Wear Your Whiskey With These Jewelry Pieces Made From Bourbon Barrels

From charm bracelets to rings and necklaces, these pieces turn used bourbon barrels into fashionable accesories.

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Bourbon barrels have been used for all kinds of non-whisky items—including tables and chairs, wall clocks, picture frames, and other home décor. But how about jewelry? Bourbon barrel wood can be inlaid into bracelets, rings, necklaces, and charms, or it can stand alone as a finished wood. Whatever the choice, these baubles can enhance memories of a favorite whisky—or a distillery visit that was part of a special vacation trip.

Try on one of these barrel-inspired accessories

Naturaleza Turquoise Mountain Necklace—$120
Handmade and customizable, the pendant is made from a bourbon barrel.

Johan Whiskey Barrel Charm Bracelet—$159
The barrel-wood charm can be purchased separately or with the bracelet.

Wedgewood Rings Black Ceramic—from $395
Choose the whisky barrel inlay—American, scotch, or Japanese—depending on availability.

Casavir Jewelry Oak Barrel Wood Ring—from $734
Choose from Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Wild Turkey barrel wood to complete this made-to-order rose gold ring.

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Roll the Dice With These Whisky-Themed Games

From barrel head checkers and bourbon playing cards, whisky is the theme for these at-home games.

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Sipping whisky with friends can be a fun pastime on its own, but why not make a night of it with whisky-themed board games? Bourbon-accented playing cards, a board battle that pits distiller versus distiller, whisky trivia, and a whisky barrel chess set—check out these game night choices.

Whiskey Business—$40
You and your friends are competing whisky distillers. Roll the dice to gather the ingredients and fill your barrels. The first to make four types of whisky wins.

Test your whisky knowledge with The Whiskey Game from Talking Tables.

Bicycle Bourbon Playing Cards—$7
Shuffle a deck of these vintage-looking playing cards with bourbon accents. Made in Kentucky.

The Whisky Game—$37
Correctly answer the whisky trivia questions to collect the different types of whisky to win.

Bourbon Barrel Chess Set—$5,495
The board is a laser-etched barrel head and the pieces are handcrafted from bourbon barrel staves.

Barrel Head Checker Set—$200
The checkers are cut from the staves of barrels; one set from the charred inside and the other from the outside. The playing board is a barrel head.

Sip and Play at These Board Game Bars

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Keep Your Whisky Drinks Chilled All Summer Long With These Canteens

Take your Manhattan, Gold Rush, or other chilled whisky cocktail on the go all season long.

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When heading out to a place suitable for whisky, taking some along in an insulated canteen can be a handy idea—particularly during the warmer months. We’ve selected five of the best such canteens for keeping your neat pour or cocktail at just the right temperature. Check out our picks—all light, sturdy, and stylish—for sharing a dram or cocktail away from home.

Keith Titanium Ti3060 Mess Kit—$159
Lightweight and durable, this canteen is made from grade 1 titanium, comes with a carrying pouch, and is dishwasher safe.

BrüMate Fifth 25 oz.—$35
This glass-free vessel is triple-insulated, making it ideal for keeping your favorite whisky cocktail chilled while hanging out by the pool.

Corkcicle Origins 25 oz.—$40
Count on a chilled drink for up to 25 hours or a warm cocktail for up to 12 hours. Stainless steel interior, hand-wash only.

Yeti 26 oz. Rambler with Chug Cap—$40
The two-part cap includes a removable handle and a controlled-flow spout making it perfect for sharing a dram on the go.

S’well 25 oz. Teakwood—$45
The vacuum-insulated stainless-steel interior allows for use with hot or cold cocktails or a means to transport a tipple.

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Whisky Gifts to Fill Out Your Shopping List

From bags to books, grab one of these gifts for the whisky lover in your life.

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As you make your way through the holiday rush, we’ve rounded up some gift ideas to help complete your list. There’s a little something for all sorts of whisky lovers in your life, be they in need of new ways to bring the party, beautiful bottles to bedazzle their shelves, and much, much more. And if you’re looking for something smaller (and edible) we have a list of great pairing gifts as well.

Of course, don’t forget the ultimate whisky gift guide, our annual Top 20 list, which captures the most exciting whiskies from the year, weighing quality, affordability, availability, and x-factor. We’re counting down to Whisky of the Year on December 9, with the full list revealed on the following day.

