Are you on the hunt for the perfect whisky gift in Australia? While the range of Scotch options overseas is considerable, and the prices can seem cheaper at first, when buying from non-Australian retailers, you need to be mindful of the taxes and customs charges due when your whisky gets here. The cost can almost double!
Luckily, our guide to Wonderful Whisky Gift Ideas You Can Actually Buy In Australia is here to help. We'll help you decide which whisky (available in Australia) is best to gift and then dive into our top recommendations for whisky sampler packs, gift sets, and unusual whisky gifts that are sure to impress.
And to make things even easier, we've curated a list of our favourite Australian whisky retailers that offer a fantastic selection of high-quality whiskies.
Whether you're shopping for a whisky enthusiast or someone just starting their journey into the world of whisky, our guide has something for everyone. So read on and let us help you find the perfect whisky gift in Australia.
Whisky Sample Packs Australia
Whisky sampler packs are a fantastic gift option as they're already nicely boxed and ready to present. They contain a selection of whiskies, so you don't have to worry about picking the wrong one, as there's bound to be something in there to please your whiskey lover. All of these sets are available from Australian retailers.
For a broader selection of gift sets, see our Whisky Lover’s Guide to Unusual & Unique Whisky Gifts and A Whisky Woman’s Guide To Whisky Gifts.
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This tasting flight from White Possum features 12 Australian whiskies, each showcasing a diverse range of flavor profiles. Each whisky is housed in a 30ml matte-black glass sampler bottle, clearly labeled with the distillery, whisky name, and distillation location. Accompanying the whiskies is a 14-panel tasting booklet that provides insights into each whisky, profiles of the distilleries, and a brief history of whisky production in Australia. This whisky set comes elegantly packaged in a beautifully decorated, eco-friendly gift box, making it the perfect gift.
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The Drinks by The Dram 12 Miniature Whisky Collection of 3cl (30ml) wax-sealed samples of whiskies is a safe bet as a whisky gift as there are a variety of drams from around the world, and they are beautifully presented in a gift box.
This beautifully packaged gift set contains four (4) fabulous 100ml bottles of Glenmorangie Whisky, including Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old and The Lasanta (a 12-year-old that spends its first ten years ageing in ex-bourbon casks before being finished for two years in Sherry casks). Also included in the Glenmorangie Taster Pack are The Quinta Ruban, a 14-year-old whisky that spends its final two years in Ruby Port Pipes, and The Nectar D’or, a 12-year-old that spends its last two years in Sauternes barriques.
From Melbourne Distillers Starward, this Whisky Gift Pack features three 200ml bottles of their awarded and much lauded-whiskies: Two-Fold, Nova and Fortis.
Starward Two-Fold 40% ABV: an approachable double grain whisky, fully matured in red wine barrels from Australian wine regions.
Starward Nova 41% ABV: Starward’s signature whisky, fully matured in red wine barrels, Nova is a deliciously balanced and bold whisky for sharing and mixing.
Starward Fortis 50% ABV: a full-bodied flavour and velvety smoothness at a higher ABV than Starward's usual releases. Matured in 100% American Oak red wine barrels to give it a fuller and richer mouthfeel.
Three x 50ml whiskies from Morris Winery and Distillery in Rutherglen (Victoria). The wine-heritage of Morris lends itself to some spectacular cask finishes (we love the Tokay Barrel).
Morris Signature 40% ABV: The Signature expression shows bright topaz hues on appearance which open a door to orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit notes balancing the zest of marmalade jam, lingering cocoa and dark-berry flavours.
Muscat Barrel 46% ABV: Creamy mouthfeel packed full of rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice.
Tokay Barrel 48%ABV: Intense toffee, mocha and soft caramel flavours matured in an ex- 15-year old Morris Cellar Reserve Grand Topaque cask.
Whisky Gift Hampers and Whisky Gift Packs
While the sampler packs provide you with a broad range of tastings, we love a good whisky gift set or whisky gift hamper for the broad range of ITEMS, especially if they include branded glassware (as most of these sets do). The following whisky gift hampers are available from Australian retailers.
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Archie Rose Whisky is a fabulous gift as you can tailor the label to the recipient. Whether it's wishing dad 'Happy Father's Day' or simply writing 'Merry Christmas Roddy' you can select the label text, colour and font, and include a longer message on the back label. In addition to a custom 700ml bottle of Archie Rose whisky, this hamper includes: 80% Dark Chocolate Almonds, Burnt Toffee Popcorn, and Cocoa-dusted Cashews from Maggie Beer's pantry range. Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans and Toffee Popcorn Brittle from Morgan's. This gorgeous gift hamper comes with FREE standard shipping Australia-wide and a premium card you can leave a message on.
