Drinks by the Dram: Spirits Advent Calendar
BOURBON & AMERICAN WHISKEY ADVENT CALENDAR: People have been counting down to Christmas for hundreds of years, but perhaps surprisingly advent calendars as we know them have only been around for just over a century. Like so many festive things, they started as a German tradition but have been widely adopted since then by those who celebrate Christmas globally. And of course, many of us have treasured memories of opening our own calendars as children, during December. But we grew resentful as we grew up. Why should we let kids have all the fun, the excitement, the treats? And so in 2012, Drinks by the Dram launched their own, very mature, spirits advent calendars.
They’re so popular that now there is an absolutely incredible variety to choose from. Master of Malt have very kindly sent me their bourbon and American whiskey calendar to test, for your viewing pleasure. But the problem with that, is that I like advent calendars, and I like Christmas. If I tested it properly, I’d be telling you about it on Boxing Day. And while that would make me happy, it would be useless for you.
Let’s look it over and try not to give away too many spoilers, eh?
Appearance
The burgundy box is solid. It feels quality in your hands. Open the magnetised lid and reveal those 25 numbered windows in gleaming embossed gold text. The childhood thrill is there, but with the promise of delicious drink on top. It’s a small touch, but I love the fact that the numbers are all mixed up too, so each day you have to find which window you need. I also love the fact that there are 25 bottles within – of course you want a little something on Christmas Day itself. All part of the fun.
Inside the lid, there is a little description of Drinks by the Dram’s innovative invention of this adult advent calendar. On the back, a little welcome to the world of bourbon.
It’s classy, it’s inviting, it’s festive.
Advent Calendar Contents
Pull back a perforated cardboard window (inexpertly, in my case, since I was trying to film it at the same time) and you will reveal a gorgeous 30ml wax-sealed dram of your daily bourbon. If you want to cheat,you can look at the website and see what’s included – but that’s not my style. I only opened window number one, for review purposes. I’m happy to send a photograph of my calendar with today’s newspaper to anyone that doesn’t believe me.
SPOILER ALERT: The first dinky dose was Wild Turkey’s Longbranch. It’s filtered through charcoal made from Kentucky white oak and Texas mesquite so I’m looking forward to a creamy, oaky flavour and dry finish on that one. No, I didn’t crack it open and try it, it’s not December yet.
The bottles are super cute, and no doubt I will keep them all forever once they’re empty, intending to use them for something cool, but never quite getting round to it. The printed paper labels have a lovely texture to them – again, they are just nice things in themselves away from the calendar format.
Conclusions
This is a lovely thing and a beautiful gift. I have decided to completely go against my own principles and look at the list of what’s in there – for review purposes. There are some real belters. While some old favourites reappear from last year’s calendar, there are some new releases too. There are plenty of names I know and a few that are unfamilar to me that I can’t wait to try. I’ve taken a look round some of the competitor’s websites and honestly, the Drinks by the Dram list is by far the best in terms of quality of producers. I have high hopes of a very Merry Christmas.
Bourbon not your thing?
Don’t worry, Masters of Malt have got you covered. Obviously whisky is their bag, so you’ve got the general whisky option, as well as speciality calendars like the one I got. Scotch whisky, world whisky, sherry cask whisky and peaty whisky are some of your other options. If you prefer rum (spiced or au natural), gin or vodka, you’ve got choices there too. Oh, and if you’re feeling super fancy, then check out the premium calendar options. There are loads, I’m just scratching the surface here. You can check them all out on the advent calendar page on the MoM website.
🥃 Shop the bourbon & American whiskey calendar (£129.95) here.
🥃 Watch my Instagram reel showing the official opening of the Day 1 window.
I was sent this advent calendar free of charge by Masters of Malt for the purposes of review. My opinions are my own, regardless. I like it, everything I’ve written here is an honest reflection of my thoughts on the advent calendar – so there.
