As winter's embrace tightens and festive lights twinkle, there's something magical about sharing an exceptional whisky. This Christmas, we've curated four remarkable spirits that embody both luxury and warmth - perfect for sophisticated entertaining or those precious moments of solitary indulgence. While these selections represent exceptional craftsmanship, they remain within reach, each offering a unique expression of holiday opulence without breaking the bank.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend

This regal pour speaks of heritage and celebration. Created to honour Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, the Royal Salute 21 delivers waxed fruit and floral spices on the nose. The elegant glass flagon makes this blend as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate - an ideal centrepiece for holiday gatherings or a distinguished gift for the discerning whisky enthusiast.

£169.99 at www.masterofmalt.com

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

From Scotland's most awarded single malt distillery comes this masterful expression of time-honoured craftsmanship. The marriage of oloroso sherry and bourbon casks creates a symphony of oak, apple, and honeysuckle aromas. Rich notes of pear and raisins dance with subtle spices, culminating in a finish that embodies winter comfort.

£94.95 at www.masterofmalt.com

Bushmills 16 Year Old Port Finish

This Irish gem showcases the artistry of triple-cask maturation. The interplay of oloroso sherry, bourbon, and port casks yields an inviting nose of almond and toffee, while the palate unfolds with dark chocolate and dried fruit. It's the perfect companion for fireside contemplation or as a memorable finish to a festive feast.

£95.25 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.7 Single Malt

Bold yet refined at 52% ABV, this seventh release demonstrates contemporary luxury. The combination of Pedro Ximenez, oloroso sherry, and red wine casks creates an aromatic tapestry of fresh apricot and warm bread. The palate delivers velvety milk chocolate, warming spices of clove and cinnamon - quintessential Christmas flavours in liquid form.

£82.95 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

We’re not diving into full holiday mode just yet, but here at Whisky Marketplace HQ, we're definitely feeling the chill in the air and noticing the early sunsets. Naturally, our minds are drifting to cozy, fireside drams—the kind that warm you up from the inside out.

From the richly spiced Boann PX Finish Single Pot Still and the creamy depth of Penderyn Portwood to the bold, rye-forward character of Inchdairnie Ryelaw and the timeless warmth of Blanton’s Original, each of these whiskies is perfect for savouring as winter settles in. Ready to find your new favourite fireside dram? Read on!

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Boann PX Finish Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

The Boann PX Finish Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a true winter warmer, crafted with a nod to Ireland’s traditional pot still methods while drawing depth from Pedro Ximenez casks sourced from Bodegas Garvey in Jerez. This rich dram offers a cascade of warming spices that unfold like embers, balanced by a decadent dark chocolate richness and a savoury touch reminiscent of cured meats. All of this is wrapped in the comforting, sticky sweetness of dried fruits—perfect for sipping as the world outside grows cold and quiet.

£68.25 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Penderyn Portwood

The Penderyn Portwood, now crafted at a warming 46%, is made for cozy evenings. With its rich, creamy texture, this whisky starts its journey in bourbon casks before a final flourish in port barrels, adding layers perfect for a winter's night. On the nose, you’ll find inviting hints of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and a touch of toasty oak. The palate unfolds with smooth cream and honey, lightly spiced for depth. The finish is long and comforting, with whispers of oak and lingering honey sweetness—a perfect companion for the season.

£49.95 at www.abbeywhisky.com

Inchdairnie Ryelaw

Inchdairnie Ryelaw 2017 Single Grain Bot. 2022, made from a bold blend of 53% malted rye and 47% malted barley, brings a lively burst of spiced rye to the palate. Aged in new American oak, it offers aromatic notes of green peppercorns, warm woody spices, and a touch of soft vanilla. Flavours of malted milk biscuits and dried fruit follow, rounded out with an oily, smooth finish—ideal for savouring as the nights draw in.

£93.95 at www.htfw.com

Blanton’s Original

Blanton's Original is an old favourite that’s perfect for the season. Introduced in 1984 as the world’s first single-barrel bourbon, it set a high standard for the category and remains a classic choice. Aged in American white oak, it opens with inviting aromas of raisins and a hint of citrus and nutmeg. The palate follows with a cozy blend of subtly spiced caramel, toffee, and oak, leading to a smooth finish with lingering notes of cloves and vanilla—ideal for savouring as the days grow shorter.

