If you’re searching for the best premium whiskies to buy this Christmas, this curated festive whisky guide brings together nine outstanding bottles from some of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries. If you want to explore whiskies further, we have plenty of whisky articles on our website. This guide though, focused on rich sherry-matured drams to bold peated Islay classics, offering exceptional flavour, craftsmanship and seasonal warmth (at various price points) — perfect for gifting or enjoying by the fire.

Whether you’re shopping for a whisky newcomer or a seasoned connoisseur, here are nine whiskies to buy this Christmas.

1. Bowmore 18-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask

One of the most elegant premium whiskies for winter, Bowmore 18-Year-Old delivers rich notes of citrus, dark chocolate and coastal peat. Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, it’s beautifully balanced and ideal for slow Christmas sipping.

ABV: 43% | RRP: £175
Buy from: Whisky specialists and luxury retailers, including The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt

2. Bowmore 19-Year-Old Pinot Noir Cask Finish (Travel Retail Exclusive)

A luxurious festive whisky for travellers, this 19-Year-Old expression marries Islay’s maritime smoke with Burgundy Pinot Noir cask influences. Expect red fruits, brioche, caramel and soft smoke — a sophisticated bottle worth picking up on your journey home.

ABV: 43% | RRP: £149
Buy from: Exclusively in global travel retail and select duty-free locations

3. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old

If you’re gifting someone who loves bold, smoky whisky, Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is a must. Its signature medicinal peat, seaweed and tar notes make it an iconic Christmas classic.

ABV: 40% | RRP: £42
Buy from: Laphroaig.com, the distillery Visitor Centre and select specialist retailers, including The Whisky Shop

4. Laphroaig Elements 3.0

For something truly unique, Laphroaig Elements 3.0 is an intense, experimental whisky created after an unexpected kiln fire produced an exceptionally smoky spirit. It’s a collector’s dream — rich with charcoal, cocoa, dark chocolate, blackberry and peat.

ABV: 55.3% | RRP: £170
Buy from: Laphroaig.com, the distillery Visitor Centre and select specialist retailers, including The Whisky Shop

5. Glen Garioch 12-Year-Old

This Highland gem is one of the best-value premium whiskies for Christmas. Non-chill filtered and matured in bourbon and sherry casks, it’s packed with honeyed fruit, poached pears and creamy malt — a perfect festive fireside dram.

ABV: 48% | RRP: £40
Buy from: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop

6. Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve

Smooth, unpeated and full of character, Founder’s Reserve is a tribute to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Vanilla, heather honey and gentle spice make it a great option for someone discovering whisky this Christmas.

ABV: 48% | RRP: £34.50
Buy from: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop

7. Ardray Blended Scotch Whisky

Ardray is one of the most refined blended Scotch whiskies you can buy for Christmas. Created by Scottish and Japanese blenders, it offers a silky texture with notes of apple, pear, citrus and soft smoke. Perfect for gifting.

ABV: 48% | RRP: £60
Buy from: Specialist whisky retailers, including Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange

8. Auchentoshan Three Wood

Triple-matured in bourbon, Oloroso and PX sherry casks, Auchentoshan Three Wood is rich, fruity and incredibly smooth. This festive favourite works beautifully neat, over ice or in a Christmas whisky highball.

ABV: 43% | RRP: £48
Buy from: Specialist whisky retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt

9. Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Double Cask

If you’re looking for a premium yet approachable whisky to gift this Christmas, Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Double Cask is ideal. Triple distilled and matured in bourbon and Oloroso casks, it offers citrus brightness, vanilla sweetness and a clean, nutty finish.

ABV: 40% | RRP: £38
Buy from: Specialist whisky retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop

The Perfect Pour for a Magical Christmas

Whether you’re searching for a show-stopping gift, planning festive drinks with friends, or simply looking to elevate your own winter evenings, these nine festive premium whiskies offer something truly special for Christmas 2025. From smoky Islay classics to refined Lowland drams and elegant blended expressions, each bottle brings its own sense of warmth, craftsmanship and celebration to the season.

Whisky has a unique ability to turn moments into memories — and with such a diverse range of flavours, styles and stories, there’s a perfect dram here for every palate. So whether you’re gifting a whisky newcomer or surprising a seasoned collector, these standout bottles ensure your Christmas celebrations are filled with depth, character and unforgettable flavour.