Gin and whisky gifts
Last updated: · Links and ratings checked 16 October 2026
A good bottle is one of the easiest gifts to get right, as long as you match the style to the drinker. This guide covers well-known bottles with thousands of UK ratings, mostly £20–£40 at the prices we checked.
Whisky: pick the style
Smoky: Laphroaig 10 is the classic peaty Islay malt and divides opinion, so buy it for someone who already likes smoky whisky. Smooth and fruity: The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, Aberlour 12 and Cardhu Gold Reserve are safe for most people. Islay without the smoke: Bunnahabhain 12. Bourbon: Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark.
Gin
Hendrick’s (rated 4.9) is the safe choice. For something different, try Malfy Arancia (blood orange), Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, or Brecon Botanicals from Wales.
Responsible gifting
All of these contain alcohol. They’re for over-18s only, and Amazon may ask for ID on delivery. For someone who doesn’t drink, see alcohol-free gifts.
At a glance
- 15 picks: 7 in £25–£50, 8 in £10–£25.
- 15 show a public rating on the retailer’s page.
- 1 is personalised and need extra making time.
- Highest rated when checked: Hendrick's Gin (70cl) (★ 4.9), Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch (70cl) (★ 4.8), The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve single malt (70cl) (★ 4.8).
Want it narrower? Take the 60-second quiz.
Our picks (15)
Hendrick's Gin (70cl)
Rated 4.9 from over 9,500 ratings. The cucumber-and-rose gin that most gin drinkers are happy to see under the tree.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch (70cl)
A safe, crowd-pleasing blend that suits whisky novices and regulars alike. A good Secret Santa if your office allows a bottle.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve single malt (70cl)
A light, fruity Speyside single malt with over 11,000 ratings. A gentle introduction to single malt.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Maker's Mark bourbon (70cl)
The wax-dipped bottle looks like a present on its own, and it's rated 4.8 from almost 9,000 ratings.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay single malt (70cl)
The classic peaty Islay malt, rated 4.8 from nearly 9,000 ratings. Smoky enough to be a talking point at Christmas.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Cardhu Gold Reserve single malt (70cl)
A honeyed Speyside malt at a fair price. A good 'nice bottle' for a dad or grandad.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Aberlour 12 Year Old Speyside single malt, gift box (70cl)
A sherry-cask Speyside malt in a gift box: smooth, fruity and easy to like.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Islay single malt (70cl)
An Islay malt that is rich and nutty rather than smoky. A step up for someone who already knows what they like.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Malfy Gin Arancia, Sicilian blood orange (70cl)
A bright Italian blood-orange gin for someone who likes their G&T a bit more summery.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Brecon Botanicals Welsh gin (70cl)
An award-winning Welsh gin from the Penderyn distillery for under £20. Good value for a gin-drinking colleague.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger gin (70cl)
A popular flavoured gin under £20 that's easy to wrap and hard to get wrong.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Buffalo Trace Kentucky straight bourbon (70cl)
A well-loved bourbon for under £20 that works neat or in an Old Fashioned.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Auchentoshan American Oak Lowland single malt (70cl)
A triple-distilled, light Lowland malt that suits newer whisky drinkers and cocktails.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)The Singleton Malt Master Selection single malt (70cl)
A smooth, easy-drinking malt for around £25. A safe choice if you don't know their taste.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Personalised whisky lovers letterbox hamper
Miniatures to taste rather than one bottle to guess. Contains alcohol, so it's excluded for non-drinkers.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)
Frequently asked questions
What is a good whisky to give as a gift?
For most people, a smooth Speyside single malt such as The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve or Aberlour 12. Only choose Laphroaig if they like smoky whisky.
Can you send alcohol as a gift in the UK?
Yes, from licensed retailers, but the recipient must be 18 or over and may need ID on delivery.
Will it arrive before Christmas?
Check each retailer’s cut-off and our UK Christmas delivery dates page. For Christmas 2026, Royal Mail’s last recommended 1st Class posting date is Monday 21 December. Personalised items need extra time.