Curated by Quick picks
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Safest whisky gift (18+)18+Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
1. Whisky Calendar 2026
Best for: Whisky fans who haven't settled on a style
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Show all 8 picks
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Best for single-malt fans (18+)18+Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
4. GlenAllachie Calendar 2026
Best for: A one-distillery deep dive
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Best for gin enthusiasts (18+)18+Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
6. Premium Gin Calendar 2026
Best for: The gin fan who's tried the usual names
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Best rum calendar (18+)18+Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
8. Rum Calendar 2026
Best for: Rum drinkers, or a change from whisky and gin
These calendars are for adults aged 18 and over. They’re gifts for a partner, parent or friend who already enjoys whisky, gin or rum – 24 or 25 small drams to try over December instead of chocolate. (Here’s how we choose products.)
Every pick is a 2026 edition – the year is in each Amazon UK title. All eight come from Drinks by the Dram and are sold by the drinks retailer Master of Malt on Amazon. That isn’t a deliberate choice: the beer, wine and port calendars we looked at were either unavailable on Amazon UK or didn’t say which year’s box you’d get, so we left them out (details at the bottom).
How strong is a dram? Each door holds 30ml. One unit is 10ml of pure alcohol, so a 30ml dram of a 41–52% spirit is roughly 1.2–1.6 units (our calculation from each listing’s ABV – see the table below). One dram a day adds up to about 9–11 units a week. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ guideline is no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days. For more on units, see Drinkaware.
- Safest whisky gift: Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (#1)
- For smoky-whisky fans: Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (#2)
- For gin drinkers: Gin Advent Calendar 2026 (#5)
- Something different: Rum Advent Calendar 2026 (#8)
Compare all 8 picks
| # | Product | Best for | Key spec | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drinks by the Dram Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Safest whisky gift (18+) | Whisky fans who haven't settled on a style | 25 × 30ml · Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye · 46.5% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 2 | Drinks by the Dram Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Best for smoky whisky (18+) | Fans of peated Scotch | 25 × 30ml peated drams · 48.1% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 3 | Drinks by the Dram Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Best Japanese whisky (18+) | Fans of Japanese whisky | 25 × 30ml · Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Nikka · 45.9% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 4 | The GlenAllachie Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (Drinks by the Dram, 25 × 30ml)Best for single-malt fans (18+) | A one-distillery deep dive | 25 × 30ml · aged 4–21 years · sherry, port and wine casks · 52.4% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 5 | Drinks by the Dram Gin Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Best for gin drinkers (18+) | G&T drinkers who like familiar names | 25 × 30ml · Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's, Sipsmith, Tanqueray · 41.1% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 6 | Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Best for gin enthusiasts (18+) | The gin fan who's tried the usual names | 25 × 30ml · Monkey 47, Ki No Bi, Isle of Harris, Gin Mare · 44.5% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 7 | That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar 2026 (24 × 30ml)Best flavoured gins (18+) | Fans of fun, flavoured gins | 24 × 30ml · Sticky Mango, Chocolate Orange, Spit-Roasted Pineapple · 44.5% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| 8 | Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)Best rum calendar (18+) | Rum drinkers, or a change from whisky and gin | 25 × 30ml · Diplomático, Ron Zacapa, Havana Club, El Dorado · 44.4% ABV (listing) | Check price (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) |
1. Drinks by the Dram Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who like whisky but don’t have one favourite style – or anyone buying for a whisky fan without knowing what they drink.
Verdict: 18+ only. The broadest of the whisky calendars, so the safest gift. Behind the 25 doors are single malts, blends, Irish whiskey, bourbon and rye, with names on the listing including Bunnahabhain, Dalmore, Yamazaki and Maker’s Mark. Drinks by the Dram describes itself as the creator of the original alcohol advent calendar, and the box is recyclable. The full line-up is on the listing if you’d rather not keep it a surprise.
What we like
- The widest mix of whisky styles here
- 25 doors, so there’s one for Christmas Day
- Full line-up published on the listing (or keep it a surprise)
Worth knowing
- The 46.5% ABV is a single figure for the box – individual drams vary
- Sold by The Master of Malt (third party), not Amazon
- Adults only – buy it for someone 18 or over
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 46.5%
- Units per dram
- About 1.4 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
2. Drinks by the Dram Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who love a smoky, Islay-style whisky, or who want to work out which peaty distillery they actually like before buying a full bottle.
Verdict: 18+ only. This one’s all smoke: 25 different peated drams, with producers on the listing including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Port Charlotte and Ledaig, from Scotland and beyond. It’s a way to try 25 peated whiskies over December before committing to a full bottle.
What we like
- The clearest pick for anyone who already loves peat
- 25 doors, so one for Christmas Day too
- Recyclable calendar (per the listing)
Worth knowing
- Peat lovers only – for smooth or sweet whisky fans, pick #1 or #3
- Sold by The Master of Malt (third party), not Amazon
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 48.1%
- Units per dram
- About 1.4 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
3. Drinks by the Dram Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who love Japanese whisky, or a Scotch drinker who’s already worked through the usual calendars.
