Black Friday is nearly here, and that means it’s time to get whipped into a consumeristic frenzy. That also means it’s nearly time to start counting down to the holidays (if you haven’t already started). Of course, nothing helps to tick off short winter days like a little mini bottle of booze to enjoy after work, and fortunately there are a few whiskey (and other spirits) advent calendars to help you along.
Vermont distillery WhistlePig released a new advent calendar called, in its signature groan-inducing way, the Hogiday Advent Calendar. This includes 12 50 ml bottles of some of WhistlePig’s signature whiskeys, including age statement expressions of bourbon, rye, and even some wheat whiskey, some of which was sourced or contract distilled at partner distilleries in Indiana and Canada and some of which was produced in Vermont. You can purchase this calendar directly from the WhistlePig website (SRP $125—it appears to be sold out now, but hopefully will be back in stock soon).
One of the OG’s of the boozy advent calendar world is back this year with something new. Spirits website Flaviar is releasing, for the first time, an agave spirits version called La Ruta del Agave. This 12-night calendar (December 25 to January 6, meant to be enjoyed after Christmas) includes 1.7 oz vials of tequila and mezcal to sample, including some very reputable brands like Codigo 1530, Mijenta, Del Maguey, and even a raicilla from Bullmaro. This calendar comes with a Glencairn glass for tasting, a map and content hub with tasting notes, and a year membership to Flaviar Black. You can purchase one at the Flaviar website now (SRP $125).
Flaviar is also releasing FlaviAIR, its annual classic whiskey advent calendar leading up to Christmas that includes 24 50-ml spirits sourced from the around the world from the likes of Bhakta Spirits, Frey Ranch, Loch Lomond, and Mary Dowling. Also, for the first time this calendar will include a Cognac—specifically, Martingale Rare Reserve Cognac that occupies the day 24 spot. Order from the Flaviar website now (SRP $270).
Continuing the Mexican theme, Bozal Mezcal has an extremely pricy advent calendar this year that includes 24 200 ml bottles of mezcal made from different varieties of agave, which will cost you a grand total of $1,000. If you’re a hardcore mezcal fan who is willing to shell out the big bucks, you will find samples of expressions made by individual producers from varietals like tobala, jabali, cenizo, and even a blend infused with jamon Iberico like a pechuga expression. This calendar comes with copitas (mezcal drinking cups) and tea lights meant to be lit on the final day. You can find more information and watch short videos to guide you through each mezcal here, and it’s available to purchase here.
World Whiskey Society, a non-distilling producer that has released some interesting expressions over the past few years, has its own version of an advent calendar. More precisely, this is a set of 12 50 ml ornaments, each filled with the brand’s signature bourbon that you can hang on the tree or give away to friends (SRP $70—order here).
And if you’re really looking to splurge, Master of Malt (which ships to the U.S.) has a great option—the Drinks by the Dram Very Old & Rare Whisky Collection. This is the most eye-catching advent calendar of the bunch, housed in a wooden box that looks like a section of a tree that’s been cut down. There are some truly rare whiskies included in this set of 30 ml bottles, like Balvenie 40, Highland Park 40, Port Ellen 32, The Macallan No. 6, and Karuizawa 32. You can purchase this collection here for about $11,000.
Authors
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Jonah Flicker