£85.95 at www.abbeywhisky.com

We’ve been quite Scotch focussed in recent months. So this month we thought we’d turn our attention across the Irish Sea to a quartet of whiskeys from the Emerald Isle. An unusual Rye from Powers, something very special from Redbreast and a couple of Spots from that clever Mitchell clan.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Powers Irish Rye

Irish rye whiskey is a pretty rare thing. Bottled at 43.2% ABV, this whiskey offers a rich aroma of burnt orange, cherries, and vanilla. On the palate it has a peppery character balanced by a sweetness from being its maturation in American oak casks. Flavours develop with subtle notes of honey, ginger, and white pepper. Fantastic stuff!

£34.75 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Redbreast 27 year old

We love Redbreast whiskey, so this release has caused some excitement at Whisky Marketplace HQ. The 27-Year-Old Redbreast is a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, triple distilled and matured in bourbon, sherry and ruby port casks. Its aroma offers a succulent blend of exotic fruits such as mango, pineapple and blood orange, balanced with the scent of fresh herbs and toasted oak. The lavish, fruity palate teases with ripe red plums, black cherries and the kick of chilli oil, while the finish delivers a satisfying blend of ripe fruit and wood spices.

£509.95 at www.htfw.com

Blue Spot 7 Year Old

The Blue Spot 7 year old is a sophisticated example of Irish whiskey aged perfectly in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Madeira casks. This bold spirit opens with the refreshing aroma of tropical fruit, toasted hazelnut and a hint of spice. On the palate, it offers a complex blend of black pepper, toasted cinnamon, and sumptuous milk chocolate.

£88.95 at www.htfw.com

Gold Spot

Celebrating the seven generations of the Mitchell family - creators of the original Green Spot whiskey, the 13 Year Old Generations Edition Gold Spot has an arresting bouquet of oak, blackberry, and vanilla. The palate marries flavours of juicy stewed fruit, sweet jam, and fresh raspberry. This whiskey began its journey in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, concluding in Valpolicella Riciotto Italian wine casks for a unique flavour evolution.

£124.95 at www.htfw.com

At Whisky Marketplace, we love discovering exceptional bottles that stand out for their flavour, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. This month, our picks include a standout Irish whiskey and three remarkable Scottish single malts. From Jameson’s rich and smooth Black Barrel to innovative releases from Bowmore, Glenmorangie, and Ardbeg. Remarkable whiskies that offer something for every palate, from rich, full-bodied expressions to innovative collaborations.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Jameson Black Barrel

Jameson Black Barrel is a tribute to the craft of whiskey making, with barrels double-charred to unlock deeper flavors. On the nose, you'll find rich butterscotch, creamy toffee, and fudge. The palate follows with abundant nutty notes, balanced by sweetness from spice and vanilla. The finish is smooth and intense, with toasted wood and vanilla rounding out the experience. It's a perfect blend of complexity and smoothness that Jameson fans will relish.

£34.95 at www.htfw.com

Bowmore Aston Martin Master's Selection 2024 Release

A collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin, this 21-year-old Single Malt is a masterpiece. Double matured in Oloroso Sherry butts and Tawny Port casks, the whisky offers rich notes of dark fruits, heather honey, and spice. The palate is bold and complex, with roasted chestnuts, orange zest, and smoky peat. Its velvety mouthfeel and long, drying finish marries luxury and craftsmanship.

£424.95 at www.htfw.com

Glenmorangie Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto

This unique whisky is the result of a creative collaboration between Glenmorangie’s renowned whisky maker Dr. Bill Lumsden and Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto. Finished in Chardonnay casks for a bold, rich flavour. On the nose, you'll discover syrupy fruits like peach and pineapple, alongside earthy notes of burning oak and forest floor. The palate brings a sweet, waxy mouthfeel with flavours of poached pears, honeycomb, and lemon.

£1049.95 at www.htfw.com

Ardbeg Anthology #2 – The Unicorn’s Tale 2024

This whisky marries Madeira wine and ex-bourbon casks for a rich, sweet, and smoky flavour profile. Aromas of banana bread, treacle, and cedar-wood lead into a palate bursting with smoked fruit, lime zest, and aniseed. The whimsical finish lingers with notes of wood smoke, clove, and menthol. With its complex flavours and mythical inspiration, The Unicorn’s Tale is a bold choice for adventurous whisky drinkers.

