interesting whiskies are available every month, all bottled at natural strength. Throw into the mix the exclusive members' venues; beautiful designs; fun tasting notes with every bottle; and you've got yourself a truly great Christmas present.
For a limited time only, SMWS are offering Connosr Distilled readers from the UK a free bottle of whisky when they join, do check out this excellent offer.
Closed distillery tasting set - £77.95
It's a sad fact that many of Scotland's finest distilleries will never make a drop of whisky again. Nothing captures the imagination of a whisky lover quite like the spririt produced by these legendary whisky makers.
The Closed Distillery Tasting Set from Master of Malt brings you some of that magic - by way of 5 beautifully presented 3cl wax sealed bottles - in a swish little presentation pack.
The perfect gift for a discerning whisky fan.
£20 - £50: Jingle Bells!
Glenfarclas 21 year old - £49.95
A 21 year old whisky for under £50 - now that warms the cockles of our hearts!
Glenfarclas, quintessentially Christmassy, hits all the right notes: "The smoke is there, and as the warmth builds, the peat note from the nose re-emerges. Sherry and hints of caramel slowly fade over several minutes."
Glenrothes 3 x 10cl pack - £26.95
It's hard not to fall in love with Glenrothes based on the bottle designs alone! But shrink them into 10cl bottles - like little bombs of Speyside goodness - all wrapped up in that charmingly low-fi packaging and you've got a damn fine gift.
This 3 pack includes Select Reserve and vintages from 1991 & 1994 - the perfect introduction to this wonderful distillery.
Under £20: Stocking fillers
The World Atlas of Whisky - £16.80
This book ticks all the right boxes: it's great for beginners but has a real depth of information to keep serious whisky connoisseurs interested; it's beautifully laid out with stunning photography; and as the title suggests it leaves no stone un-turned in the world of whisky.
RRP £30 but only £16.80 at Amazon UK - bargain!
The King's Ginger Liqueur - £16.95
For something a bit different - more of a festive accompaniment to whisky - try a bottle of The King's Ginger.
Based on an old recipe created for King Edward VII, on request of the His Majesty's doctor, it was designed for the King to enjoy after cold winter mornings on his horse drawn carriage.
Perfect mixed 50/50 with a Speyside whisky like Glenrothes Select Reserve, and highly recommended after a brisk post-Christmas-dinner walk.
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2011 - £12.99
Jim Murray works tirelessly each year to taste thousands of whiskies from around the world - a tougher job than it might sound.
The Whisky Bible, updated annually, is an exhaustive collection of his tasting notes. Controversial at times - yes - but lets face it whisky tastes are subjective and not everyone is going to agree.
This is an essential reference and comes in a handy size which you can happily take shopping with you.
A selection of miniatures
Miniatures are fun, some people collect them but we just think it's nice way to taste new whiskies and enjoy the dinky bottles. So why not buy a selection as a gift? Prices vary but you can mix and match.
Here are our top picks: how about this rare Glenglassaugh 26 year old from Royal Mile; or any of these from The Whisky Exchange Black Bottle, Compass Box Oak Cross, Highland Park 25 year old.
Missed anything?
Tell us what's on your list - we'd love to hear