I‘d like to thanks the folks at Master of Malt for sending this to me with no strings attached.
It’s Friday, and I’m here, so that must mean it’s time for another bonus post! This week, we’re diving into the Drinks by the Dram Bourbon and American Whiskey Advent Calendar from Masters of Malt. This was sent to me in celebration of the fact that Masters of Malt is finally able to ship to the United States again.
The last time we talked about Masters of Malt was back in 2018, just before they had to stop shipping to the U.S. At that time, I had a fantastic experience with them. They were a great resource for purchasing bourbons that were available in Europe but unavailable stateside. I took a quick look at their site now, and while they do have a few items I can’t get in Minnesota, it’s probably not quite enough to justify the cost of international shipping. However, their Drinks by the Dram program still stands out—it lets you purchase 30 mL (about 1 ounce) sample bottles of spirits you might not otherwise have access to. If you want to try a variety of spirits but don’t want to commit to a bunch of full bottles, this is definitely something to consider. Personally, I don't like Scotch so I skip it and stick to bourbons, other whiskeys, or even brandies.
Which brings us to the Advent calendars. Master of Malt offers a wide range of them—more than I could possibly list here. They’ve got calendars for gin, rum, Scotch, vodka, and even niche options like Peaty Whisky or Spiced Rum. Prices range from $52 to $260, depending on the spirit category and how many days your calendar includes. You can even build your own, though let’s be honest—half the fun of an Advent calendar is the surprise!
The one I received is the Bourbon and American Whiskey Advent Calendar. It’s priced at $136.85 plus shipping, and so far, I’m having a lot of fun with it. Without giving too much away, I’ll say it’s a solid mix of widely available big-name brands, smaller niche distilleries, and even a few gems from UK independent bottlers—like a 24-year-old bourbon from That Boutique-y Whisky Company.
So, should you rush to their website and grab one for yourself? Well, that depends on your situation. For me, $137 plus international shipping is a steep price for the equivalent of 750 mL of whiskey. But if you’re looking for an awesome gift for the whiskey lover in your life? Absolutely. This is a unique and entertaining gift that would last the recipient 12 to 25 days, depending on the calendar you choose. I can think of plenty of people I’d spend that much (or more) on, and I’d grab this as a gift for them in a heartbeat.
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