£124.95 at www.abbeywhisky.com

Welcome to this month’s Staff Picks. As usual, we've curated four standout selections. We journey to the Isle of Arran with the Arran 11 Year Old Barrel Bonfire Signature Series Edition 2, next we’re off to Japan with Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries, followed by a trip to the Highlands with anCnoc 2007 13 Year Old - Spirit of Art 2020. Lastly, we stop off on Islay with the Ardbeg Vintage Y2K 23 Year Old - a taste of history, celebrating a new era of production from the millennium year.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Arran Barrel Bonfire - Signature Series Edition 2

Arran 11 Year Old Barrel Bonfire Signature Series Edition 2 is a rich, full-bodied single malt with a character steeped in bold peat flavours. Stewart Bowman's masterfully managed creation boasts an aroma of citrus and vanilla, wrapped in the heavily peated release's main note. 

£82.00 at www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk

Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries

Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries is a highly regarded blend of single malt whiskies from Japan's esteemed Chichibu and shuttered Hanyu distilleries. The aroma brims with delicate jasmine, almond, and earthy macadamia. The palate harmoniously merges the fruity qualities of Hanyu with the full-bodied richness of Chichibu, leading to a lingering finish of stone fruit and wood spice.

£110.00 at www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk

anCnoc 2007 13 Year Old - Spirit of Art 2020

anCnoc 2007 13 Year Old, Spirit of Art 2020. In the glass its aroma captivates with floral grassiness, interspersed with subtle hints of honey. On the palate, the profile sparks to life with intriguing notes of fruitiness, reminiscent of spicy cake mix and a touch of honey, rounded off perfectly with gentle spice. 

£150.00 at www.thewhiskyvault.com

Ardbeg Vintage Y2K (2000) 23 Year Old

Ardbeg Vintage Y2K 23 Year Old, a limited-edition single malt, symbolises a new era of production set in motion in the millennium year. Aged for 23 years in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this malt delivers an enchanting aroma of candied walnuts, lemon balm, and heather honey. Its complex flavour profile offers the intensive sweetness of linseed oil in perfect harmony with a sooty, rich peat smoke finish.

£669.95 at www.htfw.com

Explore this month's Staff Picks, featuring four exceptional whiskies. The bold Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, the exciting re-release Laphroaig 18 Year Old, the elegant Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 1, and the rich Morris Signature Australian Single Malt.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Dalmore Port Wood Reserve

The first of this months picks is the Dalmore Port Wood Reserve. Bold and richly flavoured at 46.5% ABV. Matured initially in American white oak bourbon casks, and later finished in port pipes, it is indused with a symphony of flavours. A nose of red berries, Seville oranges, and plums is followed by a palate of nectarines, creamy caramel and a hint of roasted chestnuts. The finish is rich, with notes of plums, raisins and cherrie

£74.95 at www.htfw.com

Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 1

Originally unveiled exclusively for travel retail in 2022, the Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 1 is a smooth, elegant whisky. This unique expression aged in European oak, American oak, and red wine casks, and presents a fragrant mix of wildflowers, summer blossom and a twist of citrus. On the palace, expect a mellow palate marked with notes of candied peel, a hint of black pepper and a splash of malt sweetness.

£84.90 at www.masterofmalt.com

Laphroaig 18 Year Old

This month see the re-release of Laphroaig 18 Year Old. With an ABV of 48%, this iconic whisky retains its signature smoky character even after 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels. Expect a rich aroma of seaweed, leather, and tobacco, followed by a palate of stewed fruit, crystallised ginger, and a hint of chocolate.

£175 at www.masterofmalt.com

Morris Signature Australian Single Malt

The Morris Signature is an Australian single malt whisky from Morris Distillery in Rutherglen, Victoria. Matured in fortified wine barrels, it teases the nose with the sweet aroma of orchard fruits, black cherries and shortbread biscuits. On the palate, it presents rich notes of marmalade, dark chocolate, and blackberries, creating a memorable example of Australian whisky craftsmanship.

£49.95 at www.htfw.com

A fabulous foursome of Scotch whiskies for your this month. Something a little arty from Glen Garioch bottled by Robert Graham. A superb 32 year old from the sadly silent Rosebank stills. An unusual expression from the folks at Ardbeg. And finally a Manzanilla finished dram from Wolfburn. These four whiskies each offer something special, whether it’s a connection to lost distilleries, innovative cask finishes, or artistic collaborations.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Glen Garioch 'The Court Of Redonda' Series One 2011 12 year old

First up is a delightfully artistic creation from Glen Garioch, bottled by the renowned Robert Graham company. Since 1874, Robert Graham has been a staple in Scottish whisky retail, and they began acquiring casks in 2002. Their latest venture, the Court of Redonda series, showcases a collaboration with artist Stephen Chambers. This particular Glen Garioch, a 12-year-old single malt from the 2011 vintage, is bottled at a robust 50% ABV. It's a beautifully crafted whisky that combines traditional distilling with a touch of artistic flair.