Whisky Gifts for Your Bar and Beyond

Bring Your Bar Absolutely Everywhere
Have you ever wished you had access to your home bar while you were traveling? This backpack ($248) aims to give you just that. Complete with 17 different components, among them a stainless steel hawthorne strainer, muddler, jigger, and corkscrew, as well as a shaker, cocktail spoon, paring knife, and cutting board, this padded backpack has everything the serious (or casual!) mixologist might need, and it makes bringing them around a breeze. A removable organizer means you can keep everything in check, too. But wait, there’s more: this bag has space for three full-sized bottles, which, while a bit of a load to shoulder, means you can really bring the party wherever you go.—JH

Sponsored
The Original Golden Dram: Aberfeldy 12 year old Gold Bar
For scotch aficionados or those who are first dipping a toe into the world of whisky, Aberfeldy 12 year old Gold Bar is a go-to single malt. From the distillery known as the Golden Dram—thusly named for the gold deposits that fill the land, through which the Pitilie Burn runs and supplies water for the scotch—Aberfeldy 12 year old sees a long fermentation in copper pot stills, giving the whisky the houses signature honey notes. Aging in a combination of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks, along with refill and re-char casks, creates an array of nuanced flavors, from dark chocolate and plump fruit to vanilla and toffee. The 12 year old Gold Bars bold gift packaging makes a statement, too: Its impressive Gold Bar tin speaks of the generosity and richness to be found in the bottle.  

A Cocktail Book You Can Dance To
There is no shortage of cocktail books available right now. You can mix up a drink in the style of Tommy Bahama ($40) or based on the season as instructed by an Alaskan brown bear ($10). Then there’s “Can I Mix You A Drink: 50 Cocktails from My Life & Career” ($30) written by R&B singer T-Pain in collaboration with hospitality professional and mixologist Maxwell Britten. Inside, you’ll find traditional recipes with a T-Pain twist—all the drinks are named after his songs. That means you get cocktails like the Shawty Get Loose (1 oz. Gentleman Jack, 1 oz. Cinzano sweet vermouth, 1 oz. Campari liqueur, ½ oz. white crème de cacao) or the All I Do Is Win (1½ oz. Fistful of Bourbon, ½ oz. simple syrup, 2 orange slices, 3 lemon slices, 1 small bunch loose mint, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, topped with club soda). It’s a lighthearted take on cocktail culture with beautiful images and some of T-Pain’s drinking wisdom sprinkled throughout. —TS

A Feast For The Eyes
For a whisky lover, a bottle of rare, exquisite, or otherwise special whisky may certainly suffice when it comes to gifting. But take it up a notch by giving not just any bottle, but a limited edition bottle that speaks to the eyes as much as it does the palate, with exclusive, artfully designed labels. Japanese whisky enthusiasts, look no further than the newly released bottling of Hibiki Japanese Harmony ($125), which features painted flowers that represent Japan’s 24 different seasons within the lunar calendar, and the passage of time. Elsewhere, a collectible bottle of Glenmorangie’s 18 year old ($235) is now available, with a limited edition design by Japanese artist Azuma Makota. Like the Hibiki bottle, the new Glenmorangie bottle and its packaging are resplendent with flowers—100, to be exact, in a work called “Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie.”—JH

Barrel Down The Mountain
Have a ski bum in your life who loves nothing more than sinking into a cozy bar seat for a fine aprés dram following a day on the slopes? This first-of-its-kind collaboration might pique your interest. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Wagner Custom Skis (starts at $2,295)–both Colorado artisans– have teamed up to design the “ultimate Rocky Mountain skis.” Modern ski technology and the centuries-old technique of barrel maturation are combined here to create a pair of wood skis made of white oak, with an inlay from a used Stranahan’s single malt barrel. The skis, branded with the Stranahan’s logo and silhouettes of the Rocky Mountains, are customizable. Don’t worry—even though these skis look like the wood from which they came, they’re hand coated in satin polyurethane, meaning they can take you anywhere on the mountain without snapping like a stick.—JH


Wear Your Whisky On Your Shoulders
Legent bourbon, crafted in Kentucky using Japanese blending techniques, has once again partnered with American fashion designer Todd Snyder for the re-release of the Bourbon Selvedge denim jacket ($398). The jacket, which is aptly crafted in America from Japanese Selvedge fabric, is a new take on Snyder’s Dylan Jacket, reimagined with a whisky-hued denim—it’s a rich, rusty brown that makes your blue denim look oh-so-basic in comparison. You can feel good about gifting this as well; Legent and Todd Snyder donate 50% of the proceeds from every jacket crafted to the Stop AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Hate, a national coalition addressing anti-American racism across the U.S.—JH

