Did 2025 end up the way in which you had been anticipating it to? The world’s gone so insane that, at this level, I don’t suppose something that occurs within the subsequent 12 months might probably shock us.
Did you additionally get the memo that the alcohol enterprise is in large decline? Seems individuals stopped consuming, simply once they wanted it essentially the most.
For those who’re holding quick to the great things and are nonetheless planning to reward a liquid current to family members this 12 months, excellent news: Our vacation reward information is again for its 18th 12 months, and we’ve scoured the some 1000+ critiques we’ve printed in 2025 to seek out the most effective wine and spirits merchandise on the market which are a) one thing particular and value giving as a present, b) moderately out there on-line or off, and c) not outrageously priced. As ordinary, we attempt to maintain our reward choices within the $100 and underneath vary, although you’ll discover a splurge or two within the listing the place it’s warranted.
As a reminder, the costs listed beneath are present “road value” averages as of press time, however they’ll fluctuate, usually fairly a bit. Store round earlier than you pull the set off.
You’ll discover most of those merchandise out there from our retail companions at Flaviar, Whole Wine, Frootbat, and Wine.com. You too can search a number of shops at wine-searcher to seek out the most effective costs on all these merchandise and extra from retailers throughout the web. For those who can’t discover one thing — or need a completely distinctive suggestion for a somebody that isn’t well-represented by our listing — please ship an e-mail or go away a remark beneath.
Additionally this 12 months we revamped our Drinkhacker merch with a brand new supplier — we’ve received a number of cool choices now and high quality is nice. We additionally respect in the event you observe us on Fb, Instagram, Twitter/X, or all three for the most recent and best, and join our weekly publication to get Drinkhacker through e-mail.
Lastly, don’t neglect that earlier picks are nonetheless on the market and make nice presents. For extra high reward concepts try the archives and browse our 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 vacation guides.
Bourbon – Maker’s Mark The Keepers Launch 2025 Restricted Launch ($86) – Maker’s Mark rightfully will get all types of ink for its glorious Cellar Aged collection, however the most effective whiskey it put out this 12 months was this lovely particular version within the wooden ending collection, chosen by the rickhouse staff on the firm, completed with 10 virgin toasted American oak staves. Extra excellent $100-or-less (however particular version) picks embody Booker’s Bourbon “By the Pond Batch” 2025-02 ($100), Blue Observe Honey Bourbon Cask 2024 ($63), Lasso Motel Bourbon Tokaji Cask End ($65), and the already iconic Outdated Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years Outdated ($94). For those who can’t discover any of those, take a gander at our high bourbons underneath $50 and high bourbons underneath $100 listing, which is full of ubiquitously out there inventory.
Scotch – GlenDronach Ode to the Darkish ($99) – As is commonly the case, a lot of our favourite Scotch whiskies this 12 months had been on the expensive aspect, however the frugal shopper will readily discover loads of worth within the class with a little bit of digging — offering the tariffs don’t chew you. This GlenDronach, aged in PX sherry casks, is likely one of the most decadent single malts of 2025, and it’s out there for just below 100 bucks. Extra nice offers embody Aberfeldy 15 Years Outdated Completed in Semillon Wine Casks ($71), Arran Sauternes Cask ($68), or Loch Lomond 12 Years Outdated ($49). For these peat lovers worthy of a bit additional, contemplate a bottle of Port Askaig 17 Years Outdated ($158).
Different Whiskey – New Riff Bitter Mash Single Malt Whiskey 2025 ($70) – I don’t suppose you’ll discover a higher deal on (or higher high quality from) cask power American single malt than this 7 12 months previous from New Riff. For a splurge, try Blue Spot Irish Whiskey 7 Years Outdated ($196), and for one thing approach off the overwhelmed path, contemplate a present of Onerous Reality Mizunara Completed Candy Mash Rye ($85). One remaining choice price choosing up: If you will discover Bushmills Non-public Reserve 12 Years Outdated Bordeaux Cask End 2025 ($80), it’s probably the greatest Irish releases of the 12 months for underneath $100.
