As the festive spirit starts to simmer, it’s time to indulge in a tipple or two, and what better way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas than with the Master of Malt’s Whisky Advent Calendar?
But with an array of options to choose from in the spirit advent market, choosing the perfect whisky advent calendar can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry because the whisky loving Christmas.co.uk team has been hard at work on your behalf to find out whether the Master of Malt has delivered the goods this year. Read on to find out more.
Why is the Master of Malt’s Whisky Advent Calendar so popular?
Master of Malt’s Whisky Advent Calendar consistently ranks among the most popular in the UK and here’s why:
Unmatched variety: Unlike some calendars with a repetitive selection, Master of Malt boasts 25 unique drams, each meticulously chosen to represent a diverse range of styles and origins. From the smokiness of Islay to the smooth elegance of Speyside, you’ll embark on a whisky odyssey, all from the comfort of your home
- Curated expertise: The calendar benefits from Master of Malt’s unparalleled knowledge of the whisky world. The in-house experts curate a selection based on current trends and customer preferences, ensuring you discover both established favourites and exciting new bottlings
- Value proposition: With 25 wax-sealed drams of 30ml 75cl for under £100, the calendar is a cost-effective way to explore a range of whiskies without committing to full bottles.
Making the most of your whisky advent calendar
While savouring these carefully chosen drams is undoubtedly the highlight, here are some tips to elevate your whisky advent calendar experience:
Food pairings: Each whisky has its own personality and exploring complementary food pairings can unlock new levels of flavour appreciation. For instance, pair a peaty Islay malt with smoked salmon or a Speyside dram with creamy blue cheese. Online resources and whisky tasting blogs offer a wealth of pairing suggestions – as we do below when we highlight our fave tipples in this year’s calendar
- Social sampling: Elevate the experience by sharing your daily drams with friends and family. Discuss tasting notes, compare preferences, and make the countdown to Christmas a truly communal event
- Storage: To maintain optimal quality, store your unopened calendar and individual drams in a cool, dark place.
A glimpse into the 2024 calendar delights
The collection is undoubtedly impressive and it’s a cracking offering for whisky lovers and those wanting to try new whiskies without having to buy full bottles. Here are our thoughts and some food pairings.
Balblair 15-Year-Old: This is a gentle Highland malt with notes of honey, vanilla and a touch of citrus. Goes well with white chocolate, fruit crumble or a light salad
Caol Ila 12-Year-Old: A classic Islay malt with a smoky character, complemented by notes of seaweed, pepper, and a touch of honeyed sweetness. Try this one with smoked salmon, oysters, or creamy seafood pasta
- Fielden Rye Whisky: We enjoyed this bold and spicy rye whisky with notes of rye spice, oak and a hint of vanilla. It’s from an Oxford distillery and we thought it works well with grilled steak or a spicy chilli
- Lagavulin 8-Year-Old: It might not be for everyone as this powerful Islay malt with a bold peaty character offers a unique taste with balanced notes of iodine, smoke and a touch of sweetness. Pair this with smoked salmon, oysters or a hearty stew
- Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old: A versatile Highland malt with a balanced flavour profile with maturing notes of honey, vanilla and a touch of citrus. Try it with a fruit crumble or white chocolate
- Redbreast 12-Year-Old Cask Strength: We enjoyed this rich and complex Irish whiskey with notes of dried fruits, spices and a hint of toasted oak. Works with blue cheese, dark chocolate, or a (very) fruit-based dessert to bring out the flavours.
Other whisky advent calendar options
If you’re looking for alternatives, other well-regarded whisky advent calendars in the UK include:
- The Whisky Exchange: Offering variations like a Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar, a Sherry Cask Whisky Advent Calendar, and a World Whisky Advent Calendar, they cater to diverse preferences. Read our review to see whether it makes the perfect gift for you.
- Loch Fyne Whiskies: A popular shop and online platform, the calendar features a selection from their own label alongside established brands. It’s ideal for those interested in discovering unique bottlings.
As an alternative, read our review of the Whisky Shop’s advent calendar.
The 2024 Master of Malt’s Whisky Advent Calendar
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Master of Malt’s Whisky Advent Calendar 2024 is an unparalleled journey of discovery.
With its curated selection, exceptional value and festive flair, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and expand your whisky knowledge.
So, unwrap a world of flavour, one dram at a time.
