The Ultimate Gift Guide for Bourbon Fans (2025 Edition)

There’s something seriously special about bourbon. Whether you’re into sipping it slow, mixing up cocktails, or nerding out over tasting notes, picking out gifts for bourbon lovers is fun because the right bottle or accessory isn’t just a shopping list item. It’s an experience.  

If you’re shopping for someone who’s all about that caramel-and-oak lifestyle (or treating yourself), this guide brings together top-tier bottles, cool accessories, and tasty extras that hit every budget and occasion. Also check out our iconic brand recs like Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve, because nothing says “I get you” like a premium pour. 

Premium bottles they’ll love to sip

First up: the kind of gift that makes bourbon lovers light up like it is Christmas morning. If you want to impress, always go premium. We’re talking about bourbon gifts that bring serious flavour and bragging rights.  

• Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Barrel-proof and bold, this one’s a beast in the best way. It delivers rich caramel, toasty vanilla, and a long, warm finish. A solid Wild Turkey gift for anyone who likes their bourbon to pull zero punches. 
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Smooth, complex, and delicious. Think dark cherry, baking spice, and just enough kick to keep it interesting. It’s one of the best bottles to gift if you’re aiming for a thoughtful Russell’s Reserve whiskey moment. 
• Limited-edition releases: Keep an eye out for allocated bottles or small-batch picks from Kentucky distilleries. These kinds of finds make next-level bourbon gifts and show you’ve got great taste (literally). 

Also see: Perfect Gift Ideas for Gin Lovers 

Bourbon glassware & decanters

The pour matters. But the glass? That’s the secret sauce. Whether they’re sipping neat or dropping a cube in, top-shelf bourbon glassware levels up the entire experience. 

Glencairn glasses, with their tulip-shaped design, are built for nosing and sipping, pulling aromas right to the surface for a full sensory experience. Then there’s the classic crystal rocks glass: weighty, timeless, and effortlessly cool on any bar cart.  

For something that hits a little harder on the personal touch, an engraved decanter is both functional and a total flex.   

You’ll find custom glassware and decanters online via print-on-demand sites, boutique gifting platforms, or even through independent sellers who offer engraving and small-batch designs. Look for shops that let you add initials, dates, or short messages; something that makes it theirs and only theirs. 

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Tequila Lovers 

Bourbon cocktail kits

If your giftee likes to play mixologist at home, a bourbon cocktail kit or sleek set of bourbon accessories will totally upgrade their setup. 

Start with a DIY Wild Turkey Old Fashioned kit built. Pop in a few sugar cubes (brown or demerara hits just right), a bottle of small-batch bitters, and a classic bar spoon or muddler. You can add fun extras like dehydrated orange slices, a cheeky Old Fashioned recipe card, or even a couple of gorgeous rocks glasses if you’re feeling fancy. Throw in a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 and you’ve basically handed them the keys to cocktail paradise. 

Want to add some theatre? Go the bourbon-smoke infusion kit route. This is where you get to have some fun. Include a wooden smoker lid, a handful of wood chips (cherry and oak are solid picks), and a mini butane torch to bring the drama. It’s the kind of gift that turns a regular pour into a full-blown moment, especially for someone who loves their Smoked Old Fashioned with a bit of a show. 

Wrap these into a bourbon gift set to help them bring the cocktail bar home. Bonus points if you include recipe cards or links to The Mixer’s classics. 

More inspo: How to Make Your Own Cocktail Gift Sets (Easy Step-by-Step Guide) 

Bourbon-infused treats & snacks

Let’s be real: some gifts are meant to be devoured. If your bourbon fan has a foodie streak, these whiskey gift ideas are a delicious twist on the usual suspects. These make killer gift basket additions or work beautifully as standalone treats. 

A jar of bourbon bacon jam brings major flavour; spread it on burgers, add it to a charcuterie board, or just eat it straight from the jar (we won’t judge). You can usually find   at gourmet food shops and specialty delis. 

Same goes for bourbon sauces, rubs, coffee, and maple syrup; these live in that perfect space between pantry staples and party tricks. Look for artisan brands that focus on barrel-aged or bourbon-infused ingredients. Find them at foodie marketplaces or weekend markets. 

