The Spirit of the Season

There’s something about December that invites ritual. The nightly turn of an advent calendar, the quiet clink of a miniature bottle being freed from its hiding place – these small ceremonies make the countdown as pleasurable as the day itself. Forget foil-wrapped chocolates and cardboard windows; this is Christmas for grown-ups, distilled into 24 or 25 exquisite pours. From boutique whiskies and cognacs to agave treasures and global blends, this year’s most inspired advent calendars transform the month into a masterclass in taste.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Advent Calendar

A true celebration of craftsmanship, That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s 2025 edition brings together 24 wax-sealed 30ml drams from some of the most exciting distilleries across the world. Each pour is a discovery: rare single malts, unexpected blends, bold experimentations in flavour. It’s a calendar that rewards curiosity – the kind that turns whisky enthusiasts into collectors.

£134.95

masterofmalt.com

Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar

Trade snow for sand with Drinks by the Dram’s Rum Advent Calendar. Inside each window sits a 30ml tot of liquid sunshine – from spiced Caribbean favourites to refined aged rums from Latin America. With 25 wax-sealed bottles to explore, this calendar invites you on a global voyage one sip at a time, ending the year with notes of warmth and discovery.

£124.95

masterofmalt.com

The Greatest Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

Few things capture celebration like agave. TipTopp’s limited-edition Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar honours Mexico’s most expressive spirit, featuring 25 hand-selected miniatures that range from crisp blancos to smoky mezcals. Two tasting glasses and a keepsake journal accompany the set, along with a digital guide for an immersive experience. Equal parts education and indulgence, it’s a love letter to the craft of tequila.

£112.49

thespiritco.com

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar

For those who prefer their festivities botanical, That Boutique-y Gin Company’s offering is a bright and beautifully balanced countdown. Each 30ml bottle reveals a new expression – floral, citrusy, spicy or herbaceous – all chosen to showcase the artistry of small-batch gin making. It’s the ideal companion for a December cocktail hour or two.

£59.95

masterofmalt.com

The Cognac Advent Calendar

This is an advent calendar that means business. Behind each door, a 30ml bottle of pure French elegance awaits: VS, VSOP and XO cognacs from the Charente region, including houses like Camus, Frapin and Château De Montifaud. With 24 bottles in total, it’s a journey through terroir and time – a tribute to the art of distillation and ageing that defines Cognac’s quiet power.

£166.99

thespiritco.com

The Greatest Prestige Pour Advent Calendar

For the indecisive (or the adventurous), The Prestige Pour is the ultimate all-rounder. Inside are 25 hand-picked miniatures spanning vodka, rum, whisky, gin, tequila and more. It’s a world tour of premium spirits presented with TipTopp’s signature flair – complete with tasting glasses, a journal and digital tasting notes. Consider it the sommelier’s stocking filler.

£112.49

thespiritco.com

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

A perennial favourite, Laithwaites’ wine advent calendar has become something of a Christmas institution. This year’s edition features 23 miniature bottles spanning reds, whites and sparkling wines from around the globe, culminating in a full bottle of Prosecco on Christmas Eve. Hidden in the roof, a clever bonus gift promises to keep the bubbles flowing well into the New Year.

£99.99 

laithwaites.co.uk

Whitebox Cocktails Advent Calendar

The ultimate Christmas countdown. For the first time, Whitebox has launched its own cocktail advent calendar, featuring 24 expertly crafted, full-strength cocktails. Inside you’ll find favourites like the award-winning Pocket Negroni and Spicy Marg, alongside timeless classics such as the Freezer Martini, Chipper’s Old Fashioned and Classic Cosmo. Perfect for cocktail lovers, it’s a festive centrepiece designed to be savoured all December long.

£99

johnlewis.com

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