:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-best-gifts-for-bourbon-lovers-5080742-v3-b3ab3251b2e3400d9ee33cbb8668ab19.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Sabrina Jiang
Choosing a special bottle for a bourbon lover can be a bit of a sticky wicket. Many favorites are either hard to find or impossibly expensive. Plus, even if you manage to locate something they’d love, shipping liquor across state lines can be quite complicated or even illegal.
For some, a better or less criminally fraught option might be to go the whiskey-adjacent route. Accessories and accouterments are a great way to show love to bourbon enthusiasts. Glasses, tools, and doodads can help them trick out their bar, elevate their cocktail skills, or just plain enjoy their neat pour a little more.
Without further ado, here are the best gift ideas for bourbon lovers.
Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds Set of 2
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TovoloSphereIceMold-4169ed6302c84ed9af0a38ce162a84db.jpg)
Amazon
Molds can stack
Leak proof
Large ice ball melts slowly
Silicone accumulates freezer scent
For the bourbon drinker who loves a big old hunk of ice, we recommend this Tovolo Sphere mold. It creates a 2.5-inch ball of frozen water that won’t melt before the drink is done and will make a substantial clank in the glass. Sold as a set of two, it’s made from BPA-free plastic/silicone and is dishwasher safe.
Price at time of publish: $12
Material: Silicone, plastic | Ice Ball Size: 2.5 inches | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches
Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LibbeySignatureKentuckyBourbonTrailWhiskeyGlasses-24c65888a4b6451c9883ba45ac1c191c.jpg)
Amazon
Classic appearance
Kentucky Bourbon Trail logo etching
Set of 4
Only sold in sets, not individual glasses
The official glass of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a set of these Libbey beakers is perfect for any fan of the Bluegrass State spirit. Made from ClearFire glass, the shape also tapers toward the top to help the connoisseur soak in aromas. The walls are thin but hearty and feature a wide bowl to allow swirling. These 8-ounce bourbon glasses come in a set of four for sharing or for flights, are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and stack for minimal storage.
Price at time of publish: $40 in clear
Capacity: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3.8 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Corkcicle Ice Bucket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CorkcicleIceBucket-730847190c874961a13a996ade3d837e.jpg)
Amazon
Keeps cool for 48 hours
Triple insulated stainless steel
Non-slip bottom
Pricey
Sometimes ice is nice, and that’s why we love this ice bucket from Corkcicle. It’s ideal for the bourbon drinker who likes a tipple in the form of a cocktail or just digs whiskey with a nice cube or two. It’s triple-walled, so ice stays cold and solid longer, and it holds up to 128 ounces. Flat sides make it easy to hold and move, while a rubber pad on the bottom prevents the bucket from sliding on a wet bar. The bucket comes in four colors, including unicorn magic, gloss turquoise, blackout, and gunmetal.
Price at time of publish: $95
Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Capacity: 128 ounces | Dimensions: 9.57 x 7.6 x 7.36 inches
Misc. Goods Co Ceramic Flask
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/misc-goods-co-flasks-bottles-ceramic-flask-black-ceramic-flask-kaufmann-mercantile-13340942041182_720x-c267ad711b604194bbdcd295f3453e49.jpg)
Leather and brass fastening
Cork top
Embossed accents
Ceramic can be heavy and fragile
Metal flasks can impart a bit of flavor into any spirit they hold. So, if your drinker likes to imbibe the good stuff on the go, a ceramic flask like this one from Miscellaneous Goods will help keep the spirit’s integrity intact. Made from quarter-inch thick porcelain, this flask holds 11 ounces of hooch. A cork stopper anchored in place by a leather strap keeps the valuable juice from spilling before it’s time to pour or sip.
