December is officially upon us, and the holidays are just around the corner. Whiskey is quite possibly one of the simplest — and we would say “best,” but we’re a little biased — gifts to give to conjure up some Christmas cheer. We’ve gone ahead and created a list of the 6 best bourbons for gifting season, so you can show the bourbon drinker in your life you care.
This list features offerings for every type of bourbon drinker under the sun. Whether your favorite whiskey drinker likes the finer things or whether they’re the ultimate cocktail enthusiast, there’s a bourbon for that.
Read on for the 6 best bourbons to gift for the holidays!
The Best Bourbons for Gifting Season
For the Craft Connoisseur: High Wire Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond
Does the bourbon lover in your life love to geek out over whiskey? Do they regale you with stories about the history of different brands, alternative grains, cask finishes, and more? This type of bourbon lover can be difficult to buy for and not just any old bourbon will do. They need something craft — something bespoke.
Look no further than High Wire’s Jimmy Red Bottled In Bond Bourbon. This bourbon is the whole package. It has loads of story, in that the mashbill is derived from a rare varietal of blood red corn called Jimmy Red. Jimmy Red is a rare type of heirloom corn that almost went extinct in 2014, yet thankfully, the folks at High Wire saw its potential for bourbon production.
This bourbon clocks in at 100 proof, per Bottled-In-Bond regulations — but the craft connoisseur in your life will probably already know that. As far as tasting notes are concerned, the North Carolina whiskey brand claims it possesses tart cherry, leather, coffee bean, smoky vanilla and ground cinnamon flavors. The bourbon costs $79.99 from High Wire’s website.
For the Master of Mixology: Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Bourbon
Bartenders everywhere turn to Wild Turkey 101 for its bold and punchy flavor, with its signature bright and citrusy kick.
Consider this 8-year-old bourbon Wild Turkey 101’s more elegant sibling. Initially, this cult favorite was only available in international markets like Japan. Yet in 2025, the brand answered its fans’ prayers when it brought its 8-year-old expression of 101 to the U.S.
Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Bourbon has all the hallmark characteristics of the brand’s signature profile: leather, char, cinnamon and flamed orange peel. Yet that bump in age adds a bit of complexity to this bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 8 Year is elevated enough to enjoy neat or with a rock thanks to extended hang time.
Yet thankfully, the folks at Wild Turkey have kept this rarer release pretty affordable. With its $45 suggested retail price, you won’t die inside if you put a little bit of it in a cocktail now and then.
For the Lover of Luxury: Michter’s US*1 Bourbon
Maybe the bourbon lover in your life has developed a taste for the finer things. If that’s the case, Michter’s is the brand to buy.
This whiskey brand flies under the radar in comparison to heavy hitters from Heaven Hill or Buffalo Trace’s portfolio, yet that doesn’t mean Michter’s lacks critical acclaim. For three years in a row, Michter’s earned Drinks International’s coveted title of “Most Admired Whiskey.” The panel of judges tends to be whiskey experts, and they rank whiskeys based on their quality, consistency, and value.
Michter’s produces some pretty pricey expressions, and some of its expressions, like the Celebration Sour Mash, host a pricetag north of $20,000. Thankfully, the US*1 series offers quality whiskeys that skew more on the affordable end of the spectrum, and this classy bourbon hosts an average price of $48, according to Wine-Searcher.
Michter’s US*1 Bourbon offers all the classic flavors of caramel and vanilla, and it clocks in at a slightly lower proof of 91.4. It’s pure liquid elegance.
For the True Blue Traditionalist: Larceny Barrel Proof
Larceny Barrel Proof is the perfect gift for bourbon drinkers who vibe with the classics. It’s a bourbon for those who appreciate history and pedigree, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
This wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill drops three times a year, and the proof varies per batch. No two batches are identical, which makes Larceny Barrel Proof a special gift. Each batch spends somewhere between six and eight years aging, and Larceny’s most recent barrel proof expression dropped in October.
C925 clocks in at 119.6 proof and it has a modest suggested retail price of $64.99. Though each release is distinctive, there’s a common through line of peanut butter, cinnamon, and luscious dessert. This classic bourbon will impress even the pickiest of bourbon lovers.
For the Curators and Collectors: Knob Creek 21 Year
Knob Creek’s 21 Year Old Bourbon might just be the perfect limited-release whiskey to gift this holiday. This rare release dropped in late October, and it hosts a suggested price of $249.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
This is the oldest whiskey released from Knob Creek, and it clocks in at 100 proof. The full-flavored whiskey possesses aromas of caramelized sugar, smoke, and oak, according to the brand. On the palate, there’s char and toffee that linger throughout the finish.
A 21-year-old whiskey is a rare find, and even brands like Pappy Van Winkle skip it in favor of 20 and 23-year expressions, making this a special gift any bourbon lover or collector will appreciate.
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