by Sean Brison |
Last Updated: June 11, 2022 Ever been to Kentucky? It’s home to a lot of things. Muhammad Ali, Mammoth Cave, The Kentucky Derby, and, of course,
(BTW, shopping for a gin lover or tequila lover? We’ve got them covered too!).
1. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries
Nothing finishes off a fine bourbon cocktail like sweet, high-quality cherries - not your cheap, run-of-the-mill knock-offs that the bartender tossed in your Shirley Temple when you were a kid. These are made from natural ingredients, have a deep ruby red color, are handpicked in Oregon, pitted, and preserved in a Woodford Reserve bourbon mixture that morphs into a magnificent flavor.
2. Globe Whiskey Decanter Set
Who wouldn’t want a hand-blown etched globe design from Godinger in their home bar? They’ve been specializing in this kind of thing since 1973. This unique gift set includes a lead-free, 850 ml decanter featuring an antique ship in a bottle, two 300 ml matching globe-designed whiskey glasses that fit snugly on a mahogany-stained tray, and a chic gold stopper to keep your spirit from escaping into uncharted waters.
3. Flaviar Whiskey Boxes
Flaviar is a spirits club where titillating tipplers flock to discover craft and premium spirits from around the world. For the bourbon drinkers in the room, once you sign up, you'll get access to rare and premium whiskeys not found at your local watering hole. With over 20,000 bottles featured in their online store, everyone from aspiring mixologists to grizzled know-it-alls shouldn't have a problem finding a winner.
4. City Map Whiskey Glasses
Ideal for the cartography-lovin' bourbon drinker in your life, each sand-etched whiskey tumbler features a hand-drawn street grid with map coordinates, revealing a beloved neighborhood hangout. We know you're always looking for a reliable travel partner --- sometimes it's another person, sometimes it's a city map. Or maybe you don't have any company because this tumbler is your final destination. In that case, keep a piece of your favorite town nearby. Looking for more bourbon glasses? Head here.
5. Drink Smoking Kit
World-class mixologist Charles Joly designed this smoking kit so you can host your next soiree in style. Revitalize your favorite classic cocktail's flavor with real smoke from various woods, herbs, and spices. The box has double-sided pass-through doors so you can put drinks in from the back, and guests can remove them from the front. While the smoker easily detaches so, you can carry the box to your table. Plus, the glass and stainless steel frame with a rich black walnut interior display your drink with class.
6. Bourbon Barrel Steak Seasoning
Why do bourbon and steak pair so well together? This sweet, smoky, and toasty blend ooze character. Its contents hold bourbon barrel smoked sea salt, roasted garlic, cracked black pepper, rosemary, and thyme. It only takes a light sprinkle for an added flavor boost. So, turn your next simple dish into a complex savory meal (without the extra effort).
7. The Bourbon Bible
Join spirit specialist at the American Distilling Institute, Eric Zandona, for an exploration into 100 of the world’s finest bourbons. Discover world-renowned classics, tiny craft distilleries, and the optimal ways to drink each one. You'll also learn each bourbon's storied history, cocktail recipes, and what things you should know when buying a bottle. This book teaches you to walk the walk.
8. Bourbon Flavored Caramels
Tara’s handcrafted bourbon caramels are copper kettle-cooked delights with real butter. Then she throws in fresh heavy cream and Madagascar vanilla to really blow your mind. What makes these high-quality, individually wrapped wonders exceptional is they won’t stick to your teeth. But, of course, they also decided Grandma’s 100-year-old recipe was too good, so they didn't change anything.
9. Whiskey Novelty Socks
They say socks are the windows to the soul. Well, not really, but this pair will add the perfect amount of personality to your wardrobe. Stand out in all the right ways and display your love of whiskey with these premium-knit socks that won't bind or squeeze your legs.
10. Ultimate Whiskey Sampler
This epic sampler goes beyond bourbon to include whiskeys worldwide. Along with American whiskey faves Bulleit Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve, this gift basket hops across the pond for a taste with the likes of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Macallan Single Malt Double Cask 12 year, Glenlivet, and more. After the booze, munch on the gourmet flavored popcorn and chocolates; they fit nicely into this equation. BroBasket also throws in a free tumbler.
11. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt
Add flavor to your home-cooking in imaginative ways with this versatile, smoky, and domestically harvested sea salt from the Pacific Ocean. Using repurposed hand-smoked barrel staves in small batches with wood from bourbon barrels, the folks at Barrel Foods know how to round out that big smoke with a dash of bourbon sweetness. These course-grain sea salt crystals deliver subtle flavors in fantastic ways.
12. Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Cigars
If you're looking for a true quality stick to pair with your best bourbon or rye whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle might be what the doctor ordered. This is a 100% long-filler, premium cigar made by hand in small batches. It's wielding smooth, medium-bodied flavors, a clean draw, and notes of leather. Available in Robusto, Toro, and Churchill vitolas.
13. Bourbon Barrel Aged Organic Maple Syrup
The folks at Crown Maple produce some of the sweetest sap on the planet due to using a unique reverse osmosis unit that removes 90% of the water, protecting it from prolonged heat exposure. The syrup's aged in barrels that soak up all of the flavors from the oak. Then, seamlessly blends graham cracker, brown butter, and creamy vanilla without being overly sweet - yet not too bourbony for breakfast! Drizzle over pancakes or use in your next Old Fashioned.
