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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Whiskey lovers always appreciate a good bottle of their favorite spirit. But the problem with gifting bourbon, Scotch, or rye is that the booze contained inside the glass is finite, and once polished off, the thrill is gone. If you’d prefer to give a gift to your drinker that will last longer than a few pours, accessories and accoutrements might be a better bet to stand the test of time.
Whether your brown spirit fan needs some new glasses, sharper tools for whipping up cocktails, or even a special place to sit and sip, here are the best gifts for whiskey lovers on your list.
Wine Enthusiast Glencairn Crystal Whisky Glass Set of 4
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Amazon
Designed to funnel aromas
Clear crystal
Affordable
Can be fragile
Only meant for neat whiskey
The Glencairn glass is the gold standard for sipping and nosing whiskeys. Because so much of the sense of taste is informed by the olfactory receptors, the Glencairn’s tulip-like design channels aromas to the nose, making it easier to suss out tasting notes and flavors. Easy to hold and swirl, the glasses are made from lead-free crystal and are dishwasher safe. No serious whiskey drinker should be without a set.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 6 ounces | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches
Stanley Classic Flask
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Courtesy of Amazon
Wide mouth opening
Multiple colors and designs
Rust-proof
Can have a metallic taste if drinks sit too long
Classic is in the name, and indeed, it looks like a ’50s throwback. This Stanley flask is rustproof and lined with BPA-free stainless steel. It fits well in most pockets, and the wide mouth opening makes it easier to sip than many others. The cap is mounted to a hinge so you can’t drop or lose it, while the 6.4-ounce capacity is good for a few good belts. If you choose to give this to your whiskey drinker, buy him or her a small funnel as well for easy fill-ups.
Price at time of publish: $26 for 8-ounce hammertone green
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.88 x 1.25 inches
LSA International Bar Spirits Decanter
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sleek, modern design
Handmade
Part of a collection
Pricey
Some whiskey drinkers like to decant their daily drinker. We dig that. This 60-ounce version from LSA International is big enough to hold 1.75 liters of hooch, so it can go a while before needing a refill, though you will want to make sure the recipient has a funnel for replenishing without making a mess. Plus the simple handmade design will look great on any bar.
Price at time of publish: $149 for 60-ounce decanter
Material: Glass | Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 5.12 x 5.12 x 10.24 inches
West Elm Mid-Century Bar Cart
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West Elm
Beautiful walnut veneer
Partially wheeled
Two shelves
Pricey
Heavy (75 pounds)
Every whiskey drinker needs a good bar cart. Sure, they are great for entertaining, but they are also a handsome way to display a few prized bottles. This Mid-Century homage from West Elm is simple and charming, plus its size (32.4 x 19.9 x 32 inches) makes it versatile either as liquor storage or a cocktail creation station.
Price at time of publish: $549
Material: Brass, acacia, eucalyptus | Dimensions: 32.4 x 19.9 x 32 inches
Sea Stones Whiskey Chilling Coaster Set
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Wayfair
Deep well to keep glass secure
Cools drink without watering it down
Made of recycled or upcycled materials
Coasters are heavy
Coasters are great for protecting tables from unsightly condensation rings. These ones by Sea Stones go above and beyond that—they chill your drink, too. Made of solid recycled granite, each features a deep well that fits a standard rocks glass to prevent spills. This set comes with two coasters and two recycled glasses.
Price at time of publish: $49
Material: Recycled glass, solid granite | Includes: 2 glasses, 2 coasters
Etsy LauraRoyArt 3 Whiskey Watercolor Prints
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Etsy / LauraRoyArt
37 whiskey bottle designs to choose from
Multiple sizes available
Highly customizable
Frames not included
If someone you love has a favorite whiskey, immortalizing it in art form would be a fantastic gift. This shop has 37 different whiskey bottle designs available including famous brands of bourbon, scotch, rye, and more. The collection is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the design, size of the print, and even the material it's printed on.
