When it comes to holiday gifting, few people are more qualified to weigh in than a master distiller. These are the folks who live and breathe flavor, balance, patience, and tradition. So when Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, shares what he reaches for during gift-giving season, it’s worth leaning in.
Below is O’Driscoll’s personal list of whiskeys … and a few spirits beyond whiskey … that he loves to gift. Think of this as a masterclass in thoughtful bottles, not flashy gimmicks.
Top Whiskeys to Gift
Curated by Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
SRP: $59.99
“Ah, Old Fitzgerald … now here’s a true beauty. That elegant bottle, a nod to the brand’s legendary 1950s diamond Decanter Series, glints like something your grandfather might’ve proudly displayed on his mid-century sideboard. But don’t be fooled by its looks alone. This Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old is no wallflower.
At 100 proof, it’s got a bit of backbone, yet it’s as smooth and welcoming as an old friend. Think of it as a masterclass in balance: rich, well-rounded, and just indulgent enough to sip neat, on ice, or in your favorite cocktail. A proper nod to America’s whiskey heritage, dressed up for the modern drinker.”
This is the bottle that checks every box … heritage, flavor, presentation … and still feels approachable enough to actually open and enjoy.
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old
SRP: $49.99
“Here’s one for the purists … the kind who respect whiskey’s roots and know that true craftsmanship never goes out of style. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old is proof that great whiskey doesn’t need to come with a fancy price tag.
It’s got all the hallmarks of heritage, with smooth honeyed notes and layers of caramel, oak, and spice … flavors that unfold like a good story told by the fire. Every pour feels like stepping back into whiskey history, only with a modern polish that keeps you coming back for another sip.”
A reminder that value and quality aren’t mutually exclusive, and that bottled-in-bond still matters.
Pikesville Rye
SRP: $54.99
“Now here’s a whiskey that isn’t afraid to turn heads and makes the perfect gift for those who enjoy exploring beyond traditional flavor profiles. It’s bold, brash, and utterly brilliant.
At 110 proof, this Maryland-style rye packs a punch and will warm you right up, with layers of bold honeyed spice, clove, and vanilla leading to a long, memorable finish. It’s the kind of pour that surprises you … complex, layered, and a touch unexpected, just like the best conversations. Sip it neat by the fire, or stir it into a cocktail when you’re feeling fancy. Either way, it’ll leave a lasting impression.”
For the rye lover, or the bourbon drinker ready to branch out, this one delivers personality in spades.
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
SRP: $99.99
“If you want to truly impress … say, the whiskey connoisseur who thinks they’ve tasted it all … this is the one to gift. Crafted entirely seed-to-sip in Kentucky, from the sourcing and growing of the grain to the distilling, aging, and bottling of the liquid, Grain to Glass is a testament to doing things the right way: patiently, proudly, and with full transparency.
It’s the kind of whiskey that doesn’t just sit on the shelf. It starts conversations … and maybe even inspires a bit of envy.”
This is a bottle with a story as compelling as what’s in the glass.
Spirits Beyond Whiskey (and Wine) Worth Gifting
Tequila Ocho
“I love gifting Tequila Ocho during the holidays. As the world’s first single-estate tequila … and one of the world’s most acclaimed for sipping … it’s a meaningful gift and a great conversation starter, especially for friends who enjoy spirits with real craftsmanship and character.”
A smart pick for whiskey drinkers who appreciate terroir and transparency.
Lambert Bridge Winery Reds
“I also often gift wines from Lambert Bridge Winery in Sonoma, particularly their reds. My wife and I met their winemaker a few years ago, and we’ve been big fans ever since. Beyond the personal connection, their wines feel celebratory yet approachable.”
Because sometimes the best bottles come with a story behind them.
Evan Williams Egg Nog
“For pure holiday cheer, I love giving Evan Williams Egg Nog. Crafted with Kentucky Bourbon and real dairy cream, it’s festive, indulgent, and instantly gets people in the spirit of the season.”
No notes. Just pour and enjoy.
What a Master Distiller Skips
O’Driscoll is just as clear about what not to gift.
“Whiskey stones may pop up every holiday season, but the truth is they don’t stay cold for long or deliver the sensory experience whiskey lovers crave.”
And gimmicks? Hard pass.
“I also always skip any gift that overcomplicates the simple pleasure of enjoying great whiskey … especially if it comes with a price tag over $100. Accessories that claim to ‘improve’ the flavor or overengineer the pour usually just turn the ritual into a science experiment, distracting from what makes it special in the first place.”
His practical alternative?
“A better, more practical gift is a crystal-clear ice cube maker. Large, clear cubes not only melt slower … so you get that perfect chill without quickly watering down a pour … but they also look striking in the glass.”
The Takeaway
Thoughtful bottles beat flashy accessories every time. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned whiskey lover or someone just beginning their journey, these picks, straight from a master distiller, are proof that good taste never goes out of style. Cheers to gifting with intention, and to bottles that actually get opened.
Sips & Sites & Bites 
Leave a comment