Between family, friends, work colleagues and general obligations, December seems to get more and more out of control. And while we normally wouldn’t recommend that you drink daily (responsible drinking and all that) we would never say ‘No’ to the little daily helpers that come in the form of a variety of boozy advent calendars.
In the run-up to Christmas, those little cardboard doors, that reveal the 24 little pick-me-ups, might just be the only things that separate us all from madness.
One of the most prolific producers of boozy advent calendars is Drinks By The Dram and they’ve not only brought back your favourites for 2018 but also added a few new options to their repertoire.
Bringing a ‘more global feel’ this year, the full range includes Whisky, Premium Whisky, Old & Rare Whisky, Very Old & Rare Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Bourbon, American Whiskey, Japanese Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Single Cask Whisky, Gin, Vodka, Rum, Cognac, Tequila, Armagnac, Mezcal and Absinthe.
Inside this year’s Old & Rare Advent Calendar, buyers will find a miniature of The Blended Whisky Company’s XL Blend – matured for more than 40 years – behind one of the doors.
Meanwhile, inside the original Whisky Advent Calendar, consumers will find a selection of expressions such as the Lost Distilleries Blend Batch 8 from The Blended Whisky Company and Japanese whisky Nikka from the Barrel.
Drinks by the Dram reports that sales of their calendars have increased by almost 75% year on year. James Griswood, senior product manager, Drinks by the Dram, said: “Our Drinks by the Dram advent calendars have become an annual Christmas essential for many consumers, along with the tree, turkey and festive jumpers.
“We see great loyalty for these calendars and a large number of consumers come back year after year to treat themselves to one.
“With stunning new designs this year, on a range of our best sellers, they look better than ever and also make the perfect gift for any drinks enthusiast.”
No matter which advent calendar piques your interest, the one thing we recommend is that you make sure to savour these little beauties rather than knock them back in a hurry. After all, who wants to battle a continuous hangover every day before Christmas?
And while we assume you’ll be keeping back the odd calendar for yourself, it’s worth remembering, they also make excellent gifts for friends. So as Christmas approaches, let’s all count it down together with some of our favourites …
The Douglas Laing Whisky Advent Calendar
Drinks by the Dram has teamed up with Douglas Laing to create an exceptional festive treat: the Douglas Laing Whisky Advent Calendar. Discover a different 30ml expression from the renowned independent Scotch distiller every day throughout Advent, from delicious blended malts to extraordinary single casks.
Available from masterofmalt.com for $239.34
Tequila Advent Calendar
Margaritas for all! The guys at Drinks By The Dram have read your letter to Santa and created a Tequila Advent Calendar that will definitely banish the holiday blues with a selection of Tequila in Blanco, Reposado & añejo variations. Feliz Navidad!
Available from masterofmalt.com for AUD$224.38
Rum Advent Calendar
It might have hailed from the Caribbean, but rum has been on a truly global journey. From white and dark to spiced, navy strength, Agricole and beyond, discover 24 award-winning and carefully selected rums from around the world.
Available from masterofmalt.com for AUD$224.38
The Ginvent Calendar
Have all our Ginmus’s come at once? Gin Foundry’s Ginvent calendar has a selection of carefully chosen expressions that serve as a true snapshot of the Craft Gin world’s depth, diversity and global reach. Included in the calendar this year are magnificent London Dry Gins, sweet Old Tom Gins, boozy Navy Strength Gin, custom made exclusives and delicious Fruit Infused Gins.
Available from masterofmalt.com for AUD$186.96
The Vodka Advent Calendar
In the spirit of goodwill, we can’t forget Vodka and nor have Drinks By The Dram. This time it’s vodka taking centre stage, with Drinks By The Dram’s 24 mini bottles – everything from Cîroc Amaretto Vodka to Smirnoff Lime – counting you down to Christmas.
Available from masterofmalt.com for AUD$149.56
Drinks by the Dram Gin Advent Calendar
With 24 different, handmade 30ml wax-sealed drams, you can easily explore gins from across the world with the Gin Advent Calendar. The packaging shows a Juniper Berry and Lemon wreath, and behind each door are award-winning expressions like the Ableforth’s Bathtub Navy Strength and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla.
Available from masterofmalt.com for AUD$186.96
In total Drinks By The Dram have 27 different boozy Advent calendars available. For more information go to drinksbythedram.com or masterofmalt.com