Price at time of publish: $39
Sizes: 5 x 7 to 20 x 30 inches | Material: Matte paper, watercolor paper, or canvas
Corkcicle Ice Bucket
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Amazon
Sweat-free exterior
Triple-insulated interior
Holds 8 pounds of ice
Pricey
Whether your loved one likes making cocktails or just enjoys whiskey with a substantial portion of ice, a well-insulated ice bucket makes a great gift. We love this one from Corkcicle. It holds up to 128 ounces and is triple-walled, so ice stays fresher longer. Flat sides make it easy to handle, while a rubber pad on the bottom prevents the bucket from sliding on a wet bar. The bucket also comes in four colors including unicorn magic, gloss turquoise, blackout, and gunmetal.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Capacity: 128 ounces | Dimensions: 7 x 8.54 inches
Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
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Amazon
For the whiskey drinker who likes Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or even a nice Rob Roy, Luxardo Maraschino cherries make a splendid, yet affordable, gift. The first choice for cocktails, these Italian cherries have the perfect texture and tang, while the supple syrup adds sweetness and depth to classic and experimental whiskey drinks alike.
Price at time of publish: $25
Includes: 400 gram jar
Craft & Kin Premium Whiskey Caramel Scented Candle
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Amazon
Strong (but not overpowering) scent
Hand poured
45 hour burn time
A little pricey for 7.6 ounces
Lighting a candle is a great way to relax and enjoy your favorite scents. If someone you know loves both whiskey and caramel, then this candle would serve as a great gift. Made from soy wax and essential oils, Craft & Kin’s candle burns for a whopping 45 hours. Since the candle is housed in amber-colored glass, it makes a beautiful addition to any den, living room, or kitchen. Craft & Kin have a number of other scents available, too, like English leather and white sage.
Price at time of publish: $19
Material: Soy wax, essential oils, cotton wick, glass | Capacity: 7.6 ounces
Article Sven Charme Chair
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Courtesy of Article
Fabric, velvet, and leather options
Multiple colors available
Sturdy wooden frame
Minor assembly required
A great lounge chair is an ideal place to sit a spell and work out all the flavors in the glass. The Sven Charme from Article is just such a seat. With a 24-inch-deep seat, it’s spacious and comfortable, plus the armrests are plenty wide for resting a rocks glass. Pictured here in Chocolat, the Sven Charme comes in three other leather colors, plus three fabric and five velvet options, so it should be a snap finding a shade that mingles well in any living room.
Price at time of publish: $1,199
Filling Material: High-density foam, polyester | Dimensions: 42 x 38 x 34 inches
Breville Smoking Gun Food Smoker
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Amazon
Works for cocktails and food
Lightweight and quiet
Includes applewood and hickory smoke chips
Tips over easily
Smoking a cocktail can add a depth of flavor depending on what exactly is burned. This smoking gun from Breville is a cold smoker, meaning you don’t have to worry about it overheating. It has two speeds, a removable (and dishwasher-safe) burn chamber, and a flexible silicone smoking tube. Breville even adds a sampler of applewood and hickory chips to try out. The smoker is lightweight, portable, easy to use, and disassembles for compact storage, making it an all-around useful tool. Cocktail smokers can add a whole new avenue of flavor and complexity to classic drinks like an old-fashioned, whiskey sour, or penicillin.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches
West Elm Marble Moon Coasters
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Courtesy of West Elm
Stylish
Rubber dot backing
A bit thick
A glass of the good stuff calls for some good coasters. A fun set can add a touch of panache to any coffee table. This marble moon design from West Elm is both elegant and sleek, plus it does its job and prevents unwanted rings on furniture. Hand-cut and polished, the 4-inch diameter is ample enough to base all but the largest vessels and look greats even when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $40
Material: Marble, brass, rubber | Dimensions: 4 x 0.4 inches
Norlan Rauk Heavy Tumbler Glasses
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Courtesy of Wine Enthusiast
Beautiful geometric cut crystal
Chevron pattern enhances muddling
Pricey for 1 glass
There is something wonderfully satisfying about drinking a dram from a substantial glass. The weight adds a bit of gravitas, whether you’ve poured something fine and rare or a lesser vintage from the bottom shelf. Made from lead-free crystal, Norlan’s stunningly designed tumbler glasses clock in at over a pound before you add whiskey. That’s a nice heft.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Crystal | Capacity: 8.5 ounces | Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.95 inches
Star Wars Death Star Ice Molds
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Courtesy of Amazon
Detailed pattern
Easy to use
Freezer and dishwasher safe
Has a flat bottom, not perfectly spherical
Can be tricky to remove
Use the force to treat your whiskey fan’s inner nerd. Even for those who prefer their whiskey neat, sometimes ice is nice and a big, 2.4-inch cube in the shape of the Star Wars battle station is better still, adding a bit of whimsy to any glass. The two-piece, food-safe silicone mold is easy to fill. It's also effortless to extract the ice once it’s gone from liquid to solid, ensuring these frozen, killer Command Centers won’t explode but melt slowly into a drink.
