Well it is that time of the year to scratch one’s head and wonder, “What would be a great present for the Scotch Aficionado on my shopping list?”  Or better yet use this list to drop hints for those buying Scotch-y gifts for YOU.

In no particular order here are a few items or experiences that would be welcome around my house:

2. 2.A gift subscription to Malt Advocate (1 year, 4 issues, $18) or Whisky (1 year, 8 issues, $44.95) magazines. Each has its fans, but either would

   

   make a great gift and help your Scotch fan keep up on the latest releases and ratings.
   

3. 3.Flasks. Not many things are as cool as a really nice Whisky Flask. When your whisky enthusiast goes to the big sports competition or out on a hike in the great outdoors, nothing brings a smile to the lip and warmth to the heart like a dram of a favorite whisky from a really nice flask. Price ranges can vary greatly depending on the size and material

   

   , but some beauties can be found here at Hip Flask London. The pictured flask is £26.00 plus shipping.
   

4. 4. Books. Well there are lot of great books on Whisky.
   

Here are a few of my favorites in two categories:

1. A) References:
   

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2011 Edition, $14.00

Michael Jackson’s Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, 6th Edition, $19.77

2. B)History and general information:
   

Michael Jackson’s Whiskey, The definitive world guide

This was published in 2005 and is still a beautiful introduction to Whisk(e)y

Lovely photos and the great prose by the late Mr. Jackson. $29.70

Charles MacLean’s malt whisky $24.95 in paperback, also available in hardcover

5. Webzine: This one is Free! There is a whisky social network that has a very nice online magazine called Connosr: Distilled

The latest issue features two of my favorite purveyors of whisky, both staunch individualists: John Glaser of Compass Box Whisky Company; and the owner/master distiller of a tiny French distillery, Glann Ar Mor, Jean Donnay. Clue your whisky drinker in on this website and reap the rewards of a job well done.

6. 6.Glassware. There is much debate on the best glass from which to drink whisky, but if your are tasting and nosing, pretty much one glass is the accepted standard, the Glencairn glass. Now I have to say that these are a bit pricey anywhere you buy them but they are quite durable and the unique shape

   

   concentrates the aroma, or nose of the whisky perfectly. About $7 each, depending on quantities ordered.
   

7. 7.A trip to Scotland touring Scotch Distilleries and the unbelievably beautiful countryside.  OK, this gift has to be for someone really special on your list, but it will be an unforgettable adventure for the Whisky enthusiast. One such tour is the Luxury Whisky Tour October 9-19, 2011 $4325 per person. This includes stops at Glengoyne, Auchentoshan, Glengyle, Springbank, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Oban, Ben Nevis and Tomatin Distilleries. For informantion e-mail Janet at info@thistledubh.net or call 925-303-4008.
   

$50 Dollars off on you tour price if you mention the BUMS when you

contact Janet

•Transportation via luxury Mercedes coach with dedicated driver/guide, ferry, and steam train

•Tour limited to 22 guests

•Scotch whisky expert Ray Pearson with you every step of the way...dram by dram

•Personalized tours of 10 distilleries

•Private behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at the Loch Fyne Oyster Company

•The haunting skirl of the bagpipes, tales of Drambuie & Jacobites during a

      private evening in Inverness

•Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

•Private dinner at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Vaults with cask strength whiskies

… and Scotland’s incredible scenery ~ from desolate moors to vibrant city centers and everything in-between

Wish I was going...moving on.

8. 8.Whisky Soaps. Yeah it sounds a little strange but you’ve got to admit its unique.
   

from Royal Mile Whiskies

The Bruichladdich bar is a  handmade soap and uses scrapings from the inside of charred Bruichladdich casks and has a smokey oaky aroma. Also available in Ardbeg, Glen Moray and Laphroaig fragrances.

9. Scotch of the Month Club. Well if the Scotch Drinker on your list doesn’t mind getting a little surprise each month, this is one way to try new Single Malts without doing much research. This one costs about $87 per month and can be bought in 3,6,9 an 12 month memberships. Check it out here.

10. 10.A Quaich. According to Wikipedia, The origin of quaichs in Scotland is traced to the Highlands; it was not until the end of

    

    the 17th century that they became popular in such large centers as Edinburgh and Glasgow. The silversmiths of such local guilds as Inverness and Perth frequently mounted them in silver, as may be seen from the hall-marks on the existing examples.
    

These vessels were used in Scottish households for welcoming visitors, consummating deals and as loving cups to be passed around to all. We use a pewter Quaich to begin our tasting gatherings of the BUMS.

Here’s a nice one that includes a miniature of a bottle of Macallan for $65.90 plus shipping.

Well, hope that helps make your Holiday Shopping a little easier and let the dramming begin.

Slainte!