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This gorgeous whisky hamper features a bottle of Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (500ml) offering notes of biscuity malt, vanilla, dried fruits, and a hint of spice. Paired with a stylish set of two Riedel crystal O-series whisky glasses, a bag of Wondaree Roasted and Salted Macadamias (50g) and a block of Compartés Gourmet Old Hollywood dark chocolate (68g). The Whisky Lovers Gift Hamper from Kent St Cellars comes with complimentary gift wrap, complete with a wax seal.
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Read up on legendary whiskies while sipping on three superb examples from Loch Lomond Distillery (Scotland). This hamper from Gourmet Basket includes Ian Buxton's classic '101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die', three 50ml single malt whiskies from Loch Lomond Distillery (Loch Lomond Original, 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old) and a Double Old Fashioned-style whisky glass. This hamper comes with a gift card, stylish gift box and FREE shipping Australia-wide.
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This gorgeous gift set from Gifts Australia includes a Glenmorangie Taster Pack with four Glenmorangie whiskies, and Glenmorangie branded socks. For a great night in, the hamper also contains Maggie Beer Quince Paste, Artisan Crackers, Toffee Popcorn (2), Savoury Nut Mix, Kangaroo Island Olives, and Roasted Capsicum Tapenade.
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A fabulous gift pack from the founders of modern Tasmanian whisky, this set includes three x 100ml Lark Distillery whiskies and a Lark-branded Glencairn whisky glass.
Unusual Whisky Gifts Australia
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This elegant Whiskey Decanter Globe and Glass Set will stand out on any bar, countertop, or drinks trolley for that added touch of class. The decanter and matching whisky glasses are made from quality glassware with a frosted map of the earth. The glass globe decanter capacity is 940ml and comes with a glass stopper. It also includes two 270ml whisky glasses and a timber decanter stand.
This Stormtrooper Decanter is the perfect gift for a Star Wars Fan and Whisky Lover (this is quite a large number of people we know). Shaped to match the original moulds of the Stormtrooper helmet and armour created by Andrew Ainsworth, prop designer for the first Star Wars movie in 1976. The decanter weighs 950g, has a capacity of 750ml, and includes a cork stopper.
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DuckManorWoodworking (Etsy) are a small Australian business producing customisable whisky flight paddles handmade from Tasmanian oak. Holes are cut on one side for dram placement (either 3 or 4, depending on your preference), and personalised engraving is available on the other. Timber gift tags are also available.
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SomethingForKeepsAU (Etsy) are a small Australian business producing Handmade Leather-Bound Journals. The journals are available in various colours, cover images (Whisky Notes / Bourbon Notes) and page formats (blank, lined, grid, or the very handy whisky notes template pictured). Personalised engraving is also available.
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Wildfire Engraving (Etsy) are a based on the Gold Coast (Australia), producing customisable faux-leather stainless steel hip flasks ideal for a personalised gift. They also have a great selection of engraveable timber chopping boards (including some very cool epoxy-filled boards), and leatherette stubby holders.
Bottles Everyone Will (Should!) Love
If you would prefer to give them a bottle rather than a gift pack, the following are whiskies that we would gift to our friends and family and that we would happily receive as gifts as well (hint hint to said friends and family). These are staple whiskies in our household and they're all readily available in Australia (and the links we've provided are to Australian retailers).
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Roddy and I were very fortunate to attend the unveiling of Cape Byron's long-awaited whisky, made in collaboration with Roddy's old boss, master distiller Jim McEwan. We're both huge fans of their Brookie's Gins (Jim has been involved since the beginning), and the whisky is of the same high quality. Made in Byron Bay, Cape Byron Distillery is a fabulous place to visit, and now they're also producing some of our favourite whiskies.
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From the wonderful distillers at Archie Rose comes this fantastic gift idea - a tailored whisky, customised to suit your gift recipient. Choose from preset flavour profiles, or blend your own malt type. Pick your label pattern or limited edition artwork, and add your text (20 characters on the front label and whopping 110 characters on the back label). Archie Rose Tailored Whisky is the perfect personalised gift for a whisky lover. Also available in Tailored Gin and Tailored Vodka.
