Comparison of Whisky Subscriptions in the UK - 2023
Are you a whisky lover looking to expand your horizons and try new and exciting whiskies from the UK and beyond? A whisky samples subscription might be just what you’re looking for! With a whisky samples subscription, also referred to as a whisky miniature subscription, or simply ‘whiskey samples’, you’ll receive a carefully curated whisky miniature every month, allowing you to taste and compare a variety of different styles and brands.
But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide which whisky samples subscription is the best fit for you. That’s where we come in! In this blog post, we’ll be comparing some of the top whisky sample subscriptions (offering between 5cl to 10cl) in the UK*, highlighting their unique features and benefits to help you choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of whisky, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover the best whisky sample subscriptions in the UK!
*If you’re looking for a Full Bottle Whisky Subscription, you’re already in the right place. Join the Summerton Whisky Club today and start receiving a hand-picked whisky bi-monthly for only £50 per delivery.
What you should look out for in a whisky subscription service?
When choosing a whisky subscription, there are several factors to consider:
Variety: One of the main benefits of a whisky subscription is the opportunity to try a wide range of different whiskies. Look for a subscription that offers a good variety of styles and brands, so you can experience a diverse range of styles, flavours and aromas from the whisky regions that interest you the most. If you prefer your Scottish whiskies, search for Scotch Sample Subscriptions. If you like your American styles, try Bourbon miniature subscriptions or Whiskey Sample subscriptions.
Cost: Consider your budget when choosing a whisky subscription. Prices vary, so be sure to choose a subscription that fits your budget and offers good value for money. As whisky subscriptions offer different dram sample sizes, we’ve included a comparison in a price per ml.
Packaging: By using recycled or recyclable bottles, whisky subscriptions can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility and is an important aspect when choosing your subscription service. Some whisky subscriptions offer free samples when you return the bottles or packages they’re delivered in.
Ease of Delivery: Make sure the package is suited for your delivery. If you’ve got a postbox, then whisky samples that fit this will be best for you. If you’ve got a shared package area, then check that the package is delivered in discrete packaging.
Customer service: Finally, it’s always a good idea to choose a subscription service with good customer service. Look for reviews from past customers and make sure the company has a clear and easy-to-use website and responsive customer service team. In our comparison we’ve included the process for cancellation according to each whisky subscription site.
WHISKY NEST
Whisky Nest Whisky Subscription starts at £16.66 per month at thewhiskynest.com, with gifting options available. The Whisky Nest offers a 10cl (100ml) whisky sample each month, focusing on world whisky. Here you’ll find examples of the Whisky Nest subscription previous bottles.
Whisky Nest subscription has online cancellation and uses glass bottles that can be recycled.
GREAT DRAMS
Great Drams whisky subscriptions offer monthly whisky subscriptions at four different levels, with the £14.50 for 5cl referenced here for the focus of this article. Great Drams focus on Scotch and offer whiskies only available to their subscribers.
Cancellation can be done online and Great Drams use recyclable glass bottles for their subscription.
WHISKY PIONEER
Whisky Pioneer offers whisky sample subscriptions starting at £7 per month for 6cl (60ml) including gifting options for those buying for others. Whisky Pioneer whisky samples focus on World Whisky, with a previous sample list available on their site here.
Whisky Pioneer whisky subscription makes all their sample bottles from ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’ which can be recycled at home or return 10 to them to receive a free whisky sample.
Cancellation can be completed online.
WHISKY ME
Whisky Me subscriptions start at £8 per month for 6cl (60ml) including gifting options. Whisky Me whisky samples focus on both Scotch and World Whisky, with a selection of their previous samples available on the Whisky Me shop.
Whisky Me use plastic pouches, rather than bottles, for their samples. Although not generally available for home recycling, they can be deposited at supermarket flexible plastic collection.
Cancellation can be done online.
DRAMS DELIVERED
Drams Delivered whisky subscription prices start from £8.25 per month for a 5cl (50ml) sample. Drams delivered focus on scotch samples, with their previous samples listed on their site here.
Drams Delivered subscription use glass bottles to send to their customers.
OUR WHISKY
Our Whisky (ourwhisky.com) offers whisky sample subscriptions from £14 per month for 2x 5cl (100ml) including gift purchasing options. Our Whisky samples focus on Scotch and World Whisky, with a previous samples listed on their site here.
Our Whisky use glass bottles that can easily be recycled at home. Cancellation is available via email.
How much are sample whisky subscriptions in the UK?
- Whisky Pioneer: Prices from £7 per month for 60ml
- Whisky-Me: Prices from £8 per month for 60ml
- Drams Delivered: Prices from £8.75 per month for 50ml
- Our Whisky: Prices from £14 per month for 100ml
- Great Drams: Prices from £9.50 per month for 25ml
- Whisky Nest: Prices from £16.66 per month for 100ml
What Whisky sample subscriptions are best for the environment?
The following are the bottles used by UK whisky subscription services. Outer packaging and shipping will also have an impact.
- Whisky Pioneer: Prevented Ocean Plastic Bottle. Recycled, Recyclable at Home, Returnable, Easily Reusable
- Drams Delivered: Plastic Bottle. Recyclable at Home, Easily Reusable
- Our Whisky: Glass Bottle. Recyclable at Home, Easily Reusable
- Great Drams: Glass Bottle. Recyclable at Home, Easily Reusable
- Whisky Nest: Glass Bottle. Recyclable at Home, Easily Reusable
- Whisky-Me: Soft Plastic Pouch. Recyclable in Supermarkets
Gift whisky subscriptions?
The following sites in our comparison offered gifting options for their whisky subscriptions, either from a specific section or a gift-card option.
- Whisky Pioneer (whiskypioneer.co.uk)
- Our Whisky (ourwhisky.com)
- Whisky-Me (whisky-me.com)
- Whisky Nest (thewhiskynest.com)
WHAT IS THE BEST WHISKY SUBSCRIPTION IN THE UK?
The price, sample size, environmental impact and styles of whisky are all worth considering when choosing your sample whisky subscription. In this article we have compared (in alphabetical order).
- Drams Delivered
- Great Drams
- Our Whisky
- Whisky Nest
- Whisky-Me
- Whisky Pioneer
In conclusion, there are a variety of whisky sampling subscription services available in the UK, each with their own unique offerings and features. Whisky lovers have the option to choose from a range of different subscription types as well as gifting the purchase to friends or family.
The best service for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. Be sure to research and compare the different options available before making a decision. It is also worth noting that, regardless of the subscription service, subscribing to a whisky club or service will give you a chance to try out new and unique whiskies that you might not otherwise have the chance to sample, which is a great way to expand your knowledge of this exciting spirit.
