You’re probably here because you have a special someone that loves everything Single Malts on your Holiday List. Browsing through the aisles at the LCBO can seem intimidating, but Liquid Culture is here to take away the anxiety this Holiday Season. This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is filled with a variety of Single Malt Whiskies to choose from, with your budget in mind.
For point of reference, please note that all bottles mentioned are items that are / should be available in Ontario. For the international guests on here, I kept in mind the selection that’s available within our province and know full well that there is still a WORLD of products yet to be tasted.
All Bottles and Products mentioned are entirely unsponsored. We wanted to provide you with our outmost honesty this holiday season. This way no one is getting crappy gifts this season.
Budget Friendly Single Malts
It was important for me to come up with Budget Friendly options for this Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you’re looking for a Stocking Stuffer offer, have a limited budget for Secret Santa, or maybe you’re looking for something Value driven for your Holiday Party at home, this list is for you. Showcasing bottles under the $60 price range that offers great value and maybe something a bit different from your norm.
Bowmore 12 yr Islay Single Malt – Priced at $64.95 (ON SALE for $59.95 right now). There are certain brands I know I can rely on, Bowmore being one of them. This particular Single Malt comes at a great value, especially with this special aged edition, where many Islay Single Malts can get quite pricey. It’s worth diving into, if you’ve been wanting to explore more Islay, peaty style whiskies.
Singleton of Dufftown – Priced at $57.00. The description on the LCBO site is pretty much spot on when they talk about this being a great introductory Whisky. If there’s someone on your list that you’d like to transition to the Single Malt realm, this is a great way to start and one of my favourites to have on my home bar. Great value whiskey!
Glenmorangie X – Priced at $58.50. I love me some Single Malts, Glenmorangie and everything they carry being one of them. But the X is truly something special and screams Liquid Culture, because it’s a Single Malt made specifically with cocktails in mind! This is the bartender’s Single Malt, which believe me, deserves a space in the cocktail realm. I’ve made enough creations here to know that Single Malts are wonderful in cocktails and need to be explored.
Something, Something in the Middle
You’ll find Single Malts priced between $60 – $100
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 yr – Priced at $78.45. Ardbeg has long been a favourite for enthusiasts, and this is now the newest permanent addition to their lineup. It is one BOLD whisky that isn’t for the light of heart. You’ve got peat, ton of pepper, pine nuts and so much more!
Aberfeldy 12 yr – Priced at $63.95. I always forget how much I love Aberfeldy, but not anymore! I’m finally giving it a chance to share some light on Liquid Culture with their 12 yr old expression. Available at the LCBO, you’ve got a Single Malt that has everything, from fruit, smoke, spices and so much more. A definite must-try.
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie – Priced at $79.95. It’s hard not to notice Bruichladdich on a shelf. It stands out from the traditional Single Malt look, but I believe they do in both taste and profile. For those who always go with the traditional Single Malt Whisky, maybe surprise your Secret Santa with this instead.
Go Big or Go Home
Here you’ll find our premium selection options at over $100 for 750ml.
Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition Single Highland – Priced at $124.95. Dalwhinnie has always been iconic in my books, and one of the best Single Malts to jump into the category. With this exclusion edition, any whisky nut would get excited for this!
Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 21 Yr – Priced at $379.70. Glenfiddich will always be a brand I love. The 12 yr is often in many of my cocktails, but I wanted to also highlight the Project XX which was some outstanding stuff. So when it comes to spoiling loved ones, this is definitely it and will not disappoint.
For my last suggestion, I couldn’t decide between the Talisker, Highland Park or Glenfarcas. The thing is, many of these may be hard to find to begin with. So what I would say is, if you see a special bottle out from these brands, and you want to spoil someone, then grab it. Because it will likely be gone very quickly.
Looking for Agave inspired Recipes? We’ve got a library of recipes to choose from, just check out the link HERE!
