Cheers to the Season: Premium Scotch Whiskies for Every Festive Moment

Scotch whisky brings character and a sense of occasion to any festive celebration. Carefully crafted to suit every taste – from whisky newcomers to seasoned Scotch fans – this curated selection invites whisky drinkers around the world to savour the season in style. 

 

From the timeless character of Bowmore® and the bold intensity of Laphroaig®, to the exquisitely balanced Ardray® and the smooth taste of Auchentoshan®, each bottle offers a distinctive perspective on flavour, tradition and craftsmanship. 

 

BOWMORE 18-YEAR-OLD SHERRY OAK CASK 

Ideal for discerning whisky enthusiasts who value timeless quality, this is a gift to be savoured slowly, much like the years it took to create. The rich flavours of citrus, dark chocolate and coastal peat make it a warm and inviting choice for cold winter nights. 

A masterfully matured Islay single malt crafted from a selection of the distillery’s most expressive spirits, each aged for at least 18 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry casks. Expertly balanced and wonderfully complex, it is bold yet refined – a true reflection of Bowmore’s enduring character and unmistakable Islay style.  

Aroma: Citrus‑bright with ripe pineapple and orange, underpinned by dark chocolate, cocoa and coastal peat. 

Taste: Fruity, nutty and spiced: raisins, orange peel, sultanas, anise, nutmeg, toffee and cocoa, balanced with gentle smoke. 

Finish: Long, fruity and spicy with oak dryness, peat, tar and lingering brine. 

Bottled at: 43% ABV 

RRP: £175 

Where to buy: Whisky specialists and luxury retailers, including The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt. 

 

BOWMORE 19-YEAR-OLD - PINOT NOIR CASK FINISH 

For those flying home this year, this global travel retail exclusive whisky celebrates the fusion of Islay’s distinctive character with the elegance of Europe’s renowned wine regions.  

The Bowmore 19-Year-Old is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in hand-selected Pinot Noir casks from Burgundy, offering a subtly smoky, well-rounded single malt, with complex toasted and caramelised notes – an elegant reflection of both its Islay roots and Burgundian influence. 

This unique whisky brings elegance and sophistication to winter gatherings, with the fusion of smoky and wine-infused flavours evoking a sense of celebration and warmth, ideal for festive toasts.  

Nose: Green apple, orange zest, pistachio, honey and subtle coastal smoke with red-plum complexity. 

Palate: Crisp apple, brioche, grapefruit, cherry and caramel, evolving into spice, dark chocolate and gentle smoke. 

Finish: Medium length, with dried fruit and spices, gentle peat, citrus peel and wine‑tinged tannic dryness. 

Bottled at: 43% ABV 

RRP: £149 

Where to buy: Exclusively in global travel retail and select duty-free locations. 

 

LAPHROAIG 10-YEAR-OLD 

 

 

One of the world’s most distinctive Islay single malts – bold, peaty and full of maritime character – Laphroaig 10-Year-Old remains a favourite for peated whisky lovers around the globe. 

A classic in the drinks cabinet and an enduring Islay icon, it’s the perfect dram for those who appreciate a whisky with bold character and unforgettable taste. Its robust and smoky profile makes it a standout choice for winter nights. 

Aroma: A bold medicinal smoke of iodine, seaweed and tar with undercurrents of honey, crème brûlée and orchard fruit. 

Taste: Medium‑bodied and oily, starting with charcoal, grilled pork belly, sea‑salt and honeyed orange peel evolving into ash, liquorice and sweet cereals. 

Finish: Long and drying, dominated by smoked meat and charcoal, bitter dark chocolate notes, maritime brine and lingering phenolic intensity. 

Bottled at: 40% ABV 

RRP: £42 

Where to buy: Laphroaig.com, the distillery Visitor Centre and select specialist retailers, including The Whisky Shop. 

 

LAPHROAIG ELEMENTS 3.0 

 

 

A true collector's item, this experimental whisky is perfect for the adventurous whisky lover. Its unique origin story and intensely smoky character make it a conversation starter at any seasonal gathering.  

The third instalment in the experimental Elements series, Elements 3.0 was born from an unexpected fire in the distilleries kiln, which caused the peat to burn for longer and at much higher temperatures than usual. This fortuitous event led to a profoundly smoky spirit, with unexpected depth and complexity. 

Aroma: Charcoal, chocolate and spice. Deep smouldering charred peat notes layered with a wash of maritime brine. Sweet and citrusy; vanilla, lemon zest and butterscotch. A hint of cinnamon spice, plums and dates draws you in and invites you to take a sip. 

Taste: A roar of intense peaty characters which tingle and warms the palette, intermingled with notes of roasted cocoa beans and bitter dark chocolate. As the rich phenolic characters subside, a tangy fruitiness comes to the fore with the introduction of blackberry, plum, and gooseberry notes with indulgent characters of a crème brûlée. 