Tote A Bottle Around In Style
Sure, you could tote a bottle along to your next gathering by way of a simple disposable shopping bag, but if you’re looking for a more secure option, consider putting this duffle ($150)—a collaborative effort between Glenfiddich and Rowing Blazers—in your crosshairs. Handcrafted in Connecticut, this water-resistant, canvas banker bag features a detachable mini bottle bag with a drawstring closure, as well as just a bit of Glenfiddich insignia. But that’s not all…another collaboration, this one between Glenfiddich and Waraire Boswell Brand, is serving up a co-branded, ultra-soft sweatsuit ($400) in deep plum. Both the crewneck sweatshirt and sweatpants are detailed with an embroidered stag logo, so you can show off your single malt appreciation. These items are part of Glenfiddich’s The New Standard limited-edition collection, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the GoFundMe Basic Necessities and Justice & Equality causes, and the site’s Small Business Relief Fund.—JH

Your Favorite Distillery, Illustrated
There are plenty of great whisky books (including the cocktail ones above), but how about some whisky art? We ran a profile of artist Linh Do a few years ago, describing her whisky-inspired dresses, and she featured in our story about whisky label art with her Fukano 6000 label. Linh also creates distillery artwork. One great choice would be her illustration of Glenmorangie’s distillery ($25 for an 8.5×11) for the Glenmorangie lover in your life. Linh’s Etsy shop has a wide range of illustrations, most with free shipping.—TS

Sponsored
Heaven’s Door Trilogy Gift Set
Featuring all three award-winning expressions, the Trilogy Collection invites consumers to experience the breadth of the brand. This gift set is a striking blend of art and craft.

Sexton Irish Single Malt + Max ID NY
As a whisky lover, it’s pretty commonplace to accumulate a sizable collection of glassware for the backbar. Branded Glencairns? Check. Fish bowl-like snifters? Sure. But what about truly unique, artisan pieces, that feature neither brand name nor simple mass market appeal? Take these tumblers (starting at $96), created by luxury designer Maximilian Eicke. Made from hand-blown, amber-hued glass, these stackable, short glasses are an eye-catching addition to any home bar, bringing major flair and style to the whisky experience. The shape, too, sets them apart, as they’re inspired by the shape of The Sexton single malt’s bottle. Available as a set of two, these 8.5 fluid ounce tumblers are dishwasher safe to boot.—JH

Whisky, Made Dainty
When you think of whisky, dainty and delicate (and their ilk) might not be the first words that come to mind. After all, dusty warehouses and unembellished still rooms don’t necessarily conjure up images of refinement and finesse. This necklace ($129), however, manages to take whisky in exactly that direction. Crafted from wood taken from a whisky barrel, a miniature barrel charm hangs prettily off a sterling silver chain, making this the perfect gift for those who love both a dram and a bit of personal adornment. As an added appeal, the barrel charm comes fully waterproofed at no additional charge, ensuring that no water ever spoils the quality.—JH

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Stocking Stuffers: Snackable Treats for Whisky Lovers

Here’s a brief list of little gifts for Christmas stockings—these ones exclusively centered around satisfying any holiday hunger pangs.

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You may be planning on gifting a loved one a bottle of whisky this holiday season, but pay mind to their stocking, too, and spice it up with these whisky-centric snacks or a gift card for them. From salty to sweet, these delicious bites call on Irish whiskey, scotch, and Tennessee whiskey to deliver a full tasting experience.

Munchable Delights, Paired Perfectly With Whisky

Whiskey minis mixed up with potato chipsA Poppable Bag of Whisky Miniatures
We’ve sung the virtues of the whisky mini in the past—they’re portable, inexpensive, and an easy way to try something new. Around the start of football season, Tullamore D.E.W. introduced this 6-pack of minis of its Original Irish whiskey called Tully Chips ($29 through Caskers), giving the sports-minded whisky drinker something new to bring to the watch party. Packaged to look like an actual bag of chips, this works just as great as a fun and surprising holiday gift. And pairing whiskey with chips is a winning combination. Tayto is considered the holy grail of Irish potato chips, or “crisps” as they call them in Ireland. American drinkers can pair Tully with Zapp’s New Orleans Kettle Style Potato Chips in Voodoo Heat and get great results.—TS

