We Found the Most Authentic Whiskey Gifts for Your Rye-Loving Guy or Gal
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Did you know Frank Sinatra loved his Jack Daniels so much, he was buried with a bottle of Old No. 7? That's how passionately whiskey lovers feel about their favorite brown liquor. They know what they like, and more significantly, they know what they don't, which can make finding the best whiskey gifts hard.
In the same way not all scotch is created equal, a whiskey fan can be drawn to the “water of life” for many different reasons, and need their whiskey gifts to suit their preferences. Is their drinking style more midcentury New York chic, or rugged Old West cowboy? Do their lips stick to strictly Irish whiskeys, or do they have more of a globe-trotting palate?
If shopping for that whiskey-loving buddy has you over a barrel, we have you covered with 30 whiskey gifts that they'll actually use. From tools to refine their favorite cocktail to scented soaps and scrubs for sober hours, exploring centuries of whiskey history or unwinding at the end of a long day, there's something here for every barrel-aged aficionado.
Large Ice Ball Mold (2-Pack)
Why have your person settle for traditional, square-shaped ice cubes when they can upgrade to super cool spheres instead? These ice-ball molds makes two large circular ice cubes, so you can ensure their favorite dram is chilling in style.
Plus, spherical ice cubes have less surface area and melt slower than traditional ice cubes, so your whiskey lover's drink won't get diluted.
More: 5 Best Nugget Ice Makers
Urban Map Glass
Let's say your whiskey-sipping pal doesn't confine their consumption to their hometown. If they've bounced around pubs across the country, or even the world, then shouldn't there be a way to reflect that in their home bar setup? Now they can commemorate their favorite locales with these glasses etched with maps of iconic cities.
They can pour a bourbon in Brooklyn, sip a whiskey sour in San Francisco, and even mix up a La Louisiane in St. Louis, all without ever leaving the house.
Soapstone Whiskey Stone Gift Set
Let your whiskey lover enjoy a sustained chill all night long with this whiskey stone gift set. After a few hours in the freezer, these natural soapstone cubes will chill whiskey in just 5 minutes.
This set includes nine soapstone whiskey rocks and a pair of metal tongs, along with a velvet pouch and gift box for storage.
Personalized Whiskey Barrel
If your friend prides themselves on their basement or backyard bar, there's no better addition to their decor than this custom cask.
But make no mistake: This personally branded compact barrel isn't just for show. It has a functional bung and spigot to allow for aging and serving its owner's favorite spirits.
Tennessee Whiskey Coffee
Looking for a gift to surprise someone who loves both whiskey and coffee? Kill two birds with one stone with this delicious Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Coffee.
It's infused with plenty of whiskey flavor for added richness, but with none of the alcohol — meaning, this java won't actually get them buzzed.
More: 35 Hottest Gifts For Coffee Lovers Every Caffeine Fiend Needs
Cocktail Smoking Box
Adding an element of smoke to any spirit can drastically impact its aroma, taste, and personality. Of course, there are plenty of cocktail smoking devices out there, from simple butane guns to massive tubes that resemble the Ghostbusters' backpacks.
Yet, none of those have the panache of this sleek and elegant cocktail smoking box, which can house two drinks at once for... special company.
Rauk Heavy Tumbler
Some glasses just feel really good in the hand, and this Rauk Heavy Tumbler from Norlan wins the prize. With a good amount of heft, a chunky base, and gorgeous pressed molten crystal construction, it's no wonder that whiskey drinkers consider this Icelandic pick to be the perfect heavy tumbler.
Scotch-Infused Chocolate Collection
Whiskey and chocolate — two guilty-pleasure indulgences that taste great together. But while you may have had “boozy candy” before, you’ve likely never had one as carefully crafted as this collection.
Designed to compliment the Dalmore single malt Scotch whiskey they’re each infused with, elements of vanilla bean, coffee, orange, and spiced ginger crumb each bring out different sides of the signature Scotch.
Scotch-Infused Toothpicks Gift Set
The toothpick is a very underrated tool: It's not only handy for an after-meal cleaning, but it's also functional accessory for rugged types. After all, would Clint Eastwood have looked as cool using dental floss?
