Whiskey Man Approved: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the whiskey man or woman in your life? With the holidays just around the corner, it can be overwhelming to find that special present for the whiskey enthusiast. But fear not, because Common Cents Liquor Store has compiled a list of last minute gift ideas that are sure to please any whiskey connoisseur. While a bottle of their favorite whiskey is always a great option, why not switch things up this year and go for something different? From unique glasses and accessories to personalized gifts and tasting experiences, we have you covered with a range of options that are sure to impress even the most discerning whiskey lover. So let's raise a glass and dive into our Whiskey Man Approved last minute gift ideas that will make this holiday season one to remember.

Whiskey is a beloved spirit with a wide variety of flavors and styles. When it comes to choosing the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life, understanding the different types of whiskey can be helpful. In general there are nine types of whiskey; Rye, Canadian, Japanese, Bourbon, Tennessee, Irish, Scotch, Blended and Single Malt. Let’s breakdown each type of whiskey to better understand the flavor profile your particular whiskey enthusiast enjoys.

Rye whiskey is a newer form of whiskey that originated in 1791 when Scots-Irish immigrants began distilling their excess grains. To be considered rye whiskey, at least 51% of the mash must be rye, with barley and corn typically making up the rest. Rye whiskey has spicier notes and is less sweet and smooth compared to Bourbon.

Fun Fact: The 1791 Congress imposed an excise tax on distilled drinks to fund the war with England. Small producers found the tax to be unfair compared to large producers who received tax breaks. This led to uprisings, protests, and violence until the tax was repealed in 1802. Dubbed “the Whiskey rebellion” it has been considered the first documented challenge of newly formed U.S. government.

Canadian whisky is aged for a minimum of 3 years and offers a smoother and lighter taste. It is primarily made from corn but can also be mixed with rye, wheat, or barley. Canadian distillers mash, ferment, distill, and age each grain separately, resulting in greater flavor control. Crown Royal, Fireball, and Black Velvet are all Canadian whiskey’s all varying greatly in flavor profiles due to the unique distilling process.

An up-and-coming style to the American market is Japanese whisky. Japanese distillers follow a similar process to scotch and often source their ingredients from Scotland. They use continuous stills, resulting in a drier and smokier flavor compared to bourbon or rye whiskeys. Japanese whisky is considered to have a more delicate and purposeful flavor profile than traditional scotch. However, the selection of Japanese whisky in the United States is limited, with Suntory and Nikka being the most readily available brands.

Moving on to the rich and sweet flavor profile of bourbons like Maker's Mark and Elijah Craig, which often have notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Bourbon is considered a quintessential American whiskey known for its smoothness and depth of flavor. It is credited for the creation of classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour, Mint Julep, Negroni, and Manhattan.

Tennessee whiskey must be made in its named for state and is often considered a type of bourbon, but it has a unique distillation process called the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the whiskey through maple charcoal chips before aging, which removes impurities and changes the flavor profile to be mellow and fruity.

Barley based, Irish whiskey must be made in Ireland and is known for its smoothness due to its distillation process, which involves three rounds of distillation. This results in a distinct flavor profile that is grainy, light, and fruity. Some popular Irish whiskeys include Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W, and Writers' Tears, each with unique flavors such as pear/vanilla and caramel/pineapple.

Scotch whisky is made in Scotland and is most well-known for flavor profiles that incorporate peaty and/or smoky notes. Although, peaty is the most well-known flavor note, Scotch comes in a wide variety and is an excellent gift choice. It is often divided into two main categories: single malt and blended. Single malt Scotch is made from malted barley at a single distillery, while blended Scotch is a mix of malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries. The earliest record of distilling in Scotland occurred in 1494, making this particular brand of whisky a great gift for the historian in your life as well as the whiskey aficionado. Our recommendation is a bottle of Glenturret as it is the oldest operating distillery in Scotland having been in operation since 1763.

Sure, getting to know the different types of whiskeys is fun and allows you a better understanding of what type of whiskey will be best for your gift but there are plenty of other non-alcoholic gift giving options. When it comes to enjoying whiskey, having the right accessories can enhance the experience. There are a wide variety of popular whiskey accessories that make great gifts for the whiskey man in your life. One essential accessory is a set of whiskey glasses. Whiskey glasses come in many different styles, including traditional tumblers, Glencairn glasses, and crystal snifters. Each type of glass is designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of the whiskey, allowing the full appreciation the spirit.

In addition to glasses, there are also a variety of other barware items. Whiskey stones are a popular choice, as they allow your drink to chill without diluting it. These stones can be made from various materials, such as soapstone or stainless steel, and can be reused over and over again. Whiskey decanters are another popular accessory, allowing the storage and display their favorite whiskey in style. These decanters come in a variety of designs, from traditional cut crystal to modern, sleek shapes.

No matter what type of whiskey accessory you choose, it's sure to be a hit with the whiskey man in your life. These accessories not only enhance the enjoyment of whiskey, but they also add a touch of style and sophistication to any home bar or collection.

When it comes to gifting the whiskey man in your life, you can really set your gift apart with a whiskey tasting set. These sets offer a variety of different flavor profiles and types of whiskey to try, allowing the whiskey man to expand their palate and discover new favorites.

Many whiskey tasting sets come with additional accessories like bitters, smokers, glasses, jiggers, and stones, making them a complete package for the whiskey enthusiast. These accessories can enhance the tasting experience and allow the whiskey man to fully appreciate the aromas and flavors of the whiskey.

If you can't seem to find the right tasting set, don't worry! You can easily make your own by selecting a few of your favorite whisky shooters and create a personalized tasting experience. Mix and match different brands and styles, such as Crown Royal, Buffalo Trace, Paddy's Old Irish Whiskey, and Gentleman Jack, to create a unique and enjoyable tasting session.

Whether you choose to go with a bottle of their favorite whiskey, a unique small batch barrel, a set of stylish whiskey glasses, or a whiskey tasting set, your gift is sure to be appreciated. By taking the time to understand their preferences and selecting a gift that aligns with their tastes, you can show them just how much thought you put into their present. Make this holiday season one to remember for the whiskey lover in your life. Cheers to finding the perfect gift!