Top 5 • 4 November 2025
5 of the best whiskies for Christmas 2025
Halloween's over — it's nearly Christmas!!! I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I can't wait for the start of November: it always signals the run-in to Christmas. Whether you're buying a gift, stocking up for the holidays or simply treating yourself, here are five whiskies I'd happily have on the shelf this festive season — from easy crowd-pleasers to a big, smoky showstopper.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
This bottle is a classic — and for good reason. Matured in oak and finished in sherry casks, it's all honeyed sweetness, rich vanilla and a whisper of spice. A reasonably-priced Speyside that won't disappoint, and a safe bet for almost anyone on your list.
GlenDronach 15 Year Old
A wonderful bottle of older, sherried Speyside. The 15 'Revival' is a proper sherry bomb — fresh orange and cherry, an oily palate of peppercorn, clove and nutmeg, and a long marmalade finish. At around £80 it's an elegant upgrade for a special evening.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Year Old
Something a little more unpredictable. This port-cask-finished Highlander leads with orange, marshmallow and dark chocolate — richer and more festive than the standard Glenmorangie, and a lovely after-dinner treat for anyone after something different.
Ardbeg Uigeadail
A beloved choice for anyone after a peaty dram this Christmas. Uigeadail piles earthy, medicinal smoke onto a layer of sherried sweetness — think bonfire and espresso with dark fruit — all at a warming 54.2%. Big, bold and brilliant.
“A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky” 2009 — 16 Year Old
This year's special release from The Whisky Exchange looks like a corker. A 16-year-old distilled in 2009, it promises everything you want from a Christmas dram — rich fruitcake, brandy butter and warming cinnamon and nutmeg. One for under the tree.
Whatever's in your glass this December, have a wonderful Christmas — sláinte!
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