Add some strong flavor to post-meal pickings with these bourbon-soaked toothpicks. This dram of dental hygiene offers a Kentucky kick with each pick that can both help with digestion and supply a nonchalant nightcap.
Metallica's Blackened X Willet Cask Strength Rye Whiskey
If your whiskey-drinking friend is also a music fan, they likely know Metallica’s hit cover of the Irish folk song “Whiskey in the Jar” by way of Thin Lizzy. But do they know they can actually taste Metallica in their drink?
This unique pairing first conceived by the band and master brewer Dave Pickering involved "sonically enhancing" the whiskey in the finishing stages by blasting the barrels with curated playlists of Metallica songs that were selected by the band to encourage movement within the casks. The result is a unique flavor that'll even make St. Anger go down smooth.
Dram in a Can Irish Whiskey (100-Milliliter 4-Pack)
The team at Two Stacks were determined to turn their backs on what they felt was an overly-automated distillery culture, and instead, return to the traditional Irish ways. Along the way, though, they managed to make a major innovation in the whiskey world: the dram in a can.
With an eye toward whiskey on-the-go for concerts, camping, or any time an outdoorsy-type might need a fix, Two Stacks managed to craft a 43% ABV whiskey that tastes just as good in the can as it does in a glass!
The Scotchfather T-Shirt
Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail said it best: "The Godfather is the sum of all wisdom." So, if you've got a friend who pairs every dram of Jameson with a quote from a Corleone, consider this homage to the crime movie classic that's also a pretty solid dad joke.
Mountain Elixirs Black Walnut Cocktail Bitters
If you're gifting someone who loves making craft whiskey cocktails at home, they'll need these delicious black walnut bitters from Strongwater Mountain Elixirs, stat.
Earthy, nutty, and perfect for adding to a classic Manhattan or iconic Old Fashioned, these popular handcrafted bitters are made with black walnut, cacao, and allspice.
Glencairn Whiskey Glass
The 21st century brought in a major innovation for whiskey drinkers, in the form of the Glencairn whiskey glass. Designed to accentuate the aromas of the whiskey for a fuller, more thorough tasting experience, the Glencairn design has been endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association, and is a must-own for any aficionado.
Whiskey Weather Crewneck Sweatshirt
Since there are plenty of ladies out there who love whiskey, give her something cozy to rock as she sips her favorite rye. This super soft, vintage-inspired crewneck will quickly become her new weekend go-to once the temperature drops. It's the perfect top for walking in a whiskey winter wonderland.
‘The Dead Rabbit Mixology & Mayhem: The Story of John Morrissey and the World’s Best Cocktail Menu’ by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry
We guarantee that no matter how many cocktail recipe books your friend has, they've never had one like this.
The team behind NYC's The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog published this concoction that's half whiskey cocktail recipes, half comic book telling the story of a rabbit-headed gangster let loose on the streets of gritty 1970s New York. Get tanked on a Dream Ticket and read the wildest ride this side of Tank Girl.
Longford Decanter & Four Glasses Set
The drinking culture of Ireland is about more than just what’s in the bottle: How it’s served and who you’re drinking with decides what’s a dull night and what’s “mighty craic.”
This elegant decanter and four glass set comes all the way from the shores of the Atlantic in Galway on a polished wooden tray, making it perfect for a party or a parting glass.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Do you know a classic film fan who’s also a searcher for good spirits? Get them a bottle of the only bourbon with “true grit,” Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Named for the Stagecoach star himself, John Wayne (often dubbed The Duke), Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a blend based on the bottles unearthed from Wayne’s own personal collection, tuned to his 1962 tasting notes. It’s perfect to help your cinephile friend unwind after they’ve had “the longest day.”
Tiki DOF Tumblers
Did you know that whiskey has a history of being a key component in tropical drinks? For the whiskey lover that loves being adventurous with their mixology, these crystal tiki glasses make the perfect gift. Two 12 oz. whimsical tiki-faced glasses come included in each set — and yes, they’re dishwasher safe.
Hair of the Dog Whiskey Handmade Bar Soap
If your giftee has some trouble getting up before high noon, help them wake up the outlaw way, with this whiskey-scented soap.
