Whisky Christmas buying guide
Decanter|January 2022
The world of whiskies has exploded in recent years. Here’s our pick of the latest and best, with recommendations for those who want to give gifts (or drop hints) that go beyond the mainstream
RICHARD WOODARD
Whisky Christmas buying guide

Whisky fans can be a grumpy bunch at times, often far too fond of luxuriating in a kind of moany nostalgia – the idea that whisky was ever-soslightly better in the past, and that anything touted as ‘innovative’ should be viewed with suspicion or outright hostility. Which is a shame, because the world of whisky has arguably never been as exciting as it is today.

When you find you’re tasting new whisky from Wales (Aber Falls) and Mexico (Abasolo) on the same day, you know there’s something afoot. There are impressive whiskies being made right now in New Zealand, France, Denmark, Taiwan – and yes, even, to the horror of some Scots, England. A new £109m malt whisky distillery, Emeishan, is starting up in China’s Sichuan Province as you read this.

But far from falling complacently into the role of tired old relative, the historic leading whisky brands in Scotland, Ireland and the US are fighting innovation with innovation, creativity with creativity. A new wave of iconoclastic distillers is shaping fresh styles and exciting flavour profiles, while established producers are embracing change at every stage of the whisky-making process.

How you view this cornucopia of whisky riches when it comes to planning for Christmas depends on your view of the world. Visit a specialist website such as The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt and the thousands of products on offer can make your head spin, but it only becomes a minefield if you forget this: you are in control.

WHAT TO BUY

Start offwith a simple question: what’s the purpose of the whisky you’re buying? Is it a gift for a loved one, a bottle to share at a party, or is it just a treat for you and yours?

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2022 من Decanter.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2022 من Decanter.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من DECANTER مشاهدة الكل
Wine lover's guide to ALSACE
Decanter

Wine lover's guide to ALSACE

Pretty postcard villages, delicious food, fascinating history and, of course, excellent wines - this beautiful northeastern corner of France has everything a wine lover could ask for

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
José Pizarro does Christmas Spanish style
Decanter

José Pizarro does Christmas Spanish style

In a Decanter exclusive, the celebrated chef offers up an alternative menu for the seasonal celebration

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
Perfect whiskies for wine lovers at Christmas
Decanter

Perfect whiskies for wine lovers at Christmas

What better gift could there be for a wine and whisky lover than a whisky matured in barrels previously used for wine? Our selection of 12 great bottles shows just why it can be a match made in heaven

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
WHITE CHATEAU
Decanter

WHITE CHATEAU

Hitherto a bit-part player, the white wines of this celebrated southern Rhône region are well placed to find themselves increasingly in the spotlight, as a result of the changing climate conditions. Our Rhône expert recommends 20 of his favourite examples to seek out

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
Chablis 2023
Decanter

Chablis 2023

Variable weather made it challenging at times, but a late hot spell came to the rescue, resulting in plenty of good wines for drinking and for keeping. Having tasted almost 400 Chablis 2023 wines, our expert selects 30 of his favourites, along with five from top producers in neighbouring crus

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
Looking BACK, looking AHEAD
Decanter

Looking BACK, looking AHEAD

As 2024 draws to a close, we asked eight of our regular contributors to nominate their most memorable wine experiences of the year and to reveal what they're anticipating most in their plans for 2025

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
25 TOP SYRAH/SHIRAZ REDS
Decanter

25 TOP SYRAH/SHIRAZ REDS

Two names, a multitude of personalities. For almost two centuries, Syrah has been woven into the fabric of the southern hemisphere's wine world. Today, it makes some of the most exciting and terroir-expressive wines to be found south of equator, with a growing shift towards single-site bottlings

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
A Resource for the World? - Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation's borders
Decanter

A Resource for the World? - Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation's borders

Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation’s borders

time-read
8 mins  |
September 2024
Great Cabernets of South America
Decanter

Great Cabernets of South America

Other varieties may hog the limelight across South America, but the world’s most popular grape for red wines has played a critical role in the continent's wine heritage. We trace Cabernet Sauvignon’s story here, and recommend 16 benchmark wines to try

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
PROVENCE by train and bike
Decanter

PROVENCE by train and bike

With rail links to Paris, Nice, Marseilles and beyond, a vast network of cycle paths and quiet roads, and a plethora of historic wine estates, Provence is an ideal destination for an eco-friendly, car-free and carefree) holiday

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024