For whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and of course the spirit that brings warmth and cheer to the festive season. At Summerton Whisky Club, we fully appreciate the intricate flavours and comforting presence of whisky that make it the perfect companion for the holidays. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions involving whisky around the World. Could a Summerton Whisky Subscription be the ideal Christmas gift?
The Integral Role of Whisky in Christmas Celebrations
Whisky, with its complexity and warmth, is a natural fit for the conviviality of Christmas. Across the globe, countries have unique customs for enjoying whisky during the holidays.
- Scotland: The Cradle of Christmas Whisky Traditions
- In Scotland, whisky is much more than a drink; it is an emblem of heritage, hospitality, and celebration. Scots often indulge in a “wee dram” during Christmas to toast the season. Special Christmas whisky blends, characterised by rich, spiced notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, evoke the essence of the holiday and provide a sensory journey that complements the festive spirit. With a Summerton Whisky Club subscription, you can experience these unique blends curated from some of the finest distilleries in Scotland.
- Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) in Scotland places whisky at its heart. The “first-footing” tradition, where the first visitor of the year brings gifts, typically includes a bottle of fine whisky. This act is believed to bring good fortune to the household, symbolising the warmth and generosity that whisky embodies. Enhance your celebrations with exclusive whiskies from our club, ensuring your Hogmanay is unforgettable.
- Over the years, Summerton Whisky Club has delivered a wide range of incredible Scotch Whiskies including Lochlea Cask Strength, Old Pulteney Port Cask Finish, King’s Inch Director’s Cut, Fettercairn 16, Jura 18, Wolfburn Latitude, Glasgow 1770 (club exclusive), Whisky Works King of Trees, Deanston 18, The Exceptional Grain, The Arran 18, The Single Cask Glen Ord (club exclusive) and Douglas Laing’s Old Particular Craigellachie
Have you tried: King’s Inch Director’s Cut or Wolfburn Latitude
- England: Reviving a Historic Whisky Tradition
- English whisky is experiencing a renaissance, with distilleries producing exceptional spirits that are gaining recognition worldwide. In England, whisky is often enjoyed during Christmas in a variety of ways, from neat pours to creative cocktails. The resurgence of English whisky means that more people are discovering its unique qualities and incorporating it into their festive traditions.
- Traditional Christmas recipes in England are increasingly featuring whisky as a key ingredient. Whisky-laced Christmas puddings and cakes add a rich depth of flavour that elevates these beloved desserts. With a Summerton Whisky Club subscription, you can explore a selection of distinguished English whiskies that will enhance your holiday culinary creations and provide a distinctive touch to your celebrations.
- One charming English tradition is the “wassail” bowl, a festive punch made with apples, spices, and often a good measure of whisky. This warm, communal drink is perfect for toasting to health and happiness during the holiday season. Summerton Whisky Club’s curated selection ensures you can explore the many exceptional English whiskies that can add a special twist to your festive season.
- Some of our favourite Summerton Club Bottles include Oxford Rye, Cotswolds Reserve, and The English Single Malt
Have you tried: Summerton Single Cask 01 10 yr or The Oxford Rye Single Tawny Port Cask
- Ireland: A Spirited Yuletide Tradition
- In Ireland, whisky plays a central role in Christmas festivities. Whether savoured neat, in traditional cocktails, or used to enrich holiday dishes, Irish whisky is a holiday staple. Irish Coffee, a warming blend of hot coffee, Irish whisky, brown sugar and cream, captures the Christmas spirit with its comforting profile.
- Along with much of the UK, Irish custom involves leaving out a glass of whisky for Santa Claus alongside mince pies. This tradition adds a touch of magic to Christmas Eve and reflects the Irish ethos of sharing joy and warmth. With our whisky subscription, you can keep this charming tradition alive with high-quality Irish whiskies delivered to your door.
- Summerton Club members got to try a selection of the best of Irish whiskies in our virtual tasting – an Exploration of Irish Whisky. Tasting packs are now available via the club shop, with a recording of the tasting session for you to enjoy at your leisure. The pack includes expressions from Sliabh Liag Distillery with The Legendary Dark Silkie and The Legendary Red Silkie, Boann Distillery with The Whistler Imperial Stout Finish and The Whistler P.X. I Love You and Connacht Distillery with Single Malts ‘Spirit Of The Atlantic’ and a Distillery Exclusive.
