As much as we look forward to December’s twinkling lights and good cheer, the endless checklist of holiday obligations leaves many of us feeling frazzled. What if we took a more mindful approach in 2022 by protecting some time each evening for a bit of indulgence and relaxation?
Although there are many ways to incorporate this type of blissful pause into our daily lives, we humbly suggest that for whiskey lovers, a whiskey Advent calendar may just be the best choice of all this holiday season.
Imagine knowing that whatever chaos December brings, each evening you can look forward to plucking a miniature vial of luxury whiskey from behind a tiny numbered door. Will it reveal a mouth-watering bourbon with hints of caramel and vanilla? Or a peppery rye with that signature spicy bite? Will you uncover a passion for an independently-owned craft whiskey distillery you never knew existed?
Anything could happen. But even beyond the excitement of discovering delightful new flavors and innovative whiskey distillers, you can’t beat a holiday ritual that emphasizes slowing down, conversation with loved ones, and a well-deserved special treat.
If you’re ready to start a new tradition this year, or you need the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life, check out our list of the 8 Best Whiskey Advent Calendars of 2022.
This unique and festive gift box contains 24 reasons to celebrate this season. Although the calendar’s creators lean into the holiday magic by keeping the names of the 50ml gift bottles a secret, they promise to deliver “curated whiskeys from the best distilleries in the world.”
Bourbon & Whiskey Holiday Gift Box, $400
Perhaps the most aesthetically appealing bottles in this lineup, these 24 hand-waxed drams contain samples of some of America’s best craft whiskey and bourbon. Great taste and Instagram-ready bottles? What more could you ask for?
NIPYATA! Boozy Advent Calendar, $120
While this particular Advent calendar invites us to sample a variety of premium spirits from around the world, it has plenty for whiskey lovers to get excited about. Classics like Jack Daniels and Johnny Walker Black are interspersed with adventurous flavors like Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.
Woodford Reserve 8 Day Cocktail Advent Calendar, $146
Kentucky distiller Woodford Reserve’s holiday calendar makes it easy to unwind without even having to reach into the cabinet for a mixer. The calendar includes barrel-aged bitters and artisanal mixers for classic drinks such as the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour. Just grab a glass and you’re ready for eight days of holiday bliss.
Jack Daniels Holiday Countdown Calendar, $90
You can’t go wrong with a classic. The Jack Daniels Holiday Countdown Calendar includes 20 bottles, featuring all-time favorites like Tennessee Honey, Old No. 7, Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel Select, and Tennessee Rye. Added bonus– it comes with four shot glasses to add to your home collection.
Reusable Wooden Advent Calendar, $37
For the equal opportunity spirits-drinker, this handcrafted calendar can accommodate gin, vodka, or anything else that comes in a tiny bottle. You can buy your own, or add the optional reusable glass bottles to your order and fill them yourself. Personalize the calendar for a special touch.
Do-It-Yourself Whiskey Advent Calendar
Are you a whiskey lover with a penchant for crafting? Check out this tutorial from Feast + West, complete with links to supplies, templates, and step-by-step instructions. Skip the pre-made options and make your own boozy Advent calendar this year!
RackHouse Whiskey Club Membership, Starting at $89
Premium spirits from the RackHouse Whiskey Club would make a great unofficial Advent calendar, and if you sign up today you’ll have plenty of craft whiskey to sample this December. RackHouse scours the U.S. looking for the best distilleries with the most interesting stories to curate a unique subscription box filled with full-sized bottles of hard-to-find small batch whiskey. Choose a Gold or Platinum Membership for your whiskey lover, or the Gift Box, which includes two bottles in a one-off box.