Price at time of publish: $25
Material: Silicone | Ice Ball Size: 2.4 inches
Uncrate Supply Whiskey Vault
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Courtesy of Uncrate Supply
Bullet-proof front window
42 bottle capacity
High level of security
Expensive
Heavy
A lovely splurge for any serious collector you might be feeling generous toward, this whiskey vault will bring both joy and an enhanced sense of security. It’s constructed from a solid steel plate and a door secured with three 25-millimeter locking bolts. It features a bulletproof front window, so one can gaze at the collection even while it’s still safely stored under the electronic lock system powered by a pin code. Certainly a conversation piece, the vault is big enough to accommodate 21 precious bottles, making it perfect for protecting even a substantial collection of high-end whiskies.
Price at time of publish: $5,500
Material: Solid steel plate, aircraft aluminum | Weight: 308 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 15.75 x 49.5 inches
Weierken Diamond Whiskey Glasses
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Amazon
Elegant diamond shape and gold trim
Various colors available
Scratch- and break-resistant
Not dishwasher- or microwave-safe
Every whiskey is a work of art; this glass set from Weierken emphasizes just that. Made of crystal glass and shaped like a diamond, the glasses come in a set of four. Each features a beautiful gold rim that adds a touch of elegance to each sip. There are four colors available—the classic transparent, a beautiful amber, a distinguished gray, and even an iridescent rainbow. Thanks to its geometric shape, you can even rest the glass on a tilt without spilling.
Price at time of publish: $34
Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 10 ounces | Dimensions: 3.55 x 3.75 x 2.55 inches
Flaviar Whiskey Subscription Box
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Customizable membership
Up to 8 products per box
Includes bonus content like virtual webinars
Unavailable in certain states due to alcohol laws
Instead of a single bottle, you can give your whiskey-loving friend the gift of variety with a Flaviar Whiskey Subscription Box. Four times a year, they'll get a box containing a premium bottle of whiskey, as well as a themed "Tasting Box," which includes three samples of premium and/or craft spirits. Plus, members get access to the brand's collection of rare, exclusive, and private bottlings—a great gift in and of itself!
Price at time of publish: $159 for standard membership
Membership Includes: 2-8 products per box, free shipping on orders above $60, distillery tours, virtual courses, online tasting events and webinars, referral program
The Bitter Truth Cocktail Bitters Travel Set
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Amazon
For the cocktail connoisseur on your list, a good selection of bitters is a crucial component for a home bar. This ensemble from The Bitter Truth is a fun point of departure for experimentation. It includes classic aromatic and orange varieties as well as celery (great in a Bloody Mary), creole (perfect for a French 95 and Jerry Thomas, based on the personal Manhattan recipe of the famed 19th-century barman).
Price at time of publish: $20
Includes: 5 20-milliliter bottles (flavors include: celery, orange, aromatic, Creole, Jerry Thomas Own Decanter), travel tin
LSA International Whisky Connoisseur Set
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Courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Mouth-blown glass
Solid walnut tray
Well-rounded set
Hand wash only
This bar set was made with whiskey connoisseurs in mind, and it will be a welcome addition to any whiskey-lover's bar setup. The high-end set comes with a decanter, water jug, two tumblers, two nosing glasses with lids, three walnut coasters, a walnut decanter base, and walnut tray, and all of its glass pieces were mouth-blown using clear lead-free glass. The glasses have weighted bases for a comfortable feel, and the wooden components are made from solid walnut that will last for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $554 for 17.5-inch
Includes: 2 old fashioned tumblers, 2 walnut coasters, 2 nosing glasses, decanter, walnut tray, water jug
Teroforma Original Whiskey Stones
Chills drink without watering down
Handcrafted from soapstone
Includes muslin storage bag
Requires 4 hours in freezer
Whiskey stones add a new meaning to drinking “on the rocks.” This classic set from Teroforma is made from soapstone harvested in Vermont. Containing nine freezable blocks, the stones are great for chilling a glass of whiskey without watering it down. Each one is reusable and has an attractive, rustic look. You can store them in a nice muslin bag while not in use.
