The Best Whiskies and Cognacs for Sipping and Gifting

It is better to give than to receive. Or so the saying goes. But what better way to give, than to gift something that can be opened and shared, so both giver and receiver can enjoy some conviviality and shared hospitality? That, surely, is the very best type of present. And for this, you need look no further than some wonderful bottles of whisky and cognac, which make perfect gifts for those all-important moments of celebration and presents that allow you to be present.

Best for the flavour-curious:  HIBIKI 21-YEAR-OLD

In 1923, Shinjiro Torii opened Japan’s first whisky distillery, Yamazaki. His company, Suntory, is now the leading producer of fine Japanese whisky, and from their three key distilleries of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, they craft their Hibiki blend. What sets Hibiki apart from other blended whiskies is their foresight to long maturation (the label has just released the oldest-ever Japanese blended whisky, the Hibiki 40-year-old), as well as the use of rare Mizunara oak casks. Mizunara oak, or the ‘naughty oak’ as Japanese whisky makers call it, grows short and gnarly, and is very hard to make casks from. Fewer than 200 are produced a year, and the resulting mature whisky from Yamazaki, which sits for over 21 years in cask to develop fully, carries distinct notes of oud, sandalwood and palo santo. Hibiki 21 showcases this style brilliantly, balancing it out with a touch of smoke from the malt made at Hakushu, too.

Hibiki 21, £795

Best for the adventurous soul: THE MACALLAN

Famed Highland single malt distillery The Macallan, which celebrates 200 years of production this year, has released two  new expressions, adding to its Harmony Collection. As part of the distillery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, they have forged a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, who have been showcasing their talents at unique performances on the distillery’s estate in Scotland. Of the two releases, both of which are bottled at 44.2% abv and come under The Macallan’s Harmony Collection series, the Vibrant Oak expression has been matured in a combination of first-fill American and second-fill sherry seasoned oak casks and  is available for purchase in good whisky shops. The second bottling, Guardian Oak,  is available in duty-free. As with all whiskies from The Macallan, the liquid carries natural colour, all derived from time maturing in the highest quality oak casks, for which the distillery has become so famous. Both are extra-special bottles that would make fantastic gifts.

The Macallan

Best for alpine vibes: JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL ICE CHALET

Johnnie Walker’s brilliant Blue Label whisky has partnered with ski brand Perfect Moment for a fabulous, limited edition expression called Blue Label Ice Chalet. The iconic Johnnie Walker square bottle has been given an extra coat, literally, in the form of a winter-style reversible puffer jacket, perfect for the ski slopes. The deep blue sleek bottle bag doubles as a fashionable crossbody bag once the bottle is removed, and the whisky itself is a bespoke blend crafted from some of the rarest single malts in the Johnnie Walker portfolio. Walker has the largest collection of whisky in Scotland, with over  10 million casks of maturing whisky, and for this blend some of Scotland’s most northerly distilleries, including the renowned Brora and the highest distillery, Dalwhinnie,  were used.  These malts were aged during Scotland’s harshest winters, a period that refines their distinctive character, resulting in a whisky that captures the essence of the cold season’s luxury, with spiced fruits, warm vanilla and just a hint of smoke.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet, £345

Best for Sunday afternoon relaxing:  ABERFELDY

This wonderful single malt distillery, founded in 1898, produces some of Scotland’s most f lavoursome whiskies, which is often referred to as the ‘Golden Dram’, due to its distinctly honeyed character. With a real dedication to whisky production where long fermentations and slow distillations drive in flavour to the spirit, there is a patient approach applied  by Aberfeldy in every aspect of its whiskymaking process. Nowhere is this more evident than in the warehouse, where their Highland spirit is matured for longer than most. Aberfeldy’s use of sweet wine casks  is also a point of distinction, and their 22-year-old release from their Exceptional Cask series showcases a single malt that has aged long in oak, before a finishing period in white port casks. This rounds out the honey notes found in Aberfeldy and adds notes of peach, pear and apricot.

