Emma Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador, Glen Moray: picking the perfect single malt gift
‘Choosing a whisky for a friend or loved one, either to serve or gift, can be daunting if you haven’t tried it first and aren’t familiar with whisky yourself. There are however a few simple tips (below) you can deploy to help you shop savvy and select a whisky that best suits your recipient’s taste.’
The foodies’ favourite:
rich, fruity whiskies, like those aged in sherry-casks, are a great choice for Christmas gatherings as they pair so well with festive food – both sweet and savoury. Our Speyside-based distillery has a long-standing tradition of experimenting with different casks to influence the flavour of our single malt and our Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish whisky is a great example of that. Look out for similar whiskies that feature dried fruit and spice in their tasting notes. Think Christmas cake, mince pies and the delicious flavours of the season!
The crowd pleaser:
if you are unsure of people’s preferences, then an easy drinking whisky like our Glen Moray Classic is a great option. Widely available throughout the UK, it’s the perfect single malt to introduce any non-whisky drinking friends to. A light dram with soft hints of barley and citrus, it’s perfect as an aperitif or a palette cleanser after dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in a range of traditional whisky cocktails, including a Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned.
The strong, smoky one:
Peated single malts are a good option for those who like stronger flavours The smokiness in peated whiskies, like our Glen Moray Smoky 12 expression, works really week with robust savoury dishes like roast meats. Intense cheeses like Roquefort, a high aged cheddar or a salty option like Manchego is also a delicious peated whisky pairing.
Whisky for whisky lovers:
if you want to treat an existing whisky fan, look for something high-aged or unique. A high age whisky, like those in our Heritage Range, boasts layers of more complex flavour which is ideal for a special occasion. If however, someone is new to aged whiskies, consider choosing a 10 to 12-year-old expression, which will likely have plenty of character still at an accessible price. Our award-winning 12 Year Old single malt is a great starting point for any whisky journey.
The limited edition:
when it comes to Christmas gifting, keep an eye out for limited edition bottles, festive sets and curated collaborations. Many brands pull the stops out at Christmas, and include everything from quality glassware, to whisky stones in sets to incentivise shoppers. What better way to celebrate a festive milestone than to gift something unique – I’ll drink to that!