14. Bacon & Bourbon Candle
This unusual aroma pairing makes for a true gentleman's gift idea and is the only acceptable eco-friendly candle for your man cave. It's soy wax which means it burns longer than paraffin-based candles and uses 100% cotton wicks for a steady, metal-free flame (so the wick won't get ahead of the wax and choke itself out). These slow burners are made from scratch in Knoxville, Tennessee.
15. Bourbon Tea Towel
Give your kitchen a taste of Kentucky (and a little attitude) with this whiskey lover's tea towel that tells it like it is. I believe the phrase dates back to Socrates, although I think he replaced the word 'bourbon' with 'wine.' Either way, if I had to choose, I'll take the bourbon. This fun and functional number is made from 100% cotton.
16. Duke Cannon Cologne Balm
If you prefer the woodsy, oak barrel scent inspired by the rack houses of the Buffalo Trace distillery over Axe body spray, you're in luck. This concentrated balm is designed for the oil-changing, tree-chopping hard-working man (or at least fool people into thinking you're one). It's cheaper than a fancy bottle of cologne and lacks that ridiculous pump sprayer. Comes in a tin case making it the ideal travel companion.
17. Bourbon of the Month Club
Get this bourbon gift box delivered straight to their doorstep every month. Simply tell Mash and Grape what the lucky recipient likes, they source from world-class small distillers and send them an expertly selected bottle with detailed tasting notes and secrets. You can choose the subscription length too (currently, three, six, and twelve-month options are available).
18. Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee
If you're embarking on a bourbon coffee journey, let Oak and Bond be your guide. Their single-origin, whole bean java from Brazil will have you standing over your Chemex in anticipation. Once used, Kentucky bourbon barrels pair nicely with the rich chocolate, caramel, and mandarin orange flavors from Latin America. This tasting experience eagerly awaits your palette's discovery.
19. Personalized Oak Aging Barrel
This handcrafted American White Oak barrel should delight the most discerning distiller while adding a dash of rustic charm to their home bar. Oak aging barrels are a time-honored tradition used to both mellow and enhance a spirit's flavor. This custom engraved edition is sure to turn your favorite bourbon into a one-of-a-kind! Pro tip: Try aging a classic whiskey cocktail like a Manhattan in one.
20. BrüMate Rocks Tumbler
It's tough to enjoy a drink outdoors with traditional glassware because you risk pets, kids, or "unobservant" adults smashing them into a million pieces. This tumbler sidesteps that problem because it's 100% glass-free. Sporting a splash-proof lid to combat clumsiness, while the BevGuard technology ensures a cool, metallic-free taste with every sip. Plus, it's made with triple-insulated stainless steel, so your drink stays cold, your hands keep warm, and nothing gets watered down. BrüMate also makes an excellent nosing glass.
21. Bourbon Barrel Smoking Wood Chips
Make these smoking wood chips your meat's new best friend the next time you tend the BBQ. Each 2lb bag is hand-cut from ex-bourbon barrels by a Midwest Barrel team member. These flavorful coals provide unrivaled allure for any cooking enthusiast and are useable with most grills and smokers.
22. Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Whether you're from the boonies or the city, you'll find this single small batch bourbon drinks nicely on the rocks or neat at room temp without the slightest cringe. Its warm finish makes it a well-rounded sipper both rookies and connoisseurs can enjoy. It's our go-to when we're craving something light-bodied and spicy with a gentle bite. Basil Hayden is carefully matured for exceptional quality and distilled in the heart of bourbon country in Claremont, Kentucky.
23. Julep Cup
What makes drinking bourbon on a hot day more enjoyable? The frosty layer of coolness on the outside of the metal cup. Barfly designs perfectly crafted gear for both professional and home bartenders. This 18-8 stainless steel cup keeps your drink chilled longer while avoiding pitting and corrosion. It sports an elegant beaded edge, dishwasher resistance, and an easy-grip footed base for added stability. Each cup holds 12 ounces.
24. Kentucky Bourbon Wall Decor
Show your love of bourbon with this handmade Kentucky bourbon sign. The original painting is done on a custom canvas of thick plywood that's cut out in the shape of the state. It's then hand-painted into a colorful collage of renowned bourbon distilleries across the map. Each design is available on either 1/2" thick birch wood or 3mm brushed aluminum.
25. Whiskey Stones
If you've got a bourbon lover in your life who abhors mixing ice with their spirit, whiskey stones make a pleasant alternative. These chilling rocks are the ideal way to keep your drink cool without watering it down. Wash before use, then pop them in your freezer and enjoy with your next libation. Comes as a set of six equipped with a branded storage tray and two coasters.
26. Large Silicone Ice Cube Trays
For the traditionalist who prefers a large single cube quietly cooling their spirit the way our great grandfathers used to drink 'em (versus whiskey stones), then these are the only ice cube trays you'll need. This material makes getting the ice out easy (say goodbye to cracked plastic trays). Plus, a single large cube takes more time to melt and keeps your drink chilled longer. Each is made with food-grade silicone and are BPA-free.
27. Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters
Hella Cocktail Co. started making bitters in mason jars because they didn't like what was commercially available. They've since scaled their operations and are headquartered in Brooklyn. This set contains five unique small-batch bottles, each designed with a specific spirit in mind. From aromatic to smoked chili, these versatile flavors play nice with every imaginable cocktail style. Bottles are certified non-GMO and contain all-natural, quality ingredients.
The Last Word
Whether you need a great gift for a housewarming, a groomsman, Christmas, or Father’s Day, this curated list has some of the best
Thirsty for something else? Read this.