9 Things Every Whiskey Connoisseur Must-Have
Are you a whiskey lover or is someone you know a an aficionado of the old (or new ) aqua vitae (water of life)? If so, getting a gift or treating yourself normally involves finding a new favorite affordable, yet high-end hooch or splurging on a premium bottle of the sweet smooth spirit.
However, there are other ways to spoil a whiskey connoisseur that doesn't necessarily involve breaking the bank as you search for that aged Macallan. We've found the 9 best whiskey accessories that any self-respecting whiskey enthusiast should have. Whether it's for yourself or to treat a whiskey-loving friend, get the most out of your dram, with these must-have whiskey items.
As well, if you are into tequila, then check out these best accessories for tequila lovers.
Around The World Whiskey Decanter Set
For many whiskey lovers, a decanter set is a must. In fact for most, one decanter just won't cut it. After all a decanter is a must for storing any opened whiskey once the bottle is opened. A decanter preserves the quality and flavor of whiskey by preventing oxidation and evaporation. And, it aerates the nectar and releases its aromas, making any spirit, smoother and more enjoyable to drink.
A whiskey globe decanter seems to be the vessel of choice for any whiskey lover in the movies. In days gone by, the leading man would never be seen knocking one back straight from the bottle. So, why not add an air of elegance and sophistication to your whiskey drinking ritual by pouring your fave tipple from a dispenser featuring not only an etched globe design, but an antique ship that's surrounded by an ocean of your fave alcohol. The set also comes with 2 old fashioned whiskey glasses on a stained wood tray.
Decanters come in a variety of prices and this one is certainly at the lower-end of the price-range. However, it's deceptively expensive looking (something we all appreciate), though the plug is plastic not glass. But when it comes to value-for-money, uniqueness and a gift that will be on display for all to see, this decanter ticks all the boxes.
The Ultimate Whiskey Glasses
The Glencairn whisky glass is a style of glass that was especially designed for drinking whiskey.These glasses weren't just designed in a studio to look good, but were created to replicate the style of glasses master blenders of whiskey, mezcal, sherry and rum use to taste their spirits.
The Glencairn glasses are fashioned on the 'nosing copitas' style which features a tulip-shaped bowl that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, which helps to concentrate the scent and prevent the alcohol from evaporating too quickly.
The Glencairn whiskey glass has become the official glass for whiskey, and has won several awards for its design and innovation. It is used by master blenders, distilleries, and whiskey enthusiasts all over the world. And if that's not enough to convince you that the Glencairn glasses are the ultimate cups for supping the spirit, then maybe the fact that the Scotch Whisky Association uses it as their the standard glass for tasting Scotch whiskey, will change your mind.
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Whiskey Infusion Set
The whiskey infusion set by Double Oak Essentials enables whiskey lovers to create their own personalized custom blends of whiskey with different flavors and aromas. The set includes six botanicals, three wood chips, two bottles and a funnel strainer. There's nothing complicated or taxing about creating your own whiskey blend if you use this set. It's designed for easy application and is perfect if it's your first-time experimenting with home-blend whiskey.
The six botanicals are all spice, coffee beans, dried apple, dried orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon. These botanicals can be mixed and matched to create different flavor profiles, such as spicy, fruity, or sweet. The three wood chips are chocolate, classic American Dream, and smoky charred oak. These wood chips can be used to infuse the whiskey with different smoky, sweet, and classic whiskey flavors.
If you're not sure where to start, then a quick read-through of the product's instruction manual will guide you onw how to use it, as well as offering tips and advice on how to get the best results for your home-made whiskey blend. If also gives recipe ideas for a blend such as whiskey infused with a chocolate orange flabour or one with a spicy coffee undertone.
The World Atlas Of Whiskey
The Whisky World Atlas by Dave Broom is a must-have for any whiskey lover. The book is a guide to the heritage, romance, craftsmanship, and versatility of whiskey. The Atlas provides info on over 200 distilleries from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the USA, Canada, and other countries. And, as you'd expect with any atlas, The Whisky World Atlas is illustrated with over 200 photographs and 20 maps, showing the locations of the distilleries and whiskey-related sites.
The book is divided into four parts: Introduction, How Whiskey is Made, The World of Whiskey, and Whiskey Styles. The Introduction provides an overview of the history, culture, and diversity of whiskey, as well as the basics of tasting and appreciating whiskey. The How Whiskey is Made section explains the production process of whiskey, from the raw materials to the maturation and bottling.
However, the World of Whiskey section is the core of the book, featuring detailed descriptions of the distilleries and their products, organized by country and region and finally ,The Whiskey Styles section introduces the six flavor camps of whiskey, which are used to classify and compare different whiskeys. The book is the ultimate source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in whiskey.
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The Great Whiskey Challenge
The Great Whiskey Challenge whiskey set allows whiskey lovers to test their knowledge and preferences by blind tasting three different whiskeys. If you think you know more than your friends or want to prove that someone knows less than think they do, this is a must-have kit for shaming or naming the whiskey connoisseurs in your life.
The hard travel case has a lock so no-one can easily sneak in and taste your whiskeys if the case is left unattended. It also makes is perfect for whiskey tasting on the go as the case protects the 2oz glass bottles and specially designed tulip style whiskey tasting glasses. You can use the set to enjoy a blind tasting or to play a game to discover who really knows their whiskey lore.