Finish: Long lasting and drying, with elongated notes of iodine, leather and sooty chimney smoke. 

Bottled at: 55.3% ABV 

RRP: £170 

Where to buy: Laphroaig.com, the distillery Visitor Centre and select specialist retailers, including The Whisky Shop. 

 

GLEN GARIOCH 12-YEAR-OLD 

 

 

Crafted with care since 1797, this non-chill filtered 12-Year-Old Highland single malt draws its distinctive character from a classic marriage of bourbon and sherry casks. The result is a beautifully balanced whisky, with the malt’s natural sweetness and vibrant fruitiness elevated by fresh heather, poached pears, and a gentle touch of oak, wrapped around its classic barley core. 

This whisky's rich and inviting profile makes it a perfect choice for festive gatherings.  

Aroma: The colour of sharp honey, on the nose heathery floral notes are balanced with the richness of poached pears and the sweetness of malted barley. 

Taste: Crème brûlée and sweet ripe banana at first, then comes a light oakiness with pear fruitiness. 

Finish: Long smooth, creamy and fragrant finish. 

Bottled at: 48% ABV 

RRP: £40 

Where to buy: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop. 

 

GLEN GARIOCH 1797 FOUNDER’S RESERVE  

 

 

Embrace the heritage and craftsmanship of Glen Garioch with this unpeated Highland single malt – a tribute to founding brothers John and Alexander Manson and a cornerstone of the distillery’s legacy. Distilled in the rugged Scottish Highlands since 1797, Founder’s Reserve offers a bold, yet approachable, introduction to Glen Garioch’s style. 

Crafted to showcase the natural character of the region’s barley and pure water, it delivers notes of creamy vanilla, heather honey and a gentle spice. 

Aroma: Warm amber in appearance, sweet vanilla and subtle spice combine with fruitier green apple and grapefruits on the nose. 

Taste: Butter cream and vanilla pave the way to fruity green apple skin and citrus cleanliness. 

Finish: Long, elegant and subtle finish, leaving a pleasing aftertaste of sweet fruit and lingering spice. 

Bottled at: 48% ABV 

RRP: £34.50 

Where to buy: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop. 

 

ARDRAY BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Ardray is an award-winning blended Scotch whisky, crafted in collaboration between Suntory’s Scottish and Japanese blending teams. Inspired by the elegance of 1920s Scotch, it combines fine grain and malt whiskies to deliver a rich and creamy mouthfeel, with remarkable depth. 

This non-chill filtered and beautifully balanced blend is a testament to the international partnership and craftsmanship. With hints of apple, pear, and soft smokiness, this spirit offers a versatile and sophisticated gift for whisky lovers. 

Aroma: Hints of apple, pear, and plum overlay a soft savoury smokiness, with subtle notes of oregano and clementine. 

Taste: Gentle floral and citrus fruitiness provide lightness and elegance, which gradually give way to a silky vanilla custard creaminess. Complex, multi-layered, and rich mouthfeel. 

Finish: Long-lasting, with a mellow, cushioning sweet smokiness and soft hints of white pepper and oregano. 

Bottled at: 48% ABV 

RRP: £60 

Where to buy: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange. 

 

AUCHENTOSHAN THREE WOOD 

 

 

The award-winning Auchentoshan Three Wood is a smooth and bold single malt Scotch whisky, triple matured in ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez casks. This distinctive ageing process imparts rich layers of toffee, dried fruit and sherry sweetness, making it a versatile dram – equally enjoyable neat, over ice or in a refreshing highball, making it a great addition to any holiday celebration. 

Aroma: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin notes. 

Taste: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity. 

Finish: A fresh and fruity, smooth whisky with long lasting oaky sweetness. 

Bottled at: 43% ABV 

RRP: £48 

Where to buy: Specialist whisky retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt. 

 

AUCHENTOSHAN 12-YEAR-OLD DOUBLE CASK 

 

 

The Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Double Cask is a refined and bold whisky, triple distilled to deliver Auchentoshan’s signature smoothness and exceptional delicacy. It is double matured in ex-bourbon American oak and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, crafting a beautifully balanced profile, enriched with subtle fruit notes and a depth of flavour that unfolds with every sip. This makes it an excellent starting point for those new to whisky, offering complexity without being overwhelming.  

Aroma: Aromas of sweet pastry to the nose with a burst of citrus, signature nuttiness and green leafiness. 

Taste: A smooth whisky taste with sweet vanilla notes along with hints of hazelnut, tangerine and lime. 

Finish: A gingery and slightly dry finish with a pleasant, lingering nuttiness.  

Bottled at: 40% ABV 

RRP: £38 

Where to buy: Specialist whisky retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop.