The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

With just 240 bottles worldwide, the 40-year-old spirit is the 19th release from the world’s most exclusive independent bottler – and only its second bourbon (most are Scottish single malts and blends). The current Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace, Harlen Wheatley, calls it one of the most delicious whiskies he’s tasted. Expect a bright dash of dried fruits, leather, walnuts and butterscotch, followed by a long warming finish with hints of dark chocolate, along with oak.

The Pleasures of Rare Whisky Collecting by Justerini & Brooks

What better way to enjoy fine spirits than in the company of one of the world’s foremost experts? London-based spirits merchant Justerini & Brooks, which has been selling fine spirts in Britain since 1749, is offering a bespoke tasting with the firm’s head of rare and collectible whiskies, Tod Bradbury, to accompany a bottle of exceptionally rare spirit (like the 40 Year Old Port Ellen), along with a tasting kit of four more and a leather-bound whisky journal from London stationer Smythson, which – like J&B – also holds a Royal Warrant.

The Macallan Red Collection

One of the best-regarded Scottish distilleries among global connoisseurs, Macallan is doubling down on its collectability this season with an armful of vintage bottles that are as handsome as they are aged. Bottlings of spirits that are 40, 50, 60, 71, 74 and 78 years old have been released in very limited numbers. The Speyside spirit retains a remarkable freshness across the decades, and complete with oak presentation box and bold numerical design it makes for a handsome edition to any sideboard.

Glenfarclas Pagoda Sapphire Reserve

The latest in the Pagoda Series from family-owned distillery Glenfarclas is a masterclass in craftsmanship. The spirit itself, having spent 63 years in the cask, is wonderfully vivid and a testament to the distillery’s famed pagoda kiln, which was decommissioned in 1972. Each decanter is made from hand-blown lead crystal and features sapphires arranged in the “63” – a decorative flourish that is complemented by the solid silver collar, each of which is unique.

The Devil’s Keep

The rise of Irish whiskey (and whisky) over the past decade has seen a bounty of both traditional and experimental bottles – but nothing quite like this release from Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The 29-year-old single malt is awash in threes: there are 333 bottles released; it was triple distilled; and it was matured in three different woods. The latter is key to the remarkably nuanced flavour, with each cask or barrel giving distinctive influences. The ex-bourbon American oak casks – standard for single malts – imparts familiar notes of vanilla and caramel, while the finishing in both French oak barrels that once held port and virgin Hungarian oak gives the rich complexity to both nose and mouthfeel.

Go Cask Wild

Everyone can buy a bottle of whisky – but why not a full cask? Select distilleries, mostly in Scotland, offer the most dedicated of drinkers the opportunity to buy an entire cask which is then stored on site until maturation. A way for young distilleries to boost their revenues while their early spirits mature, it’s also a great way to get superlative spirits at a very reasonable price. Try Lagg on the isle of Arran, where just 700 barrels are available; Glasgow Distillery Company, which allows you to select the profile of the barrel; Raasay on its namesake island next to Skye; or InchDairnie in Fife, where the price includes 12 years of storage and insurance as well as bottling expenses. Beyond Scotland, look to Otter Craft in Australia and Milk & Honey in Israel – both rising stars with award-winning spirits.