Aberfeldy, £218

Best for the wine lover:  GLENFIDDICH

Glenfiddich is one of the world’s most renowned single-malt whisky producers. Family-owned since 1886, it has established itself as one of the essential stops on any visit to the Speyside region and was the first to open a visitor centre in 1969. A famous name in the world of single malt Scotch whisky, it has also played a key role in the modern development of the category and can be lauded for being the first regularly commercially available single malt Scotch whisky globally. With such rich history, Glenfiddich continues to push boundaries and innovate within the world of single-malt Scotch.  Their latest release is the 31-year-old Grand Château, the newest limited-edition whisky in Glenfiddich’s Grand Series. This is the first release by the distillery to use red wine casks from the Bordeaux region, in which the liquid is finished for an extended period of nine years. For this release, Glenfiddich has collaborated with internationally renowned street artist, André Saraiva, who is recognised for his avant-garde expressions and has turned his hand to visualising the world of Grand Château in a brilliantly humorous and utterly mesmerising fusion of tradition and rebellion.

Glenfiddich 31 year old Grand Château, £1,595

Best for smoky whisky lovers: ARDBEG 17

The island of Islay, off Scotland’s west coast, is famed for producing smoky, peaty whisky. One of the most lauded distillers on the isle is Ardbeg, which was founded in 1815 and has a ferociously strong fan following. And it is to their delight, and that of all smoky whisky fans, that the distillery has relaunched its famous 17-year-old expression. First released over 25 years ago in 1997,  the famous ‘17’ as it became known, was discontinued in 2004 due to stock constraints. Since then, the warehouses have been restocked and the wait began. Some 17 years later, it has returned as an exclusive via the Ardbeg website, ready to whet the appetite for those who miss the whisky so much. If  you miss out, a great alternative is the Ardbeg 10-year-old, which delivers lovely soft peated and smoky notes. £160 for the 17-year-old, £38 for the 10-year-old.

Ardbeg 17, £160

Best for the foodie in your life:  THE GLENTURRET

Set along the banks of the River Turret, Glenturret is the oldest working distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1763, its location, near Crieff in the Perthshire region of Scotland, is one of the country’s most picturesque areas, and its whiskies reflect the natural beauty  of the place. Flavour is key to any whisky distillery, but not many can boast a Michelinstarred restaurant alongside their maturing casks of whisky – Glenturret’s kitchen holds two Michelin stars. The whisky here is looked after by Bob Dalgarno, formerly of The Macallan and a man whose reputation is writ large in Scottish whisky. He has brought the very best out of Glenturret’s whiskies, which are released on an annual batch basis, and his work is evident in their magnificent 15-year old. Rich and rounded with notes of praline and candied fruits, it is perfect for the foodie in your life.

The Glenturret, £165

Best fireside dram:  BERRY BROTHERS & RUDD THE PERSPECTIVE SERIES 1, 21-YEAR OLD BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Berry Brothers & Rudd, or simply ‘Berry’s’, has traded from the same shop at No.3 St. James’s Street since 1698. With a Royal Warrant to their name, they have supplied libations to the Royal family since 1760. Berry’s has bottled its own whisky since the mid-1800s, making it the oldest independent bottler of spirits still in existence. Their longstanding relationships with Scotch whisky distillers mean they have good stocks of well-matured whisky slumbering away, and this 21-year-old blend represents some of the finest picks from among these casks. This limited-release blend epitomises rich, smooth blended Scotch, with fruitcake notes and white chocolate hints from long-matured grain whisky. An absolute stunner of a whisky, from one of the most established bottlers in the game.

Berry Brothers & Rudd The Perspective series 1, 21- year old Blended Scotch Whiskey, £89

Best for non-whisky fans/art lovers: HENNESSY COGNAC VS

Hennessy is the name in the world of Cognac. So beloved is the brandy that one in every two bottles of Cognac sold has Hennessy written on the label. Despite being a French brandy, Hennessy’s roots are Irish, and the house is celebrating the 300th anniversary  of the birth of its Irish founder, Richard Hennessy with a new release. Hennessy was born in Cork, emigrated to Cognac and created the globally iconic Hennessy brand. The stunning design of the new Hennessy Very Special (VS) Founder’s Edition has been signed by Irish artists Maser and Conor Harrington to create an historic, colourful and art-led bottle. For this release, the artists travelled to Cognac, immersing themselves in the culture and heritage of Hennessy. This ‘VS’ edition works brilliantly served simply over ice, or mixed into a classic cocktail such as a Side Car or cognac Old Fashioned.

Hennessy Cognac VS, £40