Have you tried: The Whistler Blended Malt – The Good, the Bad & the Smokey
- United States: A Melting Pot of Whisky Traditions
- In the United States, the diverse cultural landscape has fostered a variety of Christmas whisky traditions. American Bourbon, with its robust and sweet character, often takes centre stage in holiday celebrations. Classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or the Hot Toddy are staples at Christmas gatherings. Summerton Whisky Club has delivered a range of fine American Bourbons have helped members elevate their festive drinks.
- Many American families also enjoy crafting whisky-infused desserts. Bourbon pecan pie and whisky-soaked fruitcake are favourites, showcasing whisky’s versatility. Our subscription service includes some very special Bourbons and other whiskies (that you might not otherwise discover) to enhance your holiday recipes and delight your guests.
- Distinguished US Club Bottles have included Americana Single Barrel and Bernheim Kentucky Straight Wheat Whisky
Have you tried: Americana Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon
- Sweden: A Festive Twist on Whisky Traditions
- In Sweden, Christmas (or “Jul”) is a season filled with warmth, light, and festive spirit, making it a perfect backdrop for enjoying whisky. Swedish whisky, though newer on the global scene, is quickly gaining acclaim for its distinctive flavours and craftsmanship. During the Christmas season, Swedes often enjoy whisky in a variety of traditional and modern ways.
- One popular Swedish tradition is the “Julbord,” a lavish Christmas buffet featuring a wide array of dishes, from pickled herring to cured meats and cheeses. Whisky is often enjoyed alongside these hearty foods, its rich and complex flavours complementing the festive fare. A Summerton Whisky Club subscription can introduce you to premium Swedish whiskies that pair beautifully with your holiday meals.
- Another cherished tradition is the “Glogg,” a warm, spiced mulled wine often fortified with whisky. This comforting drink, brimming with flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, is a staple of Swedish Christmas markets and gatherings. With a selection of fine Swedish whiskies from Summerton Whisky Club, you can create your own Glogg, adding a unique twist to this beloved holiday beverage.
- Finally, Swedes often enjoy whisky as a digestif after the Christmas meal, savouring it slowly as they relax and unwind by the fire. The robust flavours of Swedish whisky provide a perfect ending to a festive feast, making the moments of reflection and joy even more special.
- Summerton Club deliveries exploring Swedish Whisky have included a number of expressions from Mackmyra, notably their ‘Moment Karibien‘, Skogshallon and Gruvguld bottlings
Have you tried: Summerton Whisky Club Small Batch 01 or Mackmyra Skogshallon
- Japan: A Contemporary Approach to Christmas Whisky
- Japan, renowned for its meticulous and high-quality whisky production, has its own Christmas traditions involving this cherished spirit. Christmas in Japan often merges Western customs with Japanese sensibilities, and whisky is central to these celebrations. Japanese whisky, known for its smooth and refined character, is a popular choice for Christmas toasts. With a Summerton Whisky Club subscription, you can explore a variety of exquisite Japanese whiskies perfect for the festive season.
- Whisky highballs, a refreshing mix of whisky and soda, are a common sight at Japanese holiday gatherings. This elegant way to enjoy whisky aligns with the Japanese appreciation for subtlety and balance.
- Our members received a bottle of Hatozaki pure malt as part of their subscription, from The Kaikyo Distillery. Hatozaki Pure Malt is a vatting of 100% malt whiskies which have been aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels, the latter providing the local signature to the drop, something that their future Yonezawa Family Reserve Single Malt Whiskies will maintain.
Have you tried: Hatozaki Pure Malt
Whisky as a Symbol of Celebration and Camaraderie
For aficionados, whisky is more than a beverage; it is a symbol of celebration, tradition, and togetherness. Its rich, layered flavours and warming qualities make it an ideal companion for the cold winter months and the festive spirit of Christmas. Whether sipped neat by the fire, blended into a sophisticated cocktail, or used to elevate holiday recipes, whisky brings warmth and joy to the season.
This Christmas, as we raise our glasses to toast the holidays, we not only celebrate the rich heritage of whisky but also the timeless traditions that bind us together. With a Summerton Whisky Club subscription, you can experience a curated selection of the finest whiskies from around the world, delivered directly to your home. Here’s to a merry Christmas filled with the warmth of good company, the joy of cherished customs, and the comforting embrace of a fine whisky. Sláinte!
Explore the world of whisky this Christmas with Summerton Whisky Subscription. Subscribe now and elevate your festive celebrations with premium whiskies delivered to your door.