2025 Holiday Spirit Gift Guide - Cask Strength Whiskeys

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10-year-old Bourbon, Batch A125, 118.2 proof

Regular price: $85 per bottle

Sale price: $75 per bottle

Another exceptional batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is here. This one bottled in the first quarter of 2025, it clocks in at a relatively low 118.2 proof. The lower proof doesn't mean this one is any less bold and rich than previous batches and at 10 years and 7 months, this batch of ECBP is a wonderful drinker. It offers dense vanilla, savory oak and rich caramel. It punches above its weight class offering a dense leathery mid palate and bold spicy finish. ECPB is always a great bottle to reach for.

Larceny Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon, Batch A924, 125.1 proof

Regular price: $70 per bottle

Sale price: $60 per bottle

Larceny Batch C924 impresses with its uniformly sweet character and rich, thick palate that delivers layers of flavor from start to finish. The vibrant notes of bubble gum, pumpkin pie, and chocolate on the nose transition beautifully into a palate bursting with peaches and coffee, complemented by the warmth of baking spices. Its finish, reminiscent of pancake syrup and campfire, lingers enticingly, showcasing a well-integrated alcohol presence that enhances rather than overwhelms. This whiskey strikes a remarkable balance, making it a perfect daily sipper for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike, while its unique sugar smacks cereal flavor adds a delightful twist. Larceny Batch C924 is truly a standout expression worth savoring.

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye, 132.9 proof

Regular price: $85 per bottle

Sale price: $75 per bottle

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye is a bold, uncut expression of rye whiskey, bottled directly from the barrel at cask strength. The rye opens with a big burst of spearmint that is quickly followed by red pepper, hearty cedar, and peanut shell. Though not overly complex, it's a big aroma that hits hard. That also can be said of the palate and finish. Spearmint is again present, with layers of rye spice, baking spices, cinnamon, and black pepper which lose no time making themselves known. On the finish, cinnamon and cedar hit first before rye spice and robust cigar box notes take hold. Finally, the whiskey ends on a powerful anise note that sends this rye’s sip sky high. This high-proof rye whiskey delivers an intense yet smooth experience that is perfect for rye enthusiasts and collectors.

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength, 117.2 proof

Regular price: $70 per bottle

Sale price: $60 per bottle

This unique dram is crafted from a 55% rye/45% bourbon mash bill, namely; rye - 94% rye, 5% malted barley, 1% wheat/ bourbon - 74% corn, 20% raw rye, 4.5% malted barley, and 1.5% wheat. Matured for a minimum of 3 years with some distillates aged for up to 12 years, each component of this sublime "ryebon" is aged individually in 53-gallon American oak barrels with #3 char. Bottled at 117.2-proof, expect aromatic notes of dark earth, mint, chocolate, cream, and fruits. The palate introduces flavors of spice, white pepper, vanilla, and dried apricots.

Highland Park Cask Strength #5 Single Malt Scotch, 129.4 proof

Regular price: $115 per bottle

Sale price: $95 per bottle

This Orcadian powerhouse, introduced as an ongoing series in 2020, has quickly established itself as one of the most compelling values in cask strength whisky. Bottled at a formidable ~63% ABV, it delivers Highland Park’s signature balance of gentle smoke and honey sweetness with an intensity that transforms the experience entirely. There’s something magical about how peat smoke unfolds at cask strength – what presents as a gentle wisp in standard bottlings becomes a complex, layered element that reveals new dimensions. Highland Park‘s heather-honey peat is particularly well-suited to this amplification, retaining its elegant character while gaining remarkable depth.