Price at time of publish: $125
Materials: Ceramic, leather, brass, cork | Capacity: 11 ounces | Dimensions: 4.5 x 6.5 inches
West Elm Mid-Century Bar Cart
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WestElmMid-CenturyBarCart-08075ab61265455e85989c7a97b929e4.jpg)
West Elm
Partially wheeled
Beautiful walnut finish
Pricey
A snappy bar cart makes an opulent gift for any bourbon lover who doesn’t yet own one. They're great as cocktail stations at parties or as a fun way to show off a handful of rare or hard-to-come-by expressions. This Mid-century homage from West Elm will work with most home decor, and its size (32.4 x 19.9 x 32 inches) and stacked shelves make it versatile either for liquor storage or as a display piece.
Price at time of publish: $549
Material: Eucalyptus wood, acacia, brass | Weight: 75 pounds | Dimensions: 32.4 x 19.9 x 32 inches
Twine Mint Julep Cup Silver
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TwineMintJulepCupSilver-b3d5df439ff34a39af1fb720ac47b879.jpg)
Amazon
Vintage design
Great for juleps or mules
Two colors available
Not sold in sets, only individually
The mint julep is a simple cocktail to make, but having the right cup is as crucial as using a good bourbon. Traditionally, the drink is served in a silver chalice, and paying tribute to that heritage adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the ritual. Plus, feeling the chill of the drink through the metal will take the edge off a hot summer day. This one from Twine is made from brass and silver-plated, so it won’t break the bank (like solid silver would), and it holds 12 ounces, so it's great for piling in a load of crushed ice, mint, bourbon, and sugar.
Price at time of publish: $34 in silver
Material: Brass, sterling silver plating | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dimensions: 4.25 x 3.5 inches
Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters 5-Pack Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27328_1_640px-09813b9a757a4024bc9dd100771ed442.jpg)
Uncommon Goods
Bitters are essential for whiskey cocktail creation. Whether you’re making a basic old-fashioned, Manhattan, or something a little funkier, good bitters are fundamental. So, if you have a bourbon fan on your list, this five-pack set from Hella Cocktail Co. makes an excellent gift. The selection includes citrus, aromatic, ginger, orange, and chili, so recipients can experiment to their hearts' desires—or just focus on perfecting a classic. And with luck, the lovely present and your generosity will inspire them to make a cocktail for you as well.
Price at time of publish: $38 in variety pack, 1.7 ounce (pack of 5)
Includes: 5 bitter bottles, 8.5 ounces each (flavors include: citrus, smoked chili, aromatic, orange, ginger)
Clerestory Workshop Engraved Wooden Coasters
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/il_1588xN.1885491028_szs2-ea099bb7411c47dab4930527bdb02bdd.jpg)
Etsy
Eye-catching designs
Made of Baltic birch plywood
Pricey for a set of 4
Cool coasters always make a great gift. This Mid-century-inspired set is crafted from Baltic birch plywood and finished in a handsome walnut stain and semi-gloss finish with designs carved with a CNC router. The 4-inch squares are fitted with cork pads to keep surfaces safe and will look great under any glass.
Price at time of publish: $52
Pappy and Company’s Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/il_680x540.2314471492_33q3-141a8fba5bad44b488985a17764aa672.jpg)
Etsy
Syrup aged 6 months in bourbon barrels
Great for pancakes or cocktails
Flavor notes of vanilla, butter, oak, and bourbon
Pricey
Bourbon with breakfast seems like it might be just a short hop away from an intervention. But one can still enjoy big bourbon flavors in the morning without the alcohol buzz. Pappy and Company’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup is a deep, rich ambrosial indulgence, chock-full of delicious vanilla, butter, oak, and bourbon flavors. This batch was created from sap harvested in spring 2015 from Bissell Maple Farm in Ohio and aged six months in Pappy Van Winkle 15-year barrels. Great on pancakes, French toast, or even bacon, the syrup also makes a great cocktail component.
Price at time of publish: $38
Norlan Raif Whiskey Decanter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Norlan-Raif-Whisky-Decanter-Clear-Front-886f1e0157ae4b0aa4f12fee5f377737.jpg)
Norlan
Futuristic design
Mouth-blown crystal
Large capacity
Expensive
This avant-garde piece from Norlan is about as cool as decanters come. While the design feels like something you might find in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, it’s meant for Earth-born whiskey drinkers and not a son of Krypton. The Raif is mouth-blown from non-leaded crystal. It's diamond wheel cut and sanded so the top appears frosted and the polish bottom is clear. It comes with an aluminum stopper that is precisely cut to fit and holds up to a liter of spirit.
