Ten of the Best Bourbons to Gift this Christmas
Tis the season for a good bottle of bourbon whiskey! So, to help you out with inspiration for the bourbon-lover in your life this festive season, Still Spirit have put together our pick of ten of the best bourbons to gift this Christmas.
Bourbon whiskey hails from the USA and tends to be associated with the southern states of America, particularly Kentucky, where it has been produced for over two centuries. Made mainly from corn, bourbon is rich in flavour and versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or in a Christmas cocktail making it perfectly suited to a Manhattan, a Whiskey Sour or an Old Fashioned.
Read on to unwrap the best bourbons to gift this festive season!
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon is bourbon in its purest form - barrel-proof and non-chill filtered. Rich, intense, and irresistibly smooth, it bursts with flavours of cinnamon, caramel, vanilla toffee, baking spices, smoked peppercorn, and citrus. Each bottle, hand-dipped in red wax, embodies Maker’s Mark’s pioneering spirit, swapping rye for red winter wheat for a smoother profile. A masterclass in bourbon craftsmanship, it’s the perfect gift for the bourbon devotee in your life.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a timeless classic traditionally handcrafted at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the USA’s oldest continuously operating distillery. Aged in new American oak barrels, this award-winning bourbon offers an easy-sipping, perfectly balanced flavour profile. Expect rich notes of toffee, vanilla, and caramel, complemented by hints of warm spices and oak. Smooth and versatile, it’s perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in your favourite cocktail.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Also crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery (see above), Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, the original single-barrel bourbon, is hand-selected and bottled at the peak of maturity, each bottle is a unique expression of exceptional craftsmanship. With rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey, layered with warm spices, citrus, and oak, it delivers a smooth yet bold flavour profile. Made for celebrating special moments, Blanton’s is a true icon in the world of premium bourbon whiskey.
Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon captures the bold spirit of Texas. Distilled in traditional copper pot stills using only Texas-grown grains, this bourbon boasts a rich, full-bodied character with notes of honey, leather, toasted oak, and ripe fruit. Aged to perfection, it offers a smooth, warm finish with a hint of spice. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Balcones Pot Still Bourbon delivers a truly authentic and unforgettable whiskey experience.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Angel’s Envy Bourbon is a masterfully crafted, small-batch bourbon that stands out from the crowd with its unique ruby port wine barrel finishing. This process imparts a rich complexity, blending classic bourbon flavours of vanilla, maple syrup, and oak with velvety hints of ripe fruit, toasted nuts, and subtle spice. Smooth and well-balanced, it offers a lingering, luxurious finish. Perfect for savouring neat or elevating your Christmas cocktails, Angel’s Envy is a testament to innovation and tradition, designed for whiskey enthusiasts seeking an exceptional experience.
1792 Small Batch Bourbon
Bold and sophisticated, 1792 Small Batch Bourbon whiskey is a distinctly different bourbon. Distilled with 1792’s signature ‘high rye’ mash bill, it delivers a robust flavour profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and rich toffee, balanced by subtle spice and oak. Its smooth, complex character is complemented by a lingering, warm finish. Perfect neat, on the rocks, or in a Christmas party cocktail, 1792 Small Batch is a celebration of tradition and innovation, offering a timeless bourbon experience for discerning palates.
Woodford Reserve Distillers Select Bourbon
Multi award-winning Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon is a meticulously crafted, bourbon whiskey made in small batches at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky. This bourbon offers a rich tapestry of flavours, including sweet vanilla, dried fruit, toasted oak, and a hint of spice. Its velvety texture and long, satisfying finish make it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks or in a seasonal ‘Old Fashioned’ to impress your party guests this Christmas.
Kentucky Owl – The Wise Man’s Bourbon
Showcasing the pinnacle of bourbon craftsmanship, Kentucky Owl – The Wise Man’s Bourbon (Batch 10) is a masterful blended bourbon, bottled at cask strength. With its deep, layered flavour profile, this special batch offers notes of rich caramel, spiced oak, and hints of dark chocolate, balanced by a subtle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. The smooth, full-bodied character leads to a lingering, elegant finish. Perfect for savouring neat, this limited-edition bourbon is a tribute to tradition and expertise, crafted for connoisseurs seeking an extraordinary whiskey experience.
Basil Hayden – Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a refined, approachable bourbon whiskey that combines tradition with a lighter, more delicate profile. Crafted in the heart of ‘bourbon country’ in Clermont, Kentucky with a unique ‘high rye’ mash bill, it offers a harmonious blend of sweet caramel, dried fruit, and warm baking spices, balanced by a gentle hint of peppery rye. Smooth and easy to sip, its crisp, clean finish makes it an ideal gift for both bourbon newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Timeless sophistication in every pour.
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbon (2024)
Blanton’s Straight from The Barrel Bourbon (2024) is an uncompromising expression of strength and flavour, bottled unfiltered for the ultimate bourbon whiskey experience. Each sip reveals a bold complexity with rich notes of dark chocolate, toasted oak, caramel, and spiced vanilla, balanced by a hint of dried fruit. Its full-bodied character leads to a long, warming finish, making it perfect for savouring neat. A rare and powerful bourbon, Blanton’s Straight from The Barrel is crafted for true bourbon connoisseurs.