Price at time of publish: $20
Includes: 9 cubes of Vermont soapstone, muslin storage bag
Cocktail Critters Scotch Ness Monster Chilling Stone
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Amazon
Adorable appearance
Suctions to the bottom of glass
Chills without watering down drink
Suction cup is very noticeable
If you want to bring a bit of whimsy to your whiskey, try using the Scotch Ness Monster chilling stone. The punny creature is made of stainless steel and has a suction cup on the bottom to keep the stone from knocking around in the glass. Chill it in the freezer for three hours prior to use and Nessie will keep scotch (or any other drink) nice and cool.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Weight: 5 ounces
W&P Store Extra Large Ice Cube Tray by Peak
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Amazon
Multiple colors and designs available
Makes 2.25 inch ice cubes
Lids keep ice fresh
Easy to overfill molds with water
Drinking whiskey on the rocks is a popular option. Instead of just using ice cubes from a fridge, why not use a big, singular ice cube to chill your drink? The W&P Peak Extra Large Ice Cube Tray has four impressions to pour water into in order to create large 2.25 inch ice cubes. Made of silicone, the tray is durable yet flexible. A stainless steel frame hides within the silicone tray, offering extra stability to avoid spills. Get it in multiple colors, including charcoal, blue, white, speckled pink, and more.
Price at time of publish: $14
Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.4 x 2.4 inches
Etsy NeonOnShop Whisky Neon Sign
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Etsy / NeonOnShop
Many colors available
Comes with power plug, dimmer, and tape
Modern design
Pricey
Not true neon
A slick neon sign can add flair to any home bar or den. This beautiful sign features a glowing whisky glass with a couple of ice cubes. It’s available in a multitude of colors, has a dimmer remote, and even comes with double-sided tape to help set things up. There are three different sizes available.
Price at time of publish: $145
Material: Silicon, LED lights | Dimensions: 15 x 12.2, 17.7 x 14.6, or 19.7 x 16 inches
Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and More
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Amazon
An overview of many whiskey types
Includes tasting notes
Interviews with master distillers
Writing is a little dry
Whiskey is a wonderfully complex drink with rich history, diverse flavor profiles, and manufacturing techniques from around the globe. If someone you love is new to whiskey, or they just want to learn more about it, then Lew Bryson’s “Whiskey Master Class” is a fantastic way to dive deep. The book covers the difference between whiskey, rye, bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whiskey, Irish whisky, and more. There are also several interviews with master distillers who have first-hand knowledge in the world of whiskey.
Price at time of publish: $18
Pages: 256 | Published: 2020 | Formats: Hardcover, e-reader, audiobook
Whiskey Cocktails: A Curated Collection of Over 100 Recipes, From Old School Classics to Modern Originals
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Amazon
Includes 100+ cocktail recipes
Covers a variety of whiskeys and flavors
Stunning photography
Distillery profiles only focus on well-known brands
Not everyone drinks their whiskey neat. For those who love flavorful cocktails, this collection of whiskey-focused recipes is a must. “Whiskey Cocktails” covers over 100 classic and modern drinks using whiskey, rye, bourbon, Scotch, and other forms of the spirit. Featured cocktails include: mint julep, black Manhattan, sazerac, whiskey sling, hot toddy, old fashioned, Rob Roy, and plenty more.
Price at time of publish: $19
Pages: 257 | Published: 2018 | Format: Hardcover
Etsy MotorCityBarrels Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table
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Etsy / MotorCityBarrels
Made from authentic whiskey barrels
Tempered glass top
Stunning conversation piece
Handmade to order (weeklong turnaround time)
Do you know someone building a home bar? Or maybe someone who just really loves the whiskey aesthetic? This coffee table is made out of authentic American white oak aged whiskey barrels. Complete with a round tempered-glass top, it serves as a beautiful statement piece as well as a functional table. Handmade to order in Detroit, it’s an all-American piece that celebrates a famed drink.
Price at time of publish: $490
Material: White oak, steel, glass | Dimensions: 24 x 28 x 18 inches
Manly Man Co. Single Malt Scotch Caramel Heart Tin
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Manly Man Co.
And now something to satisfy a sweet tooth. These delicious caramels from Manly Man Co. are flavored with peaty and smoky Ardmore Scotch. Placed in a heart-shaped branded tin, the 30 individually wrapped candies are fantastic for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations for the Scotch lover in your life. Manly Man Co. also offers other delectable whiskey-themed treats, like the whiskey-flavored beef jerky or a pancake mix kit with maple syrup aged in whiskey barrels.
