The Best Gifts for Bourbon Lovers, Starting at $8
I’ve been a bourbon fan for about six years when I went down to visit my younger sister at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. We went on a tour of the Buffalo Trace distillery, and I began to appreciate the American-crafted spirit. My sister decided to settle in Lexington after college, and I’ve gone back with my family several times and have visited one distillery each time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned which bourbons I like to drink straight, which ones I like in cocktails, and most importantly, the types of gifts bourbon drinkers actually want.
Spoiler alert: It’s rarely a set of glasses. Plus, you don’t really want to just gift a bottle of bourbon for the holidays (unless it is an extremely rare, small batch bourbon, and no one will say no to that). I’ve combed through various retailers to find presents for the bourbon drinker in your life at various price points. Whether you’re on the hunt for a big gift or a cute stocking stuffer, you’ll be able to find something below.
KT Gifts for Bourbon Lovers October 2024
Woodford Reserve x Williams Sonoma Gift Crate Woodford Reserve x Williams Sonoma Gift Crate
Williams Sonoma
$129.95
I’ve tested one of Williams Sonoma x Woodford Reserve’s gift crates before, and I loved how thoughtful a gift it was. This one is not the same one, but to be honest, I think it’s even better. The best bourbon cocktail in my opinion is the Old Fashioned. I usually get it at bars and never attempt to make it at home, but I tried the Old Fashioned mix and it tastes just as good as my favorite cocktail bar in NYC. The kit also comes with cherries, ice sphere molds, and a bitters tasting set. All they’ll be missing is the bourbon.
Buy Now
On the Rocks Barrel-Aged Bourbon Cordials, Pack of 6 On the Rocks Barrel-Aged Bourbon Cordials, Pack of 6
Nuts.com
$24.99
These On The Rocks Barrel-Aged Bourbon Cordials are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. They have 4.5 stars on Nuts’ website, and reviewers say they’re delicious. If you are looking to gift your bourbon fan a sweet treat, we recommend getting these in a pack of six, because otherwise, they’ll be gone in a flash. Plus, these don’t contain any alcohol — they just taste like they do.
Buy Now
Fosoe Silicone Ice Ball Molds Fosoe Silicone Ice Ball Molds
Amazon
$12.99
Yes, I agree that getting your giftee a set of ice molds is one of the more stereotypical gifts for whiskey or bourbon drinkers out there. But if you are going to do it, I recommend this set of four on Amazon. It’s great for entertaining, because when you’re pouring bourbon for guests, you usually need more than one ice sphere. Most ice molds, including two that I’ve tested, are bulkier than these, which have a slimmer silhouette and will take up less real estate in your fridge. Amazon shoppers clearly agree because 3,000 were bought in the past month.
Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey
Barnes & Noble
$26
One of the things I liked most about visiting the distilleries was learning about the long history behind bourbon. If your giftee is a reader, I’d recommend this book, which will cause them to appreciate their drink of choice even more.
Buy Now
Buchanan Smoked Stacking Double Old-Fashioned Glass Buchanan Smoked Stacking Double Old-Fashioned Glass
CB2
$7.95
I knew I had to include one glass in this gift guide, so I went and found a true showstopper. The smoked version of this CB2 glass has a decidedly vintage vibe, which will have your giftee saying “Wow!” The best part? They’re stackable, so if you buy a set, they won’t take up half of your giftee’s cabinet space, unlike the many unstacklable bourbon glasses crowding up my cabinet.
Buy Now
Personalized Bourbon Serving Tray with Decanter and 4 Glasses Personalized Bourbon Serving Tray with Decanter and 4 Glasses
Etsy
$159.95 (was $228.50)
If your bourbon aficionado really enjoys hosting and entertaining, I think this statement-making set is a must-have gift. It’s currently on sale for $160, which really isn’t too bad considering you get a customized wood and glass tray, four customized bourbon glasses, and a customized decanter. The design on this set is so smart, too, which will make carrying beverages into a room a breeze.
Buy Now
Silver Mint Julep Cup Silver Mint Julep Cup
Mark & Graham
$39
This cup is not a glass. If you are a Kentucky derby fan, you know that mint juleps are the drink of this famous horse race. Mint juleps taste 100 times better in a silver cup, in my opinion. These cups from Mark & Graham are gorgeous and also can serve as flower vases when it isn’t Derby season. Plus, like many other things from Mark & Graham, you can personalize them.
Buy Now
Bourbon Set Bourbon Set
Via Carota
$99
The idea of premade cocktails might make you a bit skeptical, but I have tried Via Carota’s and they converted me. Via Carota is a famous cocktail bar and restaurant in NYC frequented by Taylor Swift and other celebrities, so this gift (in addition to being delicious) also has a bit of a story to it.
Buy Now
Makers Mark Chocolate Bourbon Balls Makers Mark Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Amazon
$68.99
This historic Kentucky treat has been around for more than 100 years. Instead of just getting your giftee an ordinary box of chocolate, opt for these bourbon balls instead. Featuring a creme center laced with bourbon, a dark chocolate exterior, and a pecan, these treats are a crowd-pleaser.
The Big Book of Bourbon Cocktails The Big Book of Bourbon Cocktails
Amazon
$20.95 (was $24.99)
If your giftee is looking for bourbon drinks beyond the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep, give them this bourbon cocktail book which will widen their horizons and help them be more creative with their happy hour beverages.
Further Reading
Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It
Reese’s Just Launched a Limited-Edition Peanut Butter Cup, and It Tastes 4x Better than the Original
Ball Just Dropped the Most Beautiful Mason Jars for Its 140th Anniversary ("So Iconic!")
