Christmas Whisky Gifts Under £50: 7 Bottles They’ll Actually Love

Buying Guides

30 October 20263 min readDeepak Bali

“Quick answer: The best Christmas whisky gifts under £50 are single malts matched to the person’s taste. Our picks: Singleton 12 for whisky beginners, Aberlour 12 for anyone who loves Christmas cake flavours, Laphroaig 10 for smoke lovers, and Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair for Secret Santa at under £25. All seven bottles below are in stock now.

A good bottle of whisky is one of the easiest Christmas gifts to get right, as long as you pick the right style. A smoky Islay malt can delight one person and disappoint another. A soft, sherried Speyside might be perfect for a beginner but too gentle for a peat fan.

That’s why we’ve organised this list by who you’re buying for, not just by price. Every bottle is a proper single malt from a well-known Scottish distillery, and all seven cost under £40, well within a £50 budget.

Start with the gift finder below. If you already know their taste, skip straight to the bottle.

Christmas whisky gift finder

If they…	Give them	Price*
Are new to whisky	Singleton 12	£34.99
Love Christmas cake and sherry

Written by

Deepak Bali

I’ve been exploring whisky since 1996, combining nearly three decades of knowledge and firsthand tasting experience. In 1999, my master’s degree work focused on my own whisky website. Every whisky I review is personally tasted, independently assessed and scored out of 100 using a consistent five-stage framework. My judgement is guided by what’s in the glass, never by brand reputation or price.

30 October 2026

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*Prices at the time of writing.

Not sure what they like? Go for Highland Park 12 Viking Honour. It’s sweet, a little smoky and very easy to enjoy, so it suits almost everyone.

The 7 best whisky gifts under £50

1. Singleton 12 Year Old: for the whisky beginner

2. Aberlour 12 Double Cask: for the Christmas cake lover

3. Bowmore 12 Year Old: for the smoke-curious

4. Laphroaig 10 Year Old: for the peat lover

5. Highland Park 12 Viking Honour: the safe bet

6. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old: for the whisky connoisseur

7. Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair: the Secret Santa star

Tips for giving whisky at Christmas

• Think about what they already drink. If they love red wine or port, go sherried, like Aberlour. If they love bonfires and strong coffee, go smoky, like Laphroaig.
• Single malt beats a big-brand blend for a gift. It feels more special for a similar price.
• Add a pair of whisky glasses or some good dark chocolate to turn a bottle into a full present.
• Buy early. Popular bottles and sale prices often sell out in December.
• Check they’re 18 or over, and remember not everyone drinks. A gift receipt or a quick check never hurts.

FAQs

What is a good whisky to buy as a gift for under £50?

Highland Park 12 Viking Honour is the safest all-rounder. Try Singleton 12 for beginners, Aberlour 12 for sherry lovers, and Laphroaig 10 for smoke fans. All are under £40.

What whisky should I buy for someone who doesn’t drink much whisky?

A smooth, unpeated Speyside like Singleton 12. It’s sweet and gentle, with no smoke.

What is a good Secret Santa whisky?

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, at £24.99 at the time of writing. It’s a characterful Islay single malt that looks and tastes more expensive than it is.

Is single malt a better gift than blended whisky?

Not always better to drink, but single malt usually feels more special as a gift. Each bottle comes from one distillery, with its own character and story.

Shop Christmas whisky gifts

All seven bottles are in stock now and under £40:

• Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair: £24.99
• Singleton 12: £34.99
• Bowmore 12: £34.99
• Aberlour 12 Double Cask: £35.99
• Bunnahabhain 12: £36.99
• Highland Park 12 Viking Honour: £38.99
• Laphroaig 10: £39.99

Want to compare more bottles? See our guide to the best single malt whisky, or browse all our whisky.

You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Please drink responsibly.