Price at time of publish: $49
Includes: Manly Man Co. heart-shaped tin, (approximately) 30 wrapped caramels
Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year
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Drizly
Wild Turkey is a well-known Kentucky-based distillery that produces bourbons, ryes, and spirits. Its 17 Year Bourbon is part of the Master’s Keep line that focuses on well-aged drinks. Flavored with notes of caramel and vanilla, the drink has a savory and spicy finish. Any bourbon lover would appreciate such a fine bottle (though whether or not they’d share is another question entirely).
Price at time of publish: $187
ABV: 43.4% | Proof: 86.8 | Age: 17 years
Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye
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Courtesy of Drizly
Founded in 1753 (and originally named Shenk’s), Mitcher’s is hailed as America’s first whiskey company. Today, the distillery produces whiskeys, ryes, and bourbons. This particular Kentucky rye was aged for 10 years in a single fire-charred American white oak barrel. Flavor notes include pepper, citrus, butterscotch, and oak. Rye may be a little underappreciated, but should never be underestimated.
Price at time of publish: $262
ABV: 42.4% | Proof: 84.8 | Age: 10 years
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Drizly
Aged in sherry-seasoned oak barrels, this Scotch from Macallan is brimming with flavors. Flavor notes include dried fruits and wood smoke while the aroma has touches of cinnamon and citrus. The Scotch is a stunning, deep mahogany color. Enjoy it on the rocks, neat, or even in a Scotch cocktail.
Price at time of publish: $2,600
ABV: 43% | Proof: 86 | Age: 25 years
What to Look for in Gifts for Whiskey Lovers
Taste
If you really want to impress the whiskey lover in your life, try finding them a bottle that matches their taste. Those with a sweet tooth might prefer bourbon, as it has notes of vanilla and caramel in it. Some craft distilleries have non-traditional (but very memorable) flavors, such as peanut butter bourbon.
Maybe the whiskey lover in question prefers a bit of spice. Rye whiskey tends to have a warmer flavor, thanks to the rye grain used. Barrel type can also affect the flavors of the drink. For example, European oak casks tend to impart woodsy and spicy tastes.
Whatever flavor preferences your loved one has, there’s likely a whiskey that fits their taste.
Utility
There are a number of whiskey-related gifts available that aren’t the drink itself. Most home bartenders will love receiving glasses, ice molds, coasters, whiskey stones, or cocktail ingredients. Some items can help enhance the drinking experience, such as cocktail smokers or nose glasses. Those eager to learn about whiskey may enjoy books about history, cocktail recipes, or distilling methodology. Useful gifts are always appreciated and come in a variety of forms.
Aesthetic
Someone who prefers neutral tones and an elegant touch may not love a bright neon-colored gift. Instead, try finding something that matches their personal aesthetic. Fortunately, whiskey gifts come in a wide array of designs and colors. There are subtle, practical decanter sets, and then there are sets that are completely novel and eye-catching.
Having a hard time finding coasters or glasses that fit the bill? Try opting for decorations instead. There are art prints, bar signs, coffee table books, decanter sets, and even whiskey stones that can show off someone’s personality.
FAQs
What’s the difference between whiskey, bourbon, Scotch, and rye?
“Whiskey” is an umbrella term that covers a variety of spirits. While bourbon, Scotch, and rye are all types of whiskey, they’re each different in their own respects. Let’s go over some of the most common types of whiskey.
- Bourbon: An American-made whiskey made of at least 51 percent corn, aged in charred oak barrels, and at least 80 proof at the time of bottling.
- Scotch: Distilled and bottled entirely in Scotland, Scotch must have a minimum of 40 percent ABV and is made mostly of malted barley.
- Rye: Similar to bourbon, rye whiskey is American-made, aged in charred oak barrels, and at least 80 proof at bottling, but consists of at least 51% rye grain.
Is it spelled whiskey or whisky?
Believe it or not, both spellings are correct—in certain scenarios. If the drink is made in Scotland, Japan, or Canada, it’s whisky without the “e.” If it’s made in America or Ireland, it’s whiskey with the “e.”
Can I ship whiskey as a gift?
Many websites will allow you to ship whiskey as a gift in state or out of state (sometimes even out of the country). However, some states have more stringent alcohol laws than others and will not permit shipping or delivery. If the gift recipient lives in a state that doesn’t permit alcohol shipments, consider getting them something like a cocktail book or a whiskey glass set instead.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Nicholas McClelland is a freelance writer who covers whisk(e)y and spirits for The Spruce Eats. His work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Fatherly, Inside Hook, TIME, and more.
Allison Wignall, who updated this article, is a writer who focuses on food and travel. Her work has been featured in publications, such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.