As we dive headfirst into the holiday season, it’s time to talk about Christmas, bourbon, and how you can make the most of this festive time—whether it’s exploring new whiskeys or picking out the perfect gift for the bourbon lover in your life. Today, I’ll cover:

1. Advent Calendars – A fun way to explore spirits this season.
2. How to Shop for Bourbon Lovers – From collectors to casual sippers.
3. Gifting Bourbon the Right Way – It’s all about the spirit of giving, not the price tag.

Let’s jump in!

Advent Calendars: It’s Not Too Late to Join the Fun

We might be a few days into December, but don’t let that stop you from getting in on the advent calendar action. While the traditional 24-day countdown may have started, there are still 12 Days of Christmas calendars out there. These give you the same thrill of discovering a new pour each day, just with a shorter time commitment.

If you’re part of a bourbon or whiskey community, advent-style bottle shares are a next-level experience. Here’s how it works:

• Each participant provides a bottle or sample (typically 1–2 ounces).
• Samples are divided among participants.
• Each day, you taste a pour and share notes without knowing what it is until the big reveal the following day.

I’m in a mid-tier bottle share right now (bottles valued between $100–$150 secondary market), and it’s a blast. Not only do you get to try some incredible pours, but you also connect with like-minded bourbon enthusiasts.

Pro tip: If you’re not in a group, check retailers like Costco or websites like Flaviar. They often have pre-made advent calendars with a mix of bourbons, whiskeys, and even tequilas (yes, I’m branching out there too). It’s a fun and easy way to expand your palate, even if you’re just starting out.

Bourbon Gifting: Match the Gift to the Person

Now, let’s get to the tricky part: shopping for the bourbon lover in your life. The golden rule here is know your audience and your budget.

For the Bourbon Hunter

If they’re a hardcore collector with shelves of rare bottles, don’t buy them bourbon. Why? Because half the thrill for them is the hunt. If you gift them a bottle, you might rob them of that experience.

Instead, think outside the bottle:

• Find something unique, like a special release from a distillery outside Kentucky.
• Pair the gift with a shared experience, like cracking open the bottle together. A friend once gave me a unique Oregon whiskey as a gift for my wedding. It wasn’t just the bottle—it was the memory of sharing it together that made it special.

For the Casual Sipper

If they’re not obsessed with chasing rare bottles but enjoy bourbon, gifting a bottle can still be great. Just keep a few things in mind:

• Stick to what they like (e.g., Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, etc.).
• Set a budget and don’t stress about going overboard. Whether it’s a $50 white elephant or a $100 gift for family, it’s the thought that counts.
• If you’re buying a highly allocated bottle at secondary prices, make sure it’s worth it to you and don’t mention how much you paid. The joy of the gift is in their reaction, not the cost.

Gifting Pro Tip

Never hold the price over their head. Whether it’s socks or a $130 bottle of E.H. Taylor, the value of a gift isn’t what you spent—it’s the thought and care behind it.

Bourbon-Adjacent Gifts: Think Beyond the Bottle

Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t bourbon itself but something that enhances the bourbon experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Glassware
   • Whisdom Glasses are a sleek and functional choice.
   • Corkcicle Cigar Glasses let you sip bourbon and hold a cigar at the same time—perfect for multitaskers.
2. Travel Accessories
   • Aged & Ore Travel Decanter: TSA-approved cases that let them take their favorite pours on the road.
3. Subscriptions
   • A Flaviar subscription delivers monthly tastings, perfect for whiskey enthusiasts who want to explore beyond bourbon.
4. Tasting Journals
   • A simple tasting notebook is a thoughtful stocking stuffer for someone who loves to jot down notes on what they’re sipping.

The Spirit of Giving

The holidays are about more than just gifts—they’re about the thought, care, and connection behind them. One year, my wife’s mom gave me a set of bourbon glasses. They weren’t high-end or fancy, but they meant a lot because they showed she cared about what I loved. We still use those glasses today, and every time, I’m reminded of that moment.

If you’re shopping for a bourbon lover, here’s the takeaway:

• Know their habits.
• Tailor your gift to their preferences.
• And most importantly, focus on the joy and memories it’ll create.

Follow for More Holiday Gift Ideas

I’ll be sharing weekly gift suggestions and bourbon tips on Instagram and TikTok at @bourbonbassbarbells (yes, that’s 🎸 not 🐟). Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just looking to try something new, I’ve got you covered.

Cheers to good whiskey, great friends, and unforgettable memories this holiday season!