Crafting the Perfect Whisky Hamper for Christmas

Are you stuck on ideas of what to get your loved one this Christmas? If so, why not make them a hamper of all their favourite things: snacks, small gifts, and, you guessed it, some delicious whisky?

Crafting up your own gift requires more effort and thoughtfulness; making a whisky hamper is the perfect way to show your loved one you value them this year. 

Today, Whisky Tasting Company will discuss all of the essential components of a whisky hamper so you can enjoy the surprise on your loved ones' faces on Christmas morning. 

1. Selecting the Whisky

With a wide selection of whiskies to choose from, you could stick to the type of whisky you know they like or include a few miniature whiskies for them to test out. 

Our whisky-tasting kits are the perfect addition to any hamper. They include 5 miniature whiskies, a tasting mat, and drinking cards. 

Here are some suggestions for each type of whisky:

• Single malt whiskies: Renowned for their smooth profiles and unique flavour profiles, single malts like Glenfiddich or Macallan are perfect for your hamper. Speyside malts are more floral, while Islay whiskies are known for their bold, peaty profile.
• Blended whiskies: For beginners, opt for blends such as Monkey Shoulder, which has a less overpowering taste. For whisky lovers who appreciate versatility, premium blends like Johnnie Walker Gold Label or Chivas Regal are the way to go.
• World whiskies: Steer away from classic Scottish whiskies with a Japanese whisky from brands like Hibiki or Nikka or a smooth Irish whisky, such as Jameson or Redbreast.

2. Complementary Treats

No hamper is complete without some items to snack on with a drink. 

This will enhance the whisky-tasting experience with the following food complementing each whisky for a memorable gift. 

• Artisan cheese: Cheese is the perfect pairing for whisky. If you've gone for a smoky whisky, it pairs beautifully with blue cheese. For lighter, floral whiskies, opt for creamy options like camembert and top it off with accompanying crackers. 
• Nuts and dried fruit: Roasted nuts like almonds and hazelnuts balance the smoothness of whisky with their crunch and savoury taste. For a sweet touch, you can also add dried fruits like figs, dates, and apricots.
• Gourmet chocolate: Who doesn't love chocolate in a hamper? Opt for dark chocolate like truffles or whisky-flavoured chocolates for the whisky enthusiast. Milk chocolate is the perfect option for those with a sweeter palate. 
• Smoked delicacies: To take your hamper to the next level, add fresh, smoked salmon. This complements peaty whiskies. You can also incorporate prosciutto or salami into a full-bodied whisky hamper.

3. Whisky Accessories

If you're going to gift whisky to your loved one, why not throw in a few new accessories for their collection?

We're sure you'll become their new favourite family member or best friend with the following items!

1. Glassware—Glencairn or tumbler glasses to amp up their tasting experience. 
2. Whisky Stones—for those who love a chilled, refreshing drink.
3. Tasting journals—because who doesn't love documenting their thoughts?
4. Decanter—for that friend who loves a stylish display. 
5. Bottle opener—what more can you say? It's a fancier way to open a bottle. 
6. Coasters—to prevent those annoying rings on your furniture! 
7. Whisky-infused candles—for those who love whisky a bit too much.
8. Whisky books—because we all have a friend who loves reading every single fact about their favourite hobbies.

4. Presentation

When it comes to Christmas gifts, it's not just about the present itself but also about how you display it. 

And when it comes to a hamper, the key is to go all out! Choose a beautiful wicker gift basket or wooden box that can be kept as a keepsake. For a thematic touch, opt for a wooden crate reminiscent of a whisky barrel. 

For a thoughtful touch, add shredded or tissue paper to the box before placing your gifts in. You could opt for Christmas colours like red, green, or gold. Then, start with a layer of padding at the bottom then arrange larger items like bottles and glasses first, placing smaller items around them.

Place the whisky bottles with the labels facing forward so the recipient can see what they are. For the final touch, you can add a festive ribbon or bow and include sprigs of holly, pinecones, or eucalyptus. 

Get Christmas Ready with Whisky Tasting Company

Whether you're searching for the ideal present for a whisky connoisseur or a special way to commemorate the season, we've got you covered.

Our premium whisky-tasting sets and Christmas whisky gifts are designed to impress, and there are plenty of personalised miniature-tasting sets to choose from. 

From old and rare Scotch whisky to single malts, there's something to make everyone's Christmas jolly and bright.