And then there’s the showstopper: a bourbon pecan pie kit. If you’re assembling it yourself (which is half the fun), pack it with chopped pecans, a small bottle of bourbon, pie crust mix, brown sugar, golden syrup, and a little spice mix with cinnamon and nutmeg. Pop it all into a box with baking instructions and boom! You’ve got Southern charm, boxed up and ready to bake. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and tastes like a warm hug with a drawling bourbon twist. 

Get cosy: 24 Easy Winter Cocktails to Enjoy in the Cold 

Tasting experiences & subscription boxes

Want to go beyond just a gift? Then we suggest you choose bourbon tasting set or experiences. 

Whiskey flight kits. These curated sets come with mini bottles designed for side-by-side tastings, which is great for those still figuring out what type of bourbon they like. You’ll find them on boutique spirit sites, specialty gift platforms, or even from distilleries offering tasting bundles. Look out for sets that focus on small-batch or single-barrel options—they’re gold for curious sippers. 

Monthly subscription boxes. A bottle (or more) delivered to their door each month? Only if you really love them.  Subscription boxes often include fun extras like themed snacks, bourbon trivia cards, glassware, or mini bar tools. You can find them through spirits subscription services, bourbon clubs, or curated gift box platforms, especially around the holiday season when limited edition themes are in demand. 

Distillery tours. If they’re near Kentucky (or planning a trip), a visit to the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg is a whole bourbon bucket list moment. 

Get toasty: Warming Espolòn Tequila Cocktails for Cooler Weather 

Bourbon books & education

For the bourbon nerd in your life (or the one who’s trying to get there), knowledge-based gifts are pure gold.  

Bourbon history books. Explore the origins, legends, and laws that make bourbon what it is today. This includes titles like Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey by Fred Minnick which comes to the party with deep storytelling on the origins, prohibition era, and modern revival of bourbon.  

Cocktail recipe books. Look for ones that spotlight Wild Turkey drinks or classic bourbon cocktails with clever riffs. We like The Bourbon Tasting Notebook (by Susan Reigler & Michael Veach); it’s a handheld tasting-guide-meets-cocktail-tome, ideal for bourbon nerds at any level.  

Tasting journals. A tasting journal will help them track what they’ve tasted, what they loved, and what they’re hunting for next. Look on Amazon, Etsy, and spirit‑related online stores to find these.  

Top tip: You can even pair a book with bourbon barrel gifts like coasters, pens, or wood-slab boards made from reclaimed staves.  

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Personalised & custom bourbon gifts

If you’re gifting a bourbon lover something more personal, this is where you get to shine. These are the kinds of gifts that go beyond the bar cart, straight to the heart. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.  

• Engraved flasks. Timeless and classy. Add initials or an inside joke, and you’ve got a forever keepsake. 

• Monogrammed glasses. Because everyone needs a classy signature sipping glass. 

• Custom barrel staves. Custom barrel staves make a thoughtful gift, with used bourbon barrels transformed into wall art, tasting trays, or candle holders. 

A Stay curious: 10 Must-Try Sotol Cocktail Recipes 

Budget-friendly ideas 

Great gifts for bourbon lovers don’t have to cost a fortune. These little legends are ideal if you’re on a tight budget. 

• Bourbon-themed socks: A nod to their favourite drink, right down to their toes.  

• Whiskey stones: For keeping drinks chilled without dilution. 

• Coasters with bourbon quotes: Equal parts handy and hilarious. 

• Mini sampler sets: A Wild Turkey 101 mini is always a win, especially for new fans. 

Dig deeper: Types of Tequila (A Complete Guide to Blanco, Reposado & Añejo) 

Whether you’re going large or keeping it chill, there are plenty of gifts for bourbon lovers that show you totally get their vibe. From top-shelf bottles like Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve to slick bar tools, custom glassware, and flavour-packed treats, there’s a perfect pick for every type of bourbon fan. Want more ideas, recipes, and insider tips? Head over to the Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve sites to explore the goods, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.