Price at time of publish: $375 in gradient clear
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 1 liter | Dimensions: 14.3 x 3.7 x 3.5 inches
Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices Bourbon Steak Dust
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Colonel-De-Gourmet-Herbs-and-Spices-Bourbon-Steak-Dust-Shaker-Front_1200x1200-9ca20b3b544a43a9b25ebc2be1af7d89.png)
Amazon
If you know someone who loves bourbon so much that they’d enjoy adding a touch of it to their food, the bourbon steak dust makes a great gift for them. The dust is made with ingredients that are slowly cold smoked using bourbon barrel chips and includes other spices and flavoring like smoked peppercorns, paprika, garlic, onion, coriander, salt, and chili. The steak rub adds an essential smoky bourbon aroma that any bourbon lover would be excited by.
Price at time of publish: $7
Ingredients: Salt, bourbon, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, chili, pepper | Size: 3 ounces
The Little Flower Soap Co Bourbon Lip Balm
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/il_fullxfull.1207360422_65dy-17afb4b441484917849e5653c84d522a.jpg)
Amazon
Other varieties available (Moscow mule, margarita)
1 tube lasts approximately 3-6 months
Custom lip balm options
Not made with real bourbon
This lip balm is a fun way to keep lips moisturized and flavored with a hint of bourbon. The chapstick has ingredients such as vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter, and hemp oil—plus the flavor of bourbon, which makes it a practical gift for bourbon lovers, especially during a dry and cold winter.
Price at time of publish: $5
Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1-d8c17d1ec72d4c948b7b36c531ca24ec.jpg)
Amazon
Explores bourbon’s origins
Covers history from the 1700s to present day
Filled with nuanced insight and trivia
Second half jumps around a lot
Few drinks are as celebrated in America’s history as whiskey and bourbon. This trivia-packed book by Reid Mitenbuler spans from bourbon’s origins in the 1700s to its place in modern Americana culture. Diving into the history of major bourbon companies like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, Prohibition-era bootleggers, and even mind-boggling marketing events, “Bourbon Empire” is a must for any enthusiast.
Pages: 336 | Published: 2016 | Formats: E-reader, audio book, hardcover, paperback, CD
Prestige Decanters Atlas Decanter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2_etsy-5eb94ebe463e4ea78d3adc5a39e583a5.jpg)
Etsy
Stunning design
Large capacity (about 34 ounces)
Ground glass stopper seal
Narrow mouth makes it tricky to fill
Ever feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? Atlas can relate. This stunning decanter takes the shape of the mighty Titan holding up the world. The glass flask can hold 34 ounces of your preferred bourbon inside. Handmade with sturdy borosilicate glass and a bronze polyresin, it will dutifully serve for years to come.
Materials: Borosilicate glass, bronze polyresin | Capacity: 34 ounces | Dimensions: 15 x 7 x 7 inches
Venero Crystal Whiskey Glasses, Set of 4
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3-b6d7d27e066a4be2bb083c237625e8e4.jpg)
Amazon
Cool twisted design
Thick sides and base retain temperature
Ornate satin packaging
Many reviewers report minor glass imperfections
For those who prefer a bit of a twist on a classic, these beautiful twisted whiskey glasses are a great gift. Made of crystal glass, the set of four comes in luxurious satin packaging. Each glass can hold about 10 ounces of bourbon and looks good doing so. The thick siding helps insulate the drinks inside, so hot stays hot and cool stays cool. Both elegant and a little whimsical, these glasses are sure to please.
