The best whisky Advent calendars 2024 for counting down the days in drams

If you've explored less of the country right on our doorstep than you probably should have at your big age, there are two things you can do. The first is book a bed on the Caledonian Sleeper ASAP. The second is to explore all that Scotland's whisky distilleries have to offer with this premium set of drams from Speyside to Islay.

An increasingly dedicated fanbase is coming around to the unusual flavour profiles and prestigious distilleries of the island of Japan. For those people — or for someone seeking something a little different from their usual Scotches or bourbons — might we recommend Master of Malt’s Japanese collection complete with kintsugi-inspired packaging.

The Perfect Measure is repeating its successful 2023 “Spirits of the World” Advent calendar, and for those who love a gin or a rum as a change from their favourite Scotch, it's the ideal pick. At least five of the liquors to appear from this rundown will be Scotch whisky, but the rest will be a (very) lucky dip.

Twenty four rare and aged single cask and blended expressions, served in a handmade wood cabinet. It’s hard to beat this calendar for presentation and drama, and each of the 24 drams you’ll find within helps guide you through the Lowland, Speyside, Highland, Islay and Campbeltown’s finest.

The Marmite of the whisky world, peaty drams are the bane of many whisky drinkers’ lives, but there are those who prefer the earthy taste above all else. For those people (be it you or a giftee), Master of Malt has you covered with 24 miniature wax-sealed peaty tasters.

The most affordable selection of 24 whiskies on this list, The Whisky Shop's countdown is all Scotch and all premium, spotlighting drams as old as the Berinnes 15-year and as pricey as the Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish.

Old. Rare. Expensive. No, it’s not your pops, it’s Drinks by the Dram’s most exclusive boozy Advent calendar. At £800, buying one of these is not a decision to be taken lightly, though it's also one you’re unlikely to regret. Twenty-four 3cl samples will come in your opulent box set, and while we don’t want to spoil the surprise too much, you’re looking at include a Glenfiddich 30 Year-Old Suspended Time and a Glen Grant 31 Year-Old among other delights.

The 12 Drams of Christmas keep gifting surprises long after Christmas Day itself. Expect whiskey liqueurs and sherry casks, single malts and gems from island hideaways to see you into the new year.

The best of the United States are on offer here with 24 tastes of American whiskey and bourbon. From the boutique and rare to the big and bold, you’ll get to know what America’s got going for it. If this is an area of your drinking experience you’ve not touched on as much, or if someone you know loves their bourbon or wants to get on board with it, you won’t find better than this.

The white whale of whiskey Advent calendars at £250, Drinks by the Dram’s collection of single-cask wonders is drawn from 24 different individual single casks, making it impossible to recreate anywhere else. A truly unique offering for anyone who adores whiskey.

A premium whisky selection with less of the premium price tag, this imposing wooden cabinet contains 24 tastes of single malts, single grains and blended expressions from across the breadth of Scotland. With contents as grand as its exterior, discover a series of aged, old and rare Scotches within.