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Winner of DOUBLE GOLD San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024, among a host of other awards, the Morris Muscat Barrel whisky has a creamy mouthfeel packed full of rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice. Roddy and I have really enjoyed the Morris ex-fortified wine casks that we've tried, and own several bottles of them. The Morris ex-Muscat Barrel whisky is just as likely to delight non whisky fans (assuming they like fortified wines!) as it is to impress a die-hard whisky fan.
Best Rye Whisky Australia
Our first experience with rye whisky in Australia was with Archie Rose, and it was certainly a great whisky to start with! We've tried a few more Australian rye's since then, and our favourites are as follows:
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Winner of "World's Best Rye Whisky" at the World Whiskies Awards (London), and "World's Best Rye Whisky" at World Whisky Masters (also London), Archie Rose's Rye is a layered, aromatic whisky that offers notes of spiced custard, ginger and a palate reminiscent of baked stone fruits (think peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce) or baked apple pie with a fresh herbal finish that lingers on the palate. Delicious neat or in an Old Fashioned, this is the Rye that got us started on our rye whisky journey.
From the best distillery in Yackandandah (actually they're one of the best distilleries in Australia and well worth a visit if you're near the NSW/VIC border) Backwoods produce some exceptional whiskies (the white oak is a personal favourite, especially if you can get it at cask strength - another reason to visit the distillery). Backwoods rye is a beautiful sipping whisky and a great addition to the cabinet of an Australian whisky fan. Gold Medal: Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2023, Silver Medal: World Whiskies Awards 2023, and Silver Medal: Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2022.
Peter Bignell has developed quite a reputation as a maveric distiller and he is making some exceptional rye whiskies. We were fortunate enough to sample quite a few on a recent trip to Tasmania and they are superb. From 'traditional' malted rye, to peated rye, and a very untraditional sheep dung-smoked (
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The Gospel Solera is hands down the best base spirit for a Manhattan or a Boulevardier. It is matured in new American oak and ex-Australian wine barrels. The Gospel have a fantastic range of pre-mixed cocktails and whiskey cocktail gift sets. This is an unusual enough whisky that it will be a rare find for most whisky fans and a much-welcome gift for those who have already tried it.
Gifts For Old Fashioned Lovers Australia
While you should also see our Gift Guide for an Old Fashioned Lover, the following gifts are available from Australian suppliers and will satisfy an Old Fashioned cocktail fan.
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We've got a similar set of these Waterford Cut Crystal Tumblers and they're perfect for sipping whisky, whether you prefer it neat or over ice. The glasses style is classed as "Double Old Fashioned", which means there is ample room (325ml) for you to add a large ice cube in addition to your favourite whisky or whisky cocktail. This set includes two glasses and a stunning matching 739ml Waterford cut crystal decanter.
A modern Old Fashioned from Starward Distillery (Melbourne) made using Starward's superb whisky, infused with distillery-made orange bitters and, wattleseed and demerara syrup. Simply pour over ice and you'll have a (New) Old Fashioned ready to enjoy. Winner of World’s Best Premix Cocktail at World Premix Awards 2020, and Best Contemporary Cocktail at World Premix Awards 2020.
The Gospel Old Fashioned Pre-Made Cocktails are delicious. I've had these several times as their cocktail sets are a fantastic gift (I've received and given). Like the Everleigh, you chill it and drink it - they're 30% abv and are hands down one of my favourite Old Fashioneds. This bottle is the 500ml version, though a smaller 100ml version is available in a cocktail set (along with a Manhattan, Sazerac and Boulevardier). And for a DIY cocktail gift, see the Gospel Old Fashioned Kit.
Whisky Subscriptions Australia
With over 35,000 members, The Whisky Club is by far the biggest whisky club in Australia. Whiskies of the Month generally range from $140 - $170 a bottle, with exclusive/premium releases also available. You can decline to purchase the 'Whisky of the Month' or delay a membership at any time. Recent past whiskies include The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 12, Lagavulin Offerman Rum Cask, and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel II (view past whiskies here). Many whiskies are Whisky Club only releases. Gift memberships are available ($160).
Our Favourite Australian Whisky Retailers
There is an extensive selection of whisky out there in the wide world, and most of the big online retailers like Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt do ship to Australia AND their prices at checkout are often a lot cheaper than you will see from Australian retailers AND they carry a much bigger selection of whiskies than you'll find anywhere locally.
However, you must be aware that when you purchase alcohol outside Australia, you must pay customs duties to import it into Australia, making your bargain purchase potentially expensive on arrival. That's why the Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt offer very competitive prices to Australian customers. They know the consumer will pay additional costs after it has left their warehouse.
The following retailers are worth checking out as their prices are competitive and their whisky selections are excellent: