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Best whisky advent calendars for Christmas 2021: From scotch to Japanese whiskies

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

The notion that pleasure is all in the anticipation is never proved more than at Christmas.

Preparing for the big day, from finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, to pondering mistletoe placement and getting the home looking its festive finest, it all serves to ramp up our giddiness for December 25.

While we can’t wait to make up for last year’s universally dismal Christmas with an OTT 2021 celebration, there’s one tradition that we can get started on now - the advent calendar.

Initially designed to delight children, advent calendars have become a pre-Crimbo bonanza that everyone can enjoy.

Grown-up versions house everything from diamond jewellery and beauty surprises to boozy treats behind festive packaging. Some calendars have 12 windows, others 24 or 25, but all are made to be enjoyed before the main present-opening moment on December 25.

Amongst the alcohol-filled advent calendars, whisky is becoming one of the more popular choices, boosted by a demand from a new generation of drinkers.

It’s a wonderful choice if you’re a fan of Scotch. A whisky advent calendar offers the perfect vehicle to discover new types as the drinks come in small 30ml measures that you can savour and appreciate.

 (Unsplash)
(Unsplash)

These calendars are not designed for sessioning; rather education, exploration and learning. Along with tasting notes and videos via QR code, you could also find accessories such as glasses or whisky stones behind the advent’s windows too - or if you’re really lucky, a full sized bottle to enjoy on the big day.

No need to scrape the bottom of the barrel, we’ve poured all the best options into our list below.

Shop now, and countdown to Christmas in style. Cheers!

Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

If you’re looking for an extra special advent countdown this year, this epic advent calendar should hit the sweet spot. It not only features an elegant design, but it holds some of the most exclusive, elusive and high quality whiskies on the planet. Sip on something new every day until Dec 25 with 24 x 30ml drams from some of the most revered distilleries on Earth.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£999.95 | Master of Malt

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

Whether you consider yourself something of a whisky aficionado or a newbie keen to dive further into this delicious world, this luxury advent calendar will be well received. Twist open 24 drams in the lead up to Christmas, and enjoy the festive period in a whole new way. Names include the likes of Glenrothes, Balvenie and Talisker.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£249.95 | The Whisky Shop SOLD OUT

Johnnie Walker 12 Days of Discovery limited edition calendar

Put a spring in their step this Christmas with Johnnie Walker's limited edition whisky advent calendar. The handsome yellow and white box opens to reveal a dozen branded miniatures to enjoy in the 12 days before Christmas. Whether they're new to the world of whisky or just want a journey through Johnnie Walker's core range, it's the perfect boozy gift for a fan.

 (Johnnie Walker)
(Johnnie Walker)

£49 | Amazon

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

There's no danger of feeling parched this December with That Boutique-y Whisky Company's advent calendar on your shelf. This year's fun design showcases whisky elves preparing for the festivities. Behind each of the 24 windows is a 30ml sample dram siphoned from some of the world's finest and specialist distillers.

 (That-Boutique-y-Whisky-Company)
(That-Boutique-y-Whisky-Company)

£124.95 | Master of Malt

Drinks by the Dram World Whisky

Though purists would argue Scottish whisky is the one true original, the spirit has been embraced the world over. This constellation-patterned advent offers a global perspective on the drink, presenting 24 x 30ml wax-sealed drams in advent calendar form. Prepare to explore booze from every corner of the globe.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£149.95 | Master of Malt

Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

This year's Olympic Games shone a light on all things from the land of the rising sun, whisky included. Continue your admiration for Japanese whisky with this advent from Drinks by the Dram. There are 24 x 30ml vials to discover, each serving up a host of exciting styles and flavour profiles. Brand include the well-established such as Suntory as well as smaller distillers.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£199.95 | Master of Malt

The Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

Get ready for your merriest countdown yet. The wizards at Drinks by the Dram have formulated this exceptional calendar to bring pure, unadulterated joy to whisky fans. In all there are 24 libations from boutique names and famous brands, making opening each of the calendar's windows an education of the most delicious kind.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£118.99 | The Whisky Shop

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

A bonnie option for your favourite Scotch whisky aficionado, Drinks by the Dram has made this advent calendar for those who love drinks made north of Hadrian's Wall. As with the other calendars in the brand's series, this too offers 24 x 30 bottles sealed with wax. You'll spot familiar names like Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich and Dalmore, but a fair few curveballs too.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£149.95 | Master of Malt

12 Drams of Christmas - Premium Whisky Selection Box

For those who agree that Christmas is a time to blow the budget, we have one tasty way to splurge the best part of £90. Drinks by the Drams has whipped up this 12-spirit compilation to be enjoyed in the Twixtmas period after Christmas. The premium whiskies all hail from Scotland and include well-respected labels such as Laphroaig, Dalmore and Jura. It’s a great gift to help all those post-Christmas turkey sandwiches and curries go down.

If you’re looking for something a bit more buget friendly, find a £69 version here.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£89.99 | The Whisky Shop

The Bourbon & American Whiskey Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

Who needs chocolate when you can have an advent calendar sloshing with delicious bourbon instead? Use Yuletide 2021 to discover American-born versions of your favourite amber nectar. Brands span the instantly recognisable Jack Daniels and Maker’s Mark to smaller boutique brands.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£129.95 | The Whisky Shop

Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar (2021 Edition)

Serving up another journey into the exquisiteness of whisky, Drinks by the Drams presents this calendar dedicated to unearthing single cask whiskies. The design, covered in a rustic wood print, includes 24 different wax-sealed glass drams by 22 distilleries from three nations.

 (Drinks by the Dram)
(Drinks by the Dram)

£199.95 | Master of Malt