Master of Malt 2025 Advent Calendars: Every one listed – plus my top 3 picks

I heard someone say the other day that drinks-based advent calendars were old hat – and I almost spat out my dram at such heresy.

For me, they’re one of the best things about Christmas. Not least because you can start enjoying them on December 1st. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to sample a fair few from the Drinks by the Dram range, and I’ll admit I had started to think I’d seen it all. This year, I thought, maybe it’s time to move on.

Then I took a peek at the 2025 selection on the Master of Malt site… and I had to take a second look.

There are no fewer than 30 different spirit-based advent calendars on offer this year – way more than I remember seeing in the past. From peaty Islay to vanilla-heavy rums, this is a proper treasure trove. And the best thing? They’re still very carefully curated by the elves at Master of Malt – almost to the point of obsessiveness. Every calendar gives you 24 or 25 drams, each wax-sealed, each offering something a little bit special. Whether you’re a beginner or a whisky bore (guilty), you’ll find something to savour.

Here are the three calendars that have caught my eye this year – one I’ve already bought for myself, one I’m hoping someone gifts me, and one that’s pure fantasy.

The one I’ve already bought: GlenAllachie Whisky Advent Calendar (£134.95)

This one stopped me in my tracks. A full 25-dram journey into one of the most talked-about distilleries of the moment – GlenAllachie. I became a fan after tasting their 12-year-old (which, not coincidentally, won World’s Best Single Malt this year). This calendar is a deep dive into their output, including rare finishes, cask strength editions and even White Heather blends.

Four standout drams inside:

• GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2012 Sauternes Wine Cask Finish
• GlenAllachie 20 Year Old PX Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt exclusive)
• GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength – Batch 12
• White Heather 21 Year Old

Buy the GlenAllachie Advent Calendar here

The one I’m dropping family hints about: Rum Advent Calendar (£124.95)

I’ll happily drink whisky year-round – but come December, there’s something comforting about a proper aged rum. This calendar spans the globe with 25 very different drams, from the molasses-rich Caribbean to the cask-aged boutique distilleries of South America and beyond. And with brands like Doorly’s and El Dorado, you’re in safe hands.

Four standout drams inside:

• Dictador 20 Year Old
• Secret Distillery #7 22 Year Old (Boutique-y)
• Planteray XO Barbados 20th Anniversary
• Chairman’s Reserve Forgotten Casks

Buy the Rum Advent Calendar here

My fantasy box: Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar (£799.95)

I’ll be honest – this one’s wildly out of my budget. But if money were no object, this is what I’d want waiting for me on December 1st. Each drawer hides a wax-sealed 30ml dram of seriously well-aged whisky, with big names, closed distilleries and bottles I’ll likely never afford otherwise. You even get a Glencairn tasting glass in the box. It’s indulgent – but unforgettable.

Four standout drams inside:

• Glenfiddich 30 Year Old – Suspended Time
• Redbreast 27 Year Old
• WhistlePig Boss Hog VIII – Lapulapu’s Pacific
• Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 (52.6%)

Buy the Old & Rare Advent Calendar here

Full list: every Drinks by the Dram 2025 Advent Calendar

Click here to view the selection on the Master of Malt website

Whiskies and World Spirits

• The Whisky Advent Calendar – £99.95
• The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• The World Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• The Bourbon & American Whiskey Advent Calendar – £134.95
• The Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• The Sherry Cask Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• The Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar – £199.95
• The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar – £199.95
• The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar Deluxe – £319.95
• The Favourite Whiskies Advent Calendar – £249.95
• The Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar – £199.95
• The Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar – £799.95
• That Boutique-y Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• GlenAllachie Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95

Gins and Vodkas

• The Gin Advent Calendar – £74.95
• The Premium Gin Advent Calendar – £99.95
• That Boutique-y Gin Advent Calendar – £59.95
• The Vodka Advent Calendar – £79.95
• The Flavoured Vodka Advent Calendar – £69.95

Rum & Other Spirits

• The Rum Advent Calendar – £124.95
• The Spiced Rum Advent Calendar – £74.95

Mini Editions (12 drams)

• The Mini Whisky Advent Calendar – £74.95
• The Mini Gin Advent Calendar – £49.95
• The Mini Rum Advent Calendar – £69.95
• The Mini Bourbon & American Whiskey Advent Calendar – £79.95

Special & Boutique Editions

• That Boutique-y Whisky Advent Calendar – £134.95
• That Boutique-y Gin Advent Calendar – £59.95
• The GlenAllachie Speyside Advent Calendar – £134.95

If you love your spirits – or you’re buying for someone who does – there’s no better festive gift. There’s still time to get your hands on these while stocks last… just don’t leave it too late.