This festive season, treat the spirit lovers in your life to a selection of award-winning American whiskeys and handcrafted Mexican tequilas. From Kentucky bourbon, crafted by a seventh-generation distiller, to authentic tequila from one of Mexico’s most reputable distilleries, there’s a bottle for every taste to put under the tree.
For American whiskey with true heritage, gift Yellowstone Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey from Limestone Branch Distillery, Kentucky, US:
Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (70cl, 46.5% ABV)
Award-winning Yellowstone Select is crafted with a perfect blend of four- and seven-year-old bourbon. A smooth, masterful fusion from seventh-generation distiller, Stephen Beam – descendant of the famous Beam whiskey family. Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a rich golden chestnut liquid, delivering rye spice with soft leathered cherries on the nose, smoked caramel on the palate and finishes with a smoky oak and brown sugar taste.
Available at Amazon, £48.50.
Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish Bourbon (70cl, 50% ABV)
You can’t get much more Christmassy than this second release in Yellowstone’s Special Finishes Collection. Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon starts with Yellowstone’s traditional bourbon mash bill and is finished for nine weeks in rum casks sourced from the Caribbean, resulting in a flavourful blend of spice and tropical sweetness. Presented in bottles featuring the much-loved Roosevelt Arch artwork, the American Whiskey Masters Gold Medal-winner features beautiful aromas of gingerbread, poached pear and freshly cut hay, boasting flavours of toasted marshmallow, crème brulé, toffee and toasted oak. Simply delicious to sip neat, enjoy on the rocks or mix into a festive cocktail.
Available at The Whisky Exchange, £55.75.
Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey (70cl, 54% ABV)
American Single Malt Whiskey is a new category that’s shaken up the spirits shelves this year. Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey benefits from the freedom afforded to American single malt production, which provides a whole new versatility of taste. Made from 100% malted barley and aged for four years in new charred American Oak barrels, the 108-proof spirit offers a nose of cereal malt and honey, with a sweet, medium body that carries notes of honey, pear, stone fruit and dates. The finish contains notes of oak, with hints of cinnamon and English walnuts. For experimental single malt enthusiasts.
Available at Master of Malt, £69.50.
Whether sipped, or enjoyed in your favourite festive cocktails, El Mayor Tequila brings authentic Mexican craftmanship from this fourth-generation family at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, in the highlands and valley area of Jalisco, Mexico:
El Mayor Blanco Tequila (70cl, 40% ABV)
Fresh tasting El Mayor premium tequila is handcrafted authentically and with the utmost care by the Gonzalez family. El Mayor Blanco was awarded the World’s Best Tequila at the 2024 World Drinks Awards. Made with just three ingredients: 100% agave, yeast and water, unaged El Mayor Blanco offers a crisp and light body that showcases the agave’s purity and a subtle hint of pepper. Sip and savour in the authentic Mexican way, mix into delicious celebratory cocktails, and pair with festive foods.
Available at Amazon, £41.75.
El Mayor Reposado Tequila (70cl, 40% ABV)
El Mayor Reposado (40% ABV) is the perfect base for a warming Negroni, with its vanilla, spice, and caramel notes. It’s rested in white oak barrels for a minimum of nine months, giving it an elegantly structured, balanced taste with a remarkably smooth finish.
Available at The Whisky Exchange, £43.00.
El Mayor Añejo Tequila (70cl, 40% ABV)
El Mayor Añejo is aged in white oak barrels for between 18 to 36 months, offering a medium to full bodied tequila with notes of caramel, tropical fruit and spice. El Mayor Añejo provides a level of sophistication appreciated by spirits afficionados. Ideal for contemplative sipping by the fire.
Available at Master of Malt, £51.37.
