A Guide To This Festive Season’s Must-Have Whiskeys
Written By: Justyn Spinner
Looking for a standout holiday gift? Treat the whiskey lover in your life to something exceptional with our curated selection of premium whiskeys for the Festive Season. From rich and complex single malts to unique, flavour-infused blends, each bottle offers a journey of taste that goes beyond the ordinary.
Jameson Triple Triple
Jameson’s newest premium addition – the Triple Triple Chestnut Edition – has been exclusively launched in South Africa. Crafted at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, this unique whiskey is triple distilled. In addition, it’s been expertly blended from ex-Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, along with specially selected sweet chestnut casks. The chestnut influence imparts luxurious notes of toffee, cacao and toasted almonds. In the end, this delivers a smooth, velvety profile, characteristic of Jameson’s renowned quality.
Retail price: R449
Grant’s Summer Flavours
Grant’s Whisky’s vibrant Summer Flavours range arrived just in time for the Festive Season. The exciting range features two refreshing expressions: Summer Orange and Tropical Fiesta. Yes, it’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Grant’s Summer Orange blends their classic Scotch with natural orange flavours and Sicilian orange extract. This delivers a lively, citrus-forward taste that’s ideal for summer cocktails. Simultaneously, their Tropical Fiesta brings a tropical twist, with hints of pineapple, mango and citrus, woven into the smooth character of their blended Scotch.
Retail Price: R229
Mansas Whisky
Mansas is a premium African whisky, crafted in a bourbon style with a distinctive regional touch. Sourced from local grains like yellow maize from Mpumalanga and ancient African sorghum, Mansas celebrates tradition while pushing boundaries. It is aged in reconditioned ex-red wine barrels in KwaZulu-Natal’s tropical climate, accelerating the maturation process.
The whisky opens with warm notes of caramel and vanilla, transitioning to a rich, full-bodied palate of roasted nuts and brown sugar. Finally, spices like cinnamon and black pepper add depth, leading to a long, toasty finish with hints of chocolate and subtle smokiness. It is perfect for bourbon fans seeking a unique experience.
Retail Price: R469
Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey
Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey carries the legacy of Birmingham’s historic Black Country. This is where the Sadler family has been brewing and distilling since 1861. The brand’s story intertwines with the infamous Peaky Blinder gang, who frequented Sadler’s pubs in the early 1900s. Evidently, paying homage to this heritage, the label features Stephen McHickie, a well-known gang member.
Launched in South Africa in 2021, this whiskey blends grain and single malt Irish whiskeys, aged for three years in bourbon casks, offering a smooth, rich flavour. Of course, it is bound to appeal to whiskey lovers with a taste for history and intrigue.
Retail Price: R330
Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey
Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey, crafted with a blend of 10% Irish malted barley and 90% grain, delivers a smooth, flavour-rich experience. Founded in 1830 by Belfast merchant, Samuel Gelston, this whiskey is triple distilled and aged in premium ex-bourbon oak casks. As a result, it offers a refined natural sweetness.
The aroma hints at fruit, candied sweets and dry spice, which evolves into a palate of honey, grain and nuts, finishing with a long, elegant warmth. Introduced to South Africa in 2021, it’s already celebrated, winning silver at both the 2021 San Francisco and 2022 London Spirits Competitions.
Retail Price: R282
Pogues Irish Whiskey
Pogues Irish Whiskey is a bold blend that embodies the rebellious spirit of its namesake, an Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band. Crafted in collaboration with renowned distillers, Barry Walsh and Frank McHardy, this 50/50 blend of grain and single malt whiskey appeals to a younger crowd – particularly those aged 25 – 35. Produced by West Cork Distillers, one of Ireland’s few independent distilleries, it’s handmade in small batches using traditional copper stills. With its roots in Irish poetry and punk, The Pogues Whiskey is celebrated as the only premium Irish spirit that captures the soul and fire of Ireland’s rebellious heart.
Retail Price: R348
The Perfect Festive Gift for the Maverick
This Festive Season, give the gift of distinction with Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. With its rich heritage and innovative spirit, Glenfiddich is the perfect choice for those who defy convention and appreciate luxury, craftsmanship and bold flavours.
Our top picks include the approachable Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness and delicate oak, ideal for whisky novices (R679). For a more adventurous palate, the Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Reserve offers rich layers of sherry oak and spices (R979).
At the same time, whisky connoisseurs might enjoy the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old Small Batch Reserve, which boasts complex dried fruit and oak notes, perfect for refined tastes (R1999). Those who truly seek luxury will appreciate the Glenfiddich Grand Château 31-Year-Old Limited Release – a rare masterpiece aged in Bordeaux casks and a treasure for the discerning maverick (R40 000).
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