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 10 ounces | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.75 x 3.75 inches
Waterford Lismore Connoisseur Tumbler Mixed, Set of 4
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4-6eaa0dbbaa244e9abefdd6f5e618e4d4.jpg)
Waterford
Gorgeous Waterford crystal designs
Varied glass shapes for different kinds of whiskey
Set designed for only 1 person
Pricey
A drink as special as bourbon deserves an equally special glass, and Waterford is world-renowned for its crystal glasswork. This stunning set includes four glasses, each one shaped for a different function. The straight-sided tumbler is great for classic bourbon cocktails or simply enjoying the spirit neat or on the rocks. The rounded tumbler can be enjoyed much the same. The two tasting tumblers are designed to funnel the aromas to your nose to fully enjoy the depth of the neat bourbon inside.
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 7 ounces | Includes: Straight-sided tumbler, rounded tumbler, flared sipping tumbler, footed tasting tumbler
Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-03-09at3.38.47PM-983b1323e7754031b4cd92474e641224.png)
Courtesy of Corkcicle
Freezer-safe glass
Easy to use
Ice won’t clank around the glass
Not sold in sets
Many bourbon lovers prefer their drinks on the rocks. That said, ice can slide around and clink the edges of the glass, which can get annoying. For a cooled drink without the fuss of traditional ice, there’s the Corkcicle wedge glass. With the silicone insert, users can pour in some water and freeze, leaving a perfect wedge of ice in the accompanying glass. It’s practical, and the end result is pretty fashionable, too.
Materials: Glass, silicone | Capacity: 9 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 4 inches
Pottery Barn Black Marble Coasters
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6-cdff991666d04a63b93446134f40e084.jpg)
Pottery Barn
Simple but pleasing to the eye
Can be personalized
Part of a collection
Personalized items cannot be returned
Anyone who wants to avoid pesky condensation rings on their tables know that coasters are the answer. Pottery Barn has an attractive set of black marble coasters that are both elegant and simple. This set comes with four coasters crafted from real marble. If you want to take the gift a step further, the coasters can be personalized and engraved with initials or single letters.
Material: Natural marble | Set Count: 4 | Dimensions: 4 x 0.5 inches
Uncommon Goods Bourbon Infused Coffee
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7-9a330acbddab466fa21b50ae7f919e0c.jpg)
Uncommon Goods
Morning drink, meet evening drink. Infused with Kentucky bourbon, this Arabica coffee has a bit of a kick. Though fully caffeinated, the coffee contains no alcohol, so you can enjoy the aroma and taste of bourbon to start the day. Know someone who prefers tea to coffee? Uncommon Goods also has tasty bourbon-infused tea available.
Coffee Type: Arabica | Size: 32 ounces
Raaka Bourbon Cask Aged Dark Chocolate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8-7a6b34fda24144c291cac3d1638defc1.jpg)
Amazon
Chocolate pairs so well with a variety of flavors–fruits, peanut butter, caramel, and yes, even bourbon. For their delicious chocolate bar, Raaka ages Tanzanian cacao in real bourbon casks for two months, leaving it with a delightful oaky flavor, with just a hint of cherry cordial. The dark chocolate bar is available in sets of three or individually.
Cacao Percentage: 82% | Size: 1.8 ounces each
Breville Smoking Gun Pro
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/breville-pro-smoking-gun-o-4167c5a7499a470f96716e6d1ec7556d.jpg)
Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Works for cocktails and food
Lightweight and quiet
Includes applewood and hickory smoke chips
Tips over easily
Smoking a cocktail adds new layers of flavor and depth. Breville’s smoking gun is a fantastic tool for those who want a bit of smokiness in their drink (or food). Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to use. Breville includes half-ounce jars of hickory and applewood chips, which heat in anodized-aluminum smoking chamber and produce aromatic cold smoke.
Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches
Autumn Woods Co. State Wood Bottle Stopper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/10-1abbd66ff9fc495ca9194a9675903a72.jpg)
Etsy
Custom state decoration (including DC)
Made of walnut and maple wood
Silicone stopper creates sturdy seal
Pricey
Bottle stoppers are key for ensuring an opened bottle of booze remains fresh for longer. Autumn Woods Co. makes custom bottle stoppers topped with your state of choice. It’s a great gift that can celebrate someone’s home state or even pay homage to bourbon hotspots like Kentucky. Made with walnut and maple wood, the stopper also includes silicone rings to create an airtight seal.