The Hair of the Dog Whiskey Handmade Soap Bar is an all-vegan assemblage of scented oils, with hints of whiskey, tobacco, and coffee that all add an extra kick to the morning shower. They'll come out smelling like a cowboy, ready to face the day ahead — whether it's good, bad or ugly.
Eco-Friendly Slate Drink Coasters (Set of 8)
Ever noticed that you got way more concerned about coasters once you were the one buying the furniture? The best gift you can give your beverage-loving buddy is a ring-free coffee table or bar. Try these simple, yet rustic natural stone coasters that can fit almost any decor or lifestyle.
Corkcicle Premium 9-Ounce Double Old-Fashioned Whiskey Glass
Ensure your friend's dark liquor is chilling in style with this clever Whiskey Wedge from Corkcicle. Designed to prevent pesky cubes from clinking around in your drink — or worse, hitting your lips to interrupt sips — these wedges melt slowly to ensure the drink retains its full flavor. No more watered-down nightcaps!
Irving Chrome Rim Crystal Lowball Tumblers
Mad Men may have been a critical rebuke of the nostalgic view of mid-century America, but it did make us all want to add a bit of 1960s chic to our decor and drinkware.
If your friend would look dapper with some mid-century modern flair in hand, get them a pair of these “roly-poly” chrome-rimmed tumblers, straight out of a ’60s ad agency.
Coffee Now, Bourbon Later Mug
We love a mug that keeps it real, and this cheeky pick is perfect for the coworker who loves bourbon almost as much as they love their essential cup of morning coffee. Get it in an 11- or 15-ounce size. This is the gift for those who really need that extra boost before Happy Hour.
Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey
A true whiskey devotee understands that presentation matters. After all, a unique bottle shape or label makes for a great piece of decor in any basement bar.
Whiskey fans and history buffs alike will appreciate the label design for Proclamation Whiskey. Named for the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, its label is modeled after the original proclamation itself, right down to the details — including utilizing a upper-case e of a different font, just as the original document had to use when the printing press ran out of the proper letter.
Sure, the whiskey inside is a smooth, bourbon-influenced blend with hints of brioche and custard, but we're mainly here for the historical trivia, right?
On Drinking
One of the most celebrated “outlaw poets” of mid-century American literature, Charles Bukowski covered many subjects in his near 50-year career. But one of his favorite topics, and arguably his muse, was alcohol (Cutty Sark, to be specific).
This collection of poems and missives offers a peek into the mind of one of America's most revered writers, and explores the ups and downs of a love affair with the beloved brown liquor.
Finnegan's Wake Lyrics Print
The word “whiskey” has its origins in the Gaelic term “uisce beatha,” or “water of life.” This sentiment is immortalized in the Irish folk song “Finnegan’s Wake,” wherein the titular Tim Finnegan’s wake becomes such a raucous brawl that whiskey spilled on the corpse, causing him to spring back to life.
These charming prints not only feature a verse from this famed folk song that would inspire James Joyce's final novel, but they even have a QR code that links to performances of the song itself.
American History Through a Whiskey Glass: How Distilled Spirits, Domestic Cuisine, and Popular Music Helped Shape a Nation by Harris Cooper
Whether they're an amateur historian or snoozed during social studies, Harris Cooper's American History Through A Whiskey Glass is sure to hook any liquor-loving reader.
Whiskey has played a huge role in American history, from George Washington’s own Mount Vernon distillery and the “Whiskey Rebellion” to the digging of the Eerie Canal and, of course, Prohibition.
Cooper offers the reader a pub crawl through eight periods of American history, as well as tasting notes for recommended whiskeys that represent each era.
Maraka Boston Shaker Set
Maybe we're just a sucker for pretty copper barware, but this hammered-copper Boston shaker is a stunner. The weighted base cup is an oversized 30 ounces, making this cocktail shaker great for mixing up more than two tasty whiskey cocktails at once. Best of all, it's durable and built to last, so it can take a hit if someone's bartending skills are a bit rusty.
Handcrafted Worcestershire Sauce
If your friends just drank for the buzz, they would drink anything. But a bourbon drinker imbibes for flavor that can only come from a rich barrel aging.
If they want some of that fine Kentucky flavoring to mix in their meals, look no further than this Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcester Sauce. It'll add a hint of whiskey to even something boring like breakfast.
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