Gifts for whisky lovers
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Whisky fans are usually particular about what’s in the bottle, which makes buying the bottle itself a gamble. The safer, more personal route is everything around it: a glass with their name on, a way to try something new in small measures, or a day out learning how it’s made.
Engraved whisky glasses
A Big Measures whisky tumbler with their name
A chunky bubble tumbler engraved with a tongue-in-cheek scale of “measures” and their name on the front. It’s a light-hearted gift for the person who always says they’ll just have a small one.
About £11.99.
A measures glass where you write every line
The fully personalised version lets you write each measure yourself, so you can fill it with family in-jokes, their nickname or the names of their favourite distilleries. Good when you want the glass to sound exactly like them.
About £11.99.
An Old Western whisky glass for a cowboy-film fan
A saloon-style design, engraved with their name, for someone who likes a dram while watching a classic western. A fun alternative to the usual measures joke.
About £11.99.
A boat-design glass for a sailor who enjoys a dram
An engraved bubble glass with a boat design and their name, suitable for any drink. A thoughtful pick for someone who loves sailing, fishing or just life by the coast.
About £11.99.
A stag-do whisky glass for the groom
Engraved with a stag-do design and the groom’s name, this makes a good keepsake for a whisky-loving groom, handed over at the start of the weekend.
About £11.99.
Exploring new drams
Whisky miniatures paired with good dark chocolate
A tasting set of small bottles lets them try several regions or styles without committing to a full bottle. Add a bar of good dark chocolate, which pairs well with a smoky or sherried dram, and you have a relaxed evening’s tasting.
A tasting journal for their whisky notes
A notebook with space for each whisky’s nose, palate and finish. Serious enthusiasts love keeping a record, and it makes every future bottle a bit more of an occasion.
A day out
A distillery tour, in Scotland or closer to home
There are distilleries all over the UK now, not just in Speyside and Islay, and most run tours with a tasting at the end. Book one with lunch nearby and offer to drive, which is a present in itself.
How to choose a whisky gift
Start by working out what they already drink. Look at the bottles in their cupboard, or ask a partner or friend. Someone who loves peaty Islay malts will enjoy different things from a fan of smooth Irish whiskey, sweet American bourbon or delicate Japanese blends, and a tasting set that covers a style they’ve never tried is a much safer bet than guessing at a full bottle.
Engraved glasses are the most personal option at this price, and they work for almost anyone who enjoys a dram. Get the name and any message exactly right, because they’re made to order and can’t be swapped. If you have a little more to spend, combine a glass with a miniature of something new, or tuck a handwritten note inside suggesting a distillery you could visit together next year.
For a milestone, a whisky from the year they were born, or one aged for the same number of years as the birthday or anniversary, makes a thoughtful headline present. Specialist merchants can help you find one, and they’ll often gift-wrap it too.
A note on drinking well
A good whisky gift should encourage someone to slow down and enjoy a small measure, not drink more. Avoid novelty “drinking games” kits and giant-sized bottles, and if you’re buying for someone who’s cutting back, a beautiful glass for a single Friday-night dram, or an alcohol-free spirit, is a kind and thoughtful choice.
More personalised ideas: Engraved glasses at You Personalise · Birthday cards at Lush Lobster
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