A Whisky-Infused Pairing Snack
When it comes to quick and easy pairings, it’s hard to beat a well thought-out snack. Our favorites combine sweet and salty flavors allowing you to use multiple parts of your palate; think chocolate-covered almonds or peanut butter-filled pretzels. Or you can just combine your whisky and your snack into one convenient bite with Eatable’s Whisky on the Pops Gourmet popcorn ($9). Air-popped and coated with scotch-infused caramel, these deliver a bit of smoke, salt, and sweetness. The Top Shelf Trio ($28) gets you Whisky on the Pops along with Pop the Champagne and Pop the Salt and Tequila, though Eatable offers a range of spirit and wine-infused popcorns to purchase individually. If your family is opting to stream a movie at home rather than hit the theaters this holiday, elevate the experience with a nice glass of peaty scotch and some gourmet snacking.—TS

Box of chocolates and a glass of whiskeyChocolates Designed With Whisky in Mind
It’s no secret that chocolate and whisky go great together. We have recipes for chocolate cocktails and the ever-popular bourbon balls but whisky brands are also leaning into pairings by collaborating with world-renowned chocolatiers. Vosges has a box of chocolate bombes using Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve ($45), Winans teamed up with Watershed Distillery for some Bourbon Cherry Cordials ($20-$35), and Chef Jacques Torres is selling bonbons made with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked ($27) with a portion of proceeds going to a good cause. Elsewhere, chocolate maker Compartés’ specialty truffles are made with Macallan 18 year old ($38 for a 10 piece set) and dark chocolate ganache, coated with single origin dark chocolate.—TS

Rack of ribsFor the Meat Lover In Your Life
Whisky and meat are a match made in heaven, and if your preferred choice of meat is succulent, smoky barbecue, then you’re in luck: Tennessee barbecue stalwart Peg Leg Porker is available on fine food delivery site Gold Belly. Within days after ordering, the meat lovers in your life can enjoy a feast of dry-rub ribs and pulled pork ($139 for 2 racks of ribs, 2 lbs. of pulled pork, 1 bag of pork rinds, 1 bottle of barbeque sauce, and 1 bottle of dry rub). But of course, barbecue isn’t the only thing Peg Leg Porker offers—the pit master, Carey Bringle, is a whiskey fan himself, so much so that he created his own Tennessee whiskey label back in 2015.—JH

Bottle of scotch alongside a block of cheeseCheddar Paired Perfectly With Whisky
We’ve delved into how whisky and cheese complement each other in the past, given that the many flavors found within whisky can be right at home with any number of cheeses when paired correctly. If you’re of the same mind, then a pairing of aged single malt and matured cheese might just make your day, and GlenDronach is now offering such a duo via ReserveBar. Whisky and cheese lovers can enjoy a bottle of GlenDronach 12 year old alongside an 8 oz. wedge of Point Reyes white cheddar ($105), which was aged for one year at the company’s farm in California. Make it a full charcuterie board by tacking on some prosciutto, which harmonizes beautifully with single malts matured in sherry casks such as this one.—JH

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Stylish Travel Bars to Keep Your Whisky and Cocktail Tools Safe and Secure

Pack up your finest equipment and a few of your favorite bottles as well with these high-end carrying cases.

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While road trips and vacations offer a great escape, there may not always be a good bar around. Luckily, you never have to be without your favorite tipples, thanks to these travel bars. Whether you’re going on a weekend camping trip or want to upgrade the minibar in your hotel room, we’ve rounded up several travel bars that are fit for any getaway. There are both casual and sophisticated options—all you have to do is add whisky and your favorite cocktail’s ingredients!

Mobile Mixers: Make Your Cocktails On The Go With These Carrying Cases

Portable Three-Bottle Travel Bar—$100
Secure up to three of your favorite bottles in this locking vinyl case. The suede interior houses basic tools, a serving platter, and two glasses. Add your favorite whiskies, and the cocktail boundaries are limitless.

Bartender’s Backpack—$110
Cocktails to go! This canvas backpack holds four bottles, includes a laptop case, and has straps to secure a bar tool roll-up (sold separately).

Bar Backpack—$232
Perfect for happy hour by the lake! This insulated backpack carries three bottles, and comes equipped with 16 bar tools, including a cheese board and knife.

Leather suitcase carrying cocktail equipment

Protect your Manhattan essentials, including two glasses, in this vintage-looking suitcase.

Manhattan Cocktail Case—$302
Create a classic cocktail from this seemingly vintage suitcase. The leatherette exterior encases a velveteen-lined interior that protects two bottles, and includes a shaker, bar tools, and two glasses. Available in black or mahogany.

Leather Travel Bar—$500
Exclusive to Frontgate, this classy leather case serves up an ice bucket, room for two bottles, a drawer that includes nine cups, and basic tools to serve up your favorite whisky.

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