£129.95 at www.htfw.com

Rosebank 32 Year Old 3rd Release 1990

Next, we have a superbly aged expression from Rosebank, a distillery whose stills sadly fell silent many years ago. Fortunately, some of their precious stock remains, though it’s becoming increasingly rare. This 32-year-old gem, distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2023 at 47.6% ABV, is a testament to Rosebank’s enduring legacy. It’s a little piece of Scotch whisky history that every serious collector and enthusiast should experience.

£1999.95 at www.htfw.com

Ardbeg Spectacular - Ardbeg Day 2024

In a bold move, Ardbeg has ventured into port cask maturation with their Ardbeg Spectacular, released in celebration of Ardbeg Day 2024. Known for their peated spirits, Ardbeg has combined the smoky richness of their whisky with the sweet nuances of port wine casks. A portion of the spirit has also been aged in ex-Bourbon American white oak casks, the rest in port wine casks, resulting in a complex and intriguing profile. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, describes this whisky as "totally weird and absolutely spectacular," and I couldn't agree more.

£99.95 at www.htfw.com

Wolfburn Manzanilla Cask Finish

Finally, we have a fascinating expression from Wolfburn, finished in Manzanilla casks. Manzanilla, a type of Spanish sherry, imparts a unique character to the whisky. Wolfburn, known for using white American oak and ex-Oloroso casks for their core spirit, has given this dram an extra layer of complexity with its Manzanilla finish. This additional maturation period under the influence of Manzanilla wood creates a nuanced and refined whisky that's part of Wolfburn's esteemed cask finish series.

£69.95 at www.htfw.com

This month, our staff has handpicked exceptional whiskies for your enjoyment. From Glenmorangie's rich 14-year-aged expression, featuring a spectrum of flavors from fruitiness to dark chocolate, to Bruichladdich's farm-to-glass single malt with its juicy fruit and honey notes, each bottle promises a memorable tasting experience.

For a taste of American single malt excellence, try Westland's homage to Pilot barley, offering a blend of apple cider, chamomile tea, and almond flavors. And don't miss Nikka The Grain's creamy texture and complex aromas, blending Coffey grains and malts for a truly unique whisky journey. Enjoy our staff's curated selections and elevate your whisky experience this month!

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban - Giraffe Tin

Glenmorangie's tall stills produce a whisky that evolves from soft and fruity to deep and dark after 14 years in bourbon and port casks. It's a delicious journey of flavour combinations.

£69.95 at www.htfw.com

Nikka The Grain - Japanese Whisky

Nikka The Grain blends old Coffey grains and malts from Nishinomiya and Miyagikyo with Barley Grain and Corn & Rye spirits from Moji and Satsumatsukasa distilleries. Bottled at 48% ABV, it offers a creamy texture and complex aromas.

£199.95 at www.htfw.com

Westland Colere American Single Malt

Westland showcases its Pilot barley's character, with a subtle tea note infused in the whisky. Partially aged in oloroso hogsheads, it balances apple cider, chamomile tea, almond, milk chocolate, and lemongrass flavors.

£129 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014

Bruichladdich's Islay-grown barley yields a farm-to-glass single malt. Aged in bourbon, sherry, and wine casks, it offers juicy fruit, peach, popcorn, and honey notes with subtle coastal minerality.

£68.25 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

It would be fair to say that over the years we’ve changed our position on the adulteration of whisky. Simply put, we used to be strict whisky purists who considered putting anything other than a drop of water in whisky to be a crime. And as for cooling whisky in any way, we wouldn’t even speak to you if you mentioned it. Well things change, people move on and, frankly, we’ve become quite partial to the occasional whisky cocktail.

As any accomplished mixologist will tell you, one of the most important things to have in your cocktails store cupboard is a decent selection of bitters. And, for those of you who think the world of bitters begins and ends with Angostura Bitters, we have good news for you. There’s a vast array of bitters out there, in fact it’s a growth area.

