Let's face it, buying gifts for the discerning whisky fan is never exactly a chore - buy them a good bottle of single malt, single grain or even a half-decent blend and you'll find they are more than happy.
However, sometimes it pays to do something a little different and go that extra mile to get them something truly unique.
With that in mind, we asked Glasgow's Whisky Festival co-organiser Mark Connelly to pick out five essential gifts for whisky fans:
GLENCAIRN GLASS
The classic Glencairn glass can enhance any whisky drinking experience. Picture: Glencairn Crystal
Mark says: "If you are still drinking your whisky out of the old glass tumbler from the back of the cupboard behind the wine glasses then you need to up your glass game.
"The Glencairn has rapidly become the standard glass for nosing and sipping your drams, used by whisky bars, distilleries, whisky festivals and at tastings worldwide. The tulip shape helps direct the scents to your nose and allows the full enjoyment of the wonderful whisky you bought with those hard-earned pennies.
Available from: www.whiskyglass.com
Price: Approx £6 each depending on outlet.
ANGELS' SHARE GLASS WHISKY WATER DROPPER
This wonderful glass dropper can ensure you get just the right amount of water in your whisky. Picture: Angels' Share Glass
Mark says: "Adding a drop or two of water to your whisky is known to open up the aromas. It’s all chemistry and science, but a small amount of water can make all the difference to your drams.
"Pouring from a water jug is wildly inaccurate and can kill your whisky. Why take the chance? Invest in one of these beautiful, hand blown glass droppers from Angels’ Share Glass and add exactly the amount of water you want. All their glass whisky products are handmade in Scotland to the highest quality."
Available from: www.angelsshareglass.com
Price: £18
SWALLY SHIRTS - DARK SIDE OF THE MALT T-SHIRTS
The effortlessly cool 'Dark Side of the Malt' Tee. Picture: Swally Shirts
Mark says: "Fans of Pink Floyd, and music in general, will appreciate this whisky twist on the Dark Side of the Moon album cover. The design features the Glencairn glass in place of the familiar prism which is casting out a spectrum of whisky colours.
"Printed on a black cotton shirt in top quality inks this will last as long as those band t-shirts from the 80s you have at the bottom of the drawer."
Available from: www.swallyshirts.com
Price: £20
WHISKY BLENDER - BLEND YOUR OWN WHISKY
Blending your own unique whisky can be a lot of fun. Picture: Whisky Blender
Mark says: "You can buy any number of blended whiskies in the shops these days. However, for something a bit different, though, you can blend now your own unique whisky online, name it and have it delivered to your door.
"A simple, clean interface allows you to fill your own bottle, blending your choice from several options. Your finished whisky is filled into a decanter bottle, labelled by hand and comes with a blending certificate. You’ll just need to think long and hard about the perfect name for it!"
Available from: www.whiskyblender.com
Price: Price dependent on options chosen. Gift vouchers also available.
GLENCAIRN GLASS CUFFLINKS
These stylish cufflinks will make you the envy of many a whisky fan. Picture: Angels' Share Glass
Mark says: "You’re off to a black tie whisky dinner and you need something to finish off your outfit. Look no further than these Glencairn glass cufflinks.
"Presented in a gift box these cufflinks will let everyone know you are a serious whisky buff and know your butts from your bungs. Perfect for Burns Suppers and charity balls."
Available from: www.angelsshareglass.com
Price: £20
