Ten Gifts for the Single Malt Scotch Drinker

Scratching the old noodle again this year trying to figure out what to buy the Scotch drinkers on your holiday gift giving list? Fear not, help is at hand in the form of 10 Holiday Gifts for the Scotch Lover on your list.

The history of Scotland has a lot to do with the Whisky making, so this exciting take on the history of this beautiful land is key to the appreciation of fine whiskies. Last year I recommended a great series of DVD’s by the BBC, A History of Scotland and I still think this is an outstanding gift. This is a beautifully photographed video set that starts in 900AD and works its way forward detailing the incredible history and topography of Scotland. You’ve heard the names, Mary Queen of Scotts, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott, now find out the amazing and sometimes violent history of your favorite Isle as presented by charismatic archeologist Neil Oliver. $59.98

2) This year I’m adding a DVD that is part of a larger series by Rudy Maxa, also known as the Savvy Traveler. His travel videos are often seen on PBS. I’ve seen this for sale at Sam’s Warehouse for $10.98 but it is $20.99 on Amazon. Its The British Isles: Best of Europe. This is a beautifully shot visit to England, Scotland and Ireland. Two out of three known for their whisky.

Includes Blu-ray and DVD disks. This will give you a taste of the natural beauty you will enjoy if you take a trip to delve into the Whisky Trail. Features some train travel as well as by ferry and car.

3) Here’s an unusual gift for the whisky drinker who drinks his or her whisky on the “Rocks.” Whisky Stones are a way of having a cold drink without diluting the whisky. These innovative soapstone cubes were designed by Andrew Hellman, a big fan of single malt scotch, who wanted to chill his spirits without diluting them. After much research, he came up with the idea of using natural soapstone to chill drinks due to its softness (won't scratch the glass) and its unique ability to retain temperature for extended periods of time. Milled in Perkinsville, Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States.

Simply chill the stones. Add three to your next drink, let stand for five minutes and enjoy. Sold as a set of nine.

The set of nine stones is $19.50 plus shipping or you can buy the whisky stones and gift set which includes two “Rocks” glasses for $58.00.

4) Whisky Lights by Get-Lit Whisky Lites are shown at the top of this page. These Lights made from real whisky bottles are a nice way to light-up the holiday season or year-round as a decoration on your whisky drinkers favorite bar or mantel.

They are one of a kind. Each is a plug-in light that features 20 tiny “rice” lights inside the whisky bottle and a cord approx 24” in length. If one bulb goes out, the whole strand stays lit. Shown at the top of the page are Macallan 12, Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Smokehead. Dark bottles have white lights, Clear bottles have multli-colored lights. (Slight imperfections where the cord enters the rear of the bottle) Also available: Knob Creek 9 Yr. Old, Compass Box Hedonism, Macallan Fine Oak 15, Isle of Jura 16, Talisker 25 and Lagavulin 16 and Glenfarclas 25, both with cord on side, not back. $25 each plus $10 shipping. Quantities are limited. Contact: aberbom2003@yahoo.com to order. Billing thru Paypal.

5) Next up, a seminal book on Whiskey by one of the most well known and respected of whisky writers, Michael Jackson (not the pop star). Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide was published in 2005. From Publisher’s Weekly, this description, “The occasional tippler may be intimidated by all the nuances of fine whiskey; after all, there are just so many variables to consider. What is the local climate and geography of the distillery? What the kind of grain is used, and how is it prepared for fermenting? What is the shape of the still? What kind of oak is used for the cask, and how long is the whiskey aged? Jackson's collection of essays and photographs will teach newbies how to answer all of these questions, but it will gratify the most obsessive enthusiasts as well. Every step of the process gets its own explanation, and there are even essays on food pairings and cocktail recipes. The bulk of the book, however, is taken up by an almost encyclopedic compendium of distilleries from all over the planet, including Germany and Japan.” This is a beautiful coffee table book with many large format photos of the countryside and the process of making whiskey. Available at Amazon for $29.60

6) You need a place to put your whisky glass that won’t mar your furniture. Here we have slate coasters from Islay, one of the most famous of the whisky producing regions, known for their peaty whiskies. These solid slate coasters from the Islay Slate Company are 4 to a set and range from £21.95 to £39.95 depending on the design.

Coasters are individually hand cut, polished and fitted with protective feet or felt. They are supplied in packs of 4, tied with natural black twine with a gift tag

7) Personalized Whisky from Master of Malt.

Here’s the description from their website: “Personalised whisky is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, father's day, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Christmas or any other celebration!

Select your bottle of fine Scotch whisky and then personalise it by adding the message of your choice to the label. At the checkout you can add some great extras like a rustic or mahogany finish presentation box, gift wrap and gift card or even a whisky tasting glass and we'll deliver it to the address of your choice the very next working day [If you are in the UK]!” Prices range from £29.90 for an 8-year old blend to £259.90 for a 50-year old Speyside whiskey. Master of Malt.

8) Pewter Fisherman’s Engraved Flask

This would make a great gift for any keen fisherman. Crafted from pewter with the greatest attention to detail. This flask comes as a gift set with 2 pewter nip cups and a pewter funnel. Perfect for a nip while your out in the wilderness on your favorite stream.

£38.00 from Hipflask.co.uk

9) The Glencairn Glass. This also a carry over from last year. This is far and away the best glass from which to drink whisky, if your are tasting and nosing. Now I have to say that these are a bit pricey any

where 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. Glencairn glass.

10) Hame Knob Walking Stick

When you’re out for a wee ramble on the moors, one best have their trusty walking stick at hand and this one will do very nicely, even if you encounter the Hound of the Baskervilles. A great addition to any walking cane collection, the interesting handle of this cane is crafted from a hame - or horse saddle handle. A popular trend in furniture and décor designs, hames offer a great, comfortable take on the classic knob-handled walking cane design. This sturdy walking cane is sure to be a conversation piece. This one is Sassafras with a Brass handle and runs. $79.99. Prices vary with type of materials. Walking-canes.net

Hope this gets you though your Holiday Shopping List without breaking a sweat. And if you’re a whisky lover who needs to drop some hints, just copy the URL in the browser window at the top of this page and e-mail it to whomever might have you on their list. May the Holidays and New Year bring you and your dear ones peace and prosperity. Cheers and Happy Holidays from the BUMS!

2011 Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Single Malt Scotch Lovers

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Comments?

E-mail Mark@scotch-tasting-bums.com or

go to the BUMS group page on Facebook or

drop a line on TUMBLR

<< Previous

Next >>