Best boozy Advent calendars 2021
From high-end whiskies to exclusive craft beers, the countdown to Christmas has never been more fun
The beauty of a boozy Advent calendar (aside from the obvious) is that it’s a great way to try lots of different drinks without having to commit to the expense of larger bottles. We’ve got all bases covered here – from flavoured G&Ts to Japanese whiskies and craft ciders, so get sampling!
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Once your Advent calendar is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for more drinks inspiration, no matter what their favourite drink is.
Best booze Advent calendars
That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar, £49.95, Master of Malt
If you're a gin lover in search of wacky and innovative flavours then this is the calendar for you. This collaboration between That Boutique-y Gin Company and Drinks by the Dram features 24 x 30ml wax-sealed drams of an eclectic array of gins – we're talking everything from chocolate cherry and yuzu to spit-roasted pineapple, smoked rosemary and mojito flavours.
24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar, £97, Harvey Nichols
We often think of rum as a spirit just for cocktails but the best ones are designed to be sipped and savoured like you would a fine wine or whisky. This calendar offers premium rums from an impressive 24 different countries, ranging from traditional rum producers like Jamaica, Cuba and Martinique to more unusual locations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and Germany. All of this comes with tasting notes and two glasses for sipping these fine spirits.
Laithwaite’s Wine Advent Calendar, £79.99, Laithwaite’s
We were impressed with the value for money that this calendar offers, with 23 different 187ml bottles, plus a half bottle of champagne to open up on Christmas Eve. What’s not to love? Plus, there's a chance to win six free bottles if you find a 'winning window'. This calendar offers a mix of reds and whites, but there are options for all-reds and all-whites.
Flavourly Craft Beer Canvent Calendar, £42.95, Flavourly
A great-value boozy Advent calendar from online craft-beer specialist Flavourly, featuring 24 different 330ml beers from small indie breweries across the country. What's included is a surprise until you open the calendar, but could include brews from the likes of By The Horns, Hilden, Quantock and more.
Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar, £199.95, Master of Malt
Japanese whiskies are rightly held in high esteem and this luxe calendar would make a special treat for a dedicated whisky connoisseur. You’ll find 24 different wax-sealed drams from 13 of the country’s best producers, including Yamazaki, Nikka, Hibiki and more, covering a variety of styles and expressions.
Port Advent Calendar, £69.95, Vintage Wine & Port
Port and Christmas are natural bedfellows and this is a great showcase for Douro Valley port producer Quevedo, with 24 x 50ml bottles of their best offerings, including tawny, white, ruby, rose and late bottled vintage varieties.
Ultimate Cider Advent Calendar, £82.50, Crafty Nectar
24 bottles from some of the UK’s best artisan cider producers, including the likes of Tom Oliver and Pilton. Expect nothing but 100% apple juice ciders (a sign of a quality product), plus interactive tasting notes and a cider tasting guide. Crafty Nectar will also plant a tree for every calendar purchased.
Fever-Tree, The Ultimate Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar, £60, Ocado
Posh tonic water experts Fever Tree have supplied everything you need for a G&T-fuelled December, with 12 x 50mls of craft gin (think the likes of Sipsmith, Audemus, Chase and Silent Pool) and 12 cans of Fever-Tree tonic.
Beer Hawk 2021 Advent Calendar, £85, beerhawk.co.uk
This bumper calendar comes with 25 exclusive beers – you won't find them anywhere else – from 14 different countries. Expect brews from the likes of Mikeller, Thornbridge, Omnipollo and more, with each selected to highlight something interesting, such as use of local ingredients or unique brewing method.
Brixton Wine Club Advent Calendar, £115, brixtonwineclub.com
Canned wine has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with a crop of impressive new offerings. As well as being easy to transport (and recycle), canned wines are a great way to try new wines without commitment. Brixton Wine Club, a canned wine specialist, only support small companies that use the best wine producers, and only choose varieties best suited to the canning process.
They've rolled out a fun Advent calendar for 2021 that includes 24 different canned wines – from drinkable reds to light whites and fizz – as well as a few cocktails. It's a great opportunity to explore new indie producers and a burgeoning wine category.
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