Materials: Walnut, maple, stainless steel, silicone | Dimensions: 0.15 x 1 x 3.5 inches
Teroforma Original Whiskey Stones
Doesn’t water down drinks
Reusable
Includes muslin storage bag
Must freeze 4 hours ahead of time
While drinking bourbon on the rocks definitely keeps things cool, melting ice ultimately waters down the drink. Whiskey stones offer the best of both worlds–all the chill and none of the flavor dilution. This set of nine soapstone cubes from Teroforma can be frozen and add a rugged aesthetic to any drink. It even comes with a handy muslin storage case. Just remember to freeze for up to four hours before serving drinks for best results.
Materials: Soapstone, muslin | Set Count: 9 stones
Allen Barrel Crafts Personalized Bourbon Barrel Wood Sign
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/12-5f85c639dfe3496d99422fba240e9a47.jpg)
Etsy
Made from real bourbon barrels
Highly customizable
Comes with certificate of authenticity
No returns
May have natural cracks
Need a bit of decor for your home bar? We suggest this customizable sign made from real bourbon barrel planks (as proven by the included certificate of authenticity). Personalization options can range from surnames to phrases to coordinates to locations–whatever you want. There are even multiple fonts available. It’s a creative and highly personable gift.
Materials: Oak, copper | Dimensions: 35 x 4 inches
Erin Barker Illustration Bourbon Art Print
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/13-0bf37788089e4098b7cda2e5c18a0c17.jpg)
Society 6
Beautiful watercolor
Multiple sizes available
Printed on longlasting archival paper
Printing process may alter size slightly
For fans of bourbon, watercolor, and minimalism, this art print by Erin Barker is a must-have piece. The simple but aesthetically pleasing artwork features a bourbon glass and a splash of red-orange color. It’s available in a number of different sizes, so you can find the one that works best for your needs.
Material: Archival paper | Sizes: 8 x 10, 13 x 17, 17 x 22, 21 x 28 inches
Jeff Henderson Stone Drink Dispenser
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/stone-4388ad8ec33c49e8be069c2a3ab6bd01.jpg)
Rough-hewn granite
Handmade
Eye-catching design
Refilling dispenser is a bit tricky
Not intended for long-term storage
Some people like serving bourbon straight from the bottle, others prefer serving from a decanter, and then there are those who like serving from a dispenser. This rugged granite dispenser uses the power of gravity to pour a glass of bourbon. There’s also an optional stainless steel and granite stand for an elevated look. To load up the bourbon, insert the provided plug and gently pull the attached string.
Materials: Granite, stainless steel | Dimensions: 4 x 4.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 13 pounds
Soap Distillery Whiskey Soaps, Set of 2
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/15-e817ccac625b4df9aaee09a71f0f24d4.jpg)
Uncommon Goods
Fragrant scents
Exfoliating
Handmade
Must let dry between uses
Soap is a classic gift for a reason–everyone likes to smell good and feel clean. Now people can have just a hint of whiskey while washing. The Soap Distillery has a wide array of scents to choose from, but the whiskey set is our pick for this list. One bar smells like whiskey, woods, ginger, and clove; the other like whiskey, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. The soap bars are exfoliating thanks to the charcoal and oatmeal add-ins.
Size: 4 ounces each | Dimensions: 2.5 x 1 x 3.5 inches
Anyone who loves bourbon will appreciate a set of the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses, which they can use to sip their favorite drink. For the cocktail makers out there, the Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters Set (view at Amazon) is a perfect addition to their home bar.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Nicholas McClelland is a passionate whisk(e)y drinker who has written about spirits for Men’s Journal, Fatherly, and Inside Hook. His bar is deep with rare single malts, hard-to-find bourbons, and ryes, but he doesn't believe there's anything too precious to share with friends.