Two producers who offer a high quality and varied selection are The Bitter Truth and Bitter Bastards, we’ve experimented with a number of their recipes and can recommend them. But these two are far from alone.

You can even have a go at making your own bitters. There are a number of excellent online articles that explain the method, for example this one on thekitchn.com A well chosen bitters can add that little touch of magic to your drinks. Think about the flavours in your base whisky and choose a bitters that will enhance or compliment them. For example, orange and chocolate go well with many whiskies so cocoa or orange bitters could be a good place to start.

Staff Picks - our choices for this month

Bitter Bastards Cocoa Bitters

You may have noticed that most of the companies producing bitters have used a play on the word "bitter" to come up with an amusing name. None more so than the Bitter Bastards! These cocoa bitters work very well in certain whisky cocktails, not least an Old Fashioned.

£9.95 at www.masterofmalt.com

The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters

Based on the famous New York bar tender's original recipe, these versatile bitters will add the finishing touch to a wide variety of cocktails - not just whisky cocktails.

£15.25 at www.masterofmalt.com

Bob’s Orange & Mandarin Bitters

Orange and whisky is a great flavour combination, so it's no surprise that Bob’s Orange & Mandarin Bitters are a useful addition to your whisky cocktail arsenal.

£12.16 at www.masterofmalt.com

Bitter Bastards Cask-Aged Whisky Bitters

Infused with cinnamon, two varieties of orange peel and clove, the mix is then put through a process of "rapid-maceration and centrifugal extraction" to illiminate unwanted flavours and enhance the good stuff. It's then finished in an american oak cask for four months. The result is a bitters perfectly suited to whisky cocktails.

£15.95 at www.masterofmalt.com

“Save the date for the opening of an innovative new distillery” cried the invite. “Aha!", I thought, "Another craft distillery with a gimmicky twist on production techniques.” What was it to be this time? Would the visitors centre be open before a drop of whisky had been matured? Was I to learn of an imaginative business plan that involved selling raspberry gin until the whisky is ready? And when the whisky goes on sale after three years, will it actually be ready?

If I sound jaded, it’s probably because I am. As exciting as crowd-funded micro-distilleries seemed two or three years ago, they are becoming so common place that I’m struggling to care about the latest grow-your-own-locally-sourced-organic-barley operation.

InchDairnie have shrouded themselves with secrecy and mystery to such an extent that the assembled crowd of journalists and bloggers I was accompanying had no more clue than me about what it was we were about to see. As we boarded the bus from the hotel to the distillery nothing could prepare us for what we were to encounter when we entered the drab industrial park on the edge of Glenrothes. Standing on a huge plot at one end of the park was a distillery so modern and imposing that you felt as though you were driving onto a James Bond set. Would a S.P.E.C.T.R.E. agent greet us on arrival? No.

We were, however, met by Ian Palmer and his charming business partner David Sloan. Ian has an intensity and directness that is striking and oddly inspiring. They didn’t show us round a visitors centre or ply us with whisky. Instead they took us on a tour of the most modern whisky production facility I have seen, currently running at 2,000,000 litre annual capacity but with the ability to quickly shift up to 4,000,000.

Every detail has been thought through - from a site layout that will facilitate easy future expansion to a distillery that uses the latest technology to maximise efficiency in both production and environmental terms. Many of the traditional tools of a distillery have been replaced by modern engineered equivalents. The familiar processes are all present but often in new guises. Other innovations include varying the type of barley and yeast at different times of the year to use seasonal ingredients and to produce flavour variation. It’s whisky making Jim, but not as we know it.

Ian explains all the business thinking behind these decision with remarkable honesty and candour. He is unashamedly unromantic and rational about whisky production.

Perhaps most importantly he outlines a business plan which will allow them to warehouse their whisky until it is ready. When asked if that would be in three, five or even eight years he smiles wryly and replies, “Not until it’s ready. Even if that’s fifteen years.” If they can deliver on that promise then this alone differentiates them from the rash of craft distilleries that has appeared recently.

I suggest to him that he doesn’t appear to be intending to make small batch, cask strength single malt to please whisky geeks and bloggers, but rather a large volume premium product that will grace the shelves of the larger retailers across the land. He assures me that I am correct and that the true value of the distillery won’t be realised in his lifetime. He is planting a tree that will take decades to grow. And it will be a big tree.

I find this refreshing.