Gin – Hendrick’s Oasium Gin ($42) – This Center Japanese themed particular version is likely one of the greatest Hendrick’s releases in years, an unique crowd-pleaser that received’t break the financial institution. A few further stable picks embody Conniption Navy Energy Gin ($41) from North Carolina and As Above, So Beneath Elvira Autumnal Gin ($41), which boasts Cassandra Peterson herself as model ambassador. For extra ideas, try our most up-to-date high 10 gins listing.
Vodka/Soju – Hoodoo Espresso Vodka ($36) – Mississippi-based Cathead Distilling produces this coffee-flavored vodka, which is mainly an espresso martini, able to be poured over ice, shaken, and consumed. It’s a large crowd pleaser and higher than any of the RTD espresso martinis available on the market — and doubtless higher than what you’d cook dinner up your self. Sailor raved concerning the expressive Mutiny Island Ginger Lime Infused Vodka ($27), and I additionally discovered the cherry-licorice-pepper flavored Yobo_Kish Bliss Soju Aperitif ($42) an actual delight and a low abv method to get pleasure from a vodka-adjacent festive sipper. Lastly, for the drinker who really has all the things, splurge on Pegasus Capturing Star Vodka ($259), which is made with meteorites.
Rum – Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum ($38) – The rum world is now present process a little bit of the worth inflation that the whiskey world skilled during the last decade-plus, so it’s refreshing to discover a rum that gives insane high quality at a stable value, with this mix of 4 island rums, bottled at navy power, on the high of our listing. Extra nice buys: LM&V Flag Collection Jamaica 2015 ($149) can usually be discovered for underneath $100, and nearly something from Arhumatic ($50 to $60), which is a number of the most wildly infused rum we’ve seen thus far. For extra nice rum picks, see our most up-to-date high 10 rums listing.
Brandy – Ferrand S.D.A. Cognac (2025) ($238) – It was a light-weight 12 months for brandy releases for us, with not an entire lot of worth on the market apart from a shock within the type of Martell VS Cognac ($38), which isn’t completely new however is a good low cost. This indulgent “Choice des Anges” launch from Ferrand is definitely worth the splurge, as is Germain-Robin California Alambic Brandy XO ($123) and Hine XO 1er Cru Cognac ($247). Apple lovers must also try Bhakta Calvados 1989 ($235).
Tequila – Espolon Tequila Flor de Oro ($46) – If you wish to give a novel tequila reward this 12 months, this distinctive marigold-infused tequila can have of us speaking — and reaching for the bottle for a second shot. Mijenta Tequila Blanco Maestra Choice No. 1 ($100) is a extra conventional fashion of tequila with an equally distinctive story behind it (the agaves used to make it are all grown from seed), and extremely price the additional outlay. Extra conventional choices embody Tequila Herradura Blanco ($48) — the primary really unaged tequila from Herradura out there within the U.S. — and Lalo Tequila Blanco Excessive Proof ($74), a large crowd-pleaser. Take a look at our high 10 tequilas and mezcals listing for extra picks.
Liqueur – Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey Eggnog ($21) – Sailor makes a robust case for peanut butter eggnog being in your vacation desk, and I’m not going to argue together with her. St. Elder Espresso Liqueur ($20) is one other excellent, festive selection, or observe down a bottle of Angostura Bitters two hundredth Anniversary Version ($70/200ml) for the discriminating Outdated Long-established fanatic in your fam.
Wine – You possibly can’t ever go mistaken with a bottle of wine. Take a look at our newest best-of lists for nice picks, together with our high 10 wines for summer time and our high 10 wines for winter options.
Books– A few of our favourite boozy titles of the 12 months: The Japanese Manner of Whisky, In Session: Low-Proof Cocktails for Excessive-High quality Events, and The Botanical Bar are all nice presents, relying on the pursuits of your giftee.
As a remaining word: For those who want one other customized reward concept (or have the next/decrease finances), drop us a line or go away a remark right here and we’ll supply our greatest recommendation!
Trying to purchase any of the above? Give our retail companions at Flaviar, Whole Wine, Frootbat, and Wine.com a strive! Bear in mind you’ll be able to search a number of shops at wine-searcher for hard-to-find merchandise.
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