You can play guess the whiskey: Each player tries to guess the name, type, or origin of the whiskey in each glass, and gets points for correct answers. Rate the whiskey: Each player rates the whiskey in each glass on a scale of 1 to 10, and the player with the highest total score wins. Or, match the whiskey: Each player tries to match the whiskey in each glass with the corresponding bottle, and gets points for correct matches.
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Custom-Engraved Whiskey Aging Barrel
The American oak whiskey aging barrel isn't just a stylish addition to a home bar or a talking piece that shows off your no-newbie to whiskey drinking, it's also a money-saving product. Not only can your customize your own whiskey by choosing the type of spirit, the aging time, and the flavor additives but you'll also save the pennies (and dollars) as it means you can purchase cheaper spirits and aging them yourself.
The barrel is made from American white oak wood which is charred on the inside which ultimately helps it add flavor and color to the whiskey. It can be personalized with your name or so everyone will know what's inside it, was made by, and for, you. You simply pour in the whiskey you've chosen, add your preferred flavor combinations to create your own unique blend and wait anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to produce a good result, depending on the spirit and the desired potency of flavor.
Aging whiskey is not an exact science, and there are many factors that can affect the outcome, such as the type and quality of the wood, the char level, the temperature, the humidity, the air exposure, and the additives. You may end up with a whiskey that is too harsh, too bland, too oaky, or too funky for your liking. But that's what makes this aging barrel a gift that keeps giving. You can try and try until you come up with the perfect blend without having to spend a fortune on expensive boutique spirits.
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Viski Alchemi Whiskey Ageing Kit
The Viski Alchemi Whiskey Ageing Kit enhances the flavor and aroma of young whiskeys by exposing them to charred oak sticks. The kit consists of two charred American oak wood sticks and a stopper/pourer that holds the sticks in place. You can insert the stick into any bottle of whiskey and let it age for up to six week. The result? An aged whiskey taste that usually comes at a much higher cost.
This kit is perfect if you're just dipping your feet into the pool of whiskey blending and aging and haven't yet decided whether whiskey blending and aging is the hobby for you. With this kit all you do is attach the stick into the stopper/pourer and then insert it into the bottle of whiskey. Over the weeks the stick will infuse the whiskey with a smokey flavor and add extra smoothness to the liquor, something that usually occurs when the whiskey is in a barrel for years.
It normally takes at least a couple of weeks of see any noticeable results and it can take a few goes until you know just how long you need to keep the stick in the bottle in order to achieve the perfect flavor infusion. It by no means replicates the exactly quality and of a well-aged whiskey, but it certainly takes on that path and you can, after a few tried see just what type of aged whiskey you like and whether whiskey aging and flavoring is something that you want to invest further in.
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Whiskey Stones Gift Set
If you have a bottle of whiskey at home then it's almost a must to have some whiskey stones in the freezer. Whiskey stones are like ice-cubes. They chill and enhance the flavor of whiskey, but without the side effect of diluting the spirit. And, whiskey stones last and last. Once you're done with them, you simply wash them off and put them back in the freeze for next time. They're durable, don't corrode,and won't wear out over time.
This set includes 12 stainless steel whiskey stones, a velvet bag, a tong, and a wooden gift box. While you can get cheaper whiskey stone sets, this one makes a great gift thanks to the box, pouch and tongs which accompany it. The stones can be used with any type of whiskey or other spirits, such as bourbon, scotch, rum, vodka, or gin. So basically, if you have a friend who drinks, the next time you want to treat them, this is set is bound to go down a treat.
The stones themselves are made of food-grade stainless steel which doesn't react with the drink it's in, or alter its flavor. However, you will find that stones don't chill a drink to the level that ice cubes do, nor do they chill the drink as quickly as ice cubes. And, while these stones can be removed, unlike ice cubes, they add to the washing up pile.
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GoPong Power Bank Flask
The GoPong Power Bank Flask - 8 oz Hidden Alcohol Container lets you sneak alcohol into places where you really shouldn't. It's a great way to get your fix in clubs, concerts, sports games, etc, basically anywhere they check your bags to make sure you're not bringing in your own booze.. The product looks like a regular power bank and includes a fake power cable for extra disguise.
This is definitely a product for those with a sense of humor and aren't adverse to breaking the rules. We certainly don't advocate any reader to violate the law or policies of places they go, and if you get caught, don't blame us, but if you wanna take a risk, this is the product that'll minimize you chances of getting caught.
The GoPong Power Flask holds up to 8 oz of liquid, which equals about 5 shots, so you'll need to plan your drinking accordingly. It does have a water-tight twist-off cap so as long as you twist the cap on securely, there's little risk of leaks and spills. Don't though expect it to double up as a power bank, this is all about hiding your liquor, not about charging your phone.
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Conclusion
Next time you're wondering what to get the person who seems to have it all, as long as they're a fan of the 'ole moonshine, these gifts are products to suit any whiskey drinker, from newbies to the world of whiskey to lifelong lovers of the nectar. Some of the products are budget-friendly fun gifts, while others have a practical side and are entry-level accessories for those who are really looking to up their whiskey-game.
However, no matter where they stand in the whiskey world, as long as they keep a bottle of hooch at home, there'll always be room for a decanter and glasses set and the Around The World Decanter is an elegant, yet affordable product that appeases every taste and budget.