Verdict: 18+ only. A tour of Japanese whisky: single malts, grain whiskies, blends and cask finishes, with names on the listing including Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Nikka, and whiskies aged up to 21 years. Some of these are hard to find as full bottles, which is a big part of the appeal.
What we like
- Well-known Japanese names alongside smaller producers
- Includes whiskies aged up to 21 years (listing)
- Single malt, grain and blends in one box
Worth knowing
- The priciest calendar here – check the current price
- Sold by The Master of Malt (third party), not Amazon
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 45.9%
- Units per dram
- About 1.4 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
4. The GlenAllachie Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (Drinks by the Dram, 25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who already know their single malts and want to compare one distillery’s casks side by side.
Verdict: 18+ only. An unusual format: 25 drams from one distillery and its sister brands. The listing promises GlenAllachie whiskies aged from 4 to 21 years, from Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry casks, Ruby Port and wine casks, plus peated Meikle Tòir, MacNair’s Lum Reek and White Heather blends. It’s the strongest calendar here, so it’s one for the enthusiast.
What we like
- Compare how different casks and ages change one distillery’s whisky
- Ages up to 21 years (listing)
- Listed as a Master of Malt exclusive
Worth knowing
- Highest ABV here (52.4%), about 1.6 units a dram
- Niche – not one for a casual whisky drinker
- No stock line on the listing, and delivery was about two weeks away when we checked – order early
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 52.4%
- Units per dram
- About 1.6 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
5. Drinks by the Dram Gin Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who enjoy a G&T and would like to try 25 different gins, from names they know to small craft distillers.
Verdict: 18+ only. The easy gin gift. The listing names Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, Sipsmith and Tanqueray alongside craft gins, covering London Dry, citrus, floral, fruity and spiced styles. At 41.1% it’s the lowest-ABV calendar here.
What we like
- Lowest ABV here – about 1.2 units a dram
- Well-known brands plus craft gins
- 25 doors, so one for Christmas Day
Worth knowing
- Keen gin fans may already know some of the big names
- No availability text on the listing when we checked – confirm stock
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 41.1%
- Units per dram
- About 1.2 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
6. Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who already have a shelf of gin and want something they haven’t tried.
Verdict: 18+ only. The step up from #5. The listing names Monkey 47, Ki No Bi, Isle of Harris and Gin Mare, with gins from Japan, Germany, Spain, India, Africa and the USA as well as the UK.
What we like
- Premium and craft gins from around the world
- Less overlap with what a gin fan already owns
Worth knowing
- Costs more than #5 for the same 25 × 30ml format
- Sold by The Master of Malt (third party), not Amazon
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 44.5%
- Units per dram
- About 1.3 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
7. That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar 2026 (24 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who like flavoured gins and want something more playful than a classic gin calendar.
Verdict: 18+ only. The most playful gin calendar: 24 gins from That Boutique-y Gin Company, with flavours on the listing including Sticky Mango, Chocolate Orange, Spit-Roasted Pineapple and Yuzu and Lime. The listing says it’s a brand-new 2026 design.
What we like
- Unusual flavours you won’t find in a classic gin calendar
- New 2026 design (listing)
Worth knowing
- 24 doors, not 25
- Flavoured gins won’t suit purists
- Only 13 left when we checked
Key specs
- Contents
- 24 × 30ml (720ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 44.5%
- Units per dram
- About 1.3 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
8. Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar 2026 (25 × 30ml)
by Drinks by the Dram
Price & availability on Amazon.co.uk
Who it’s for: Adults who prefer rum, or who’ve had the whisky and gin calendars before.
Verdict: 18+ only. The rum version: 25 rums from the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia and beyond. Names on the listing include Diplomático, Ron Zacapa, Havana Club and El Dorado, and the line-up includes aged rums.
What we like
- Fills a gap – most roundups skip rum
- Big names plus aged rums (listing)
- 25 doors, so one for Christmas Day
Worth knowing
- The only rum calendar we could verify for 2026 on Amazon UK
- Sold by The Master of Malt (third party), not Amazon
Key specs
- Contents
- 25 × 30ml (750ml total)
- ABV (listing)
- 44.4%
- Units per dram
- About 1.3 (our calculation)
- Year
- 2026 (listing title)
- Seller
- The Master of Malt (third party)
Source: Amazon UK product listing (seller-provided details), checked 8 October 2026.
FAQ
What's the best whisky advent calendar for 2026?
For most whisky fans, the Whisky Advent Calendar 2026 (#1), because it covers the most styles. Pick the Peaty one (#2) for smoky-whisky fans, the Japanese one (#3) for fans of Japanese whisky, and GlenAllachie (#4) for single-malt enthusiasts.
How much alcohol is in a whisky or gin advent calendar?
Each door holds a 30ml dram. At the ABVs on these listings (41.1–52.4%), that’s about 1.2–1.6 units a dram, or roughly 31–39 units across the whole calendar. See the table below – the figures are our calculation, not the brand’s. Drinkaware explains units and the UK guidelines.
Are these 2026 editions?
Yes. Every pick has ‘2026’ in its Amazon UK title. We left out calendars whose listings didn’t state the year.
Are there beer, wine or alcohol-free advent calendars?
There are, but none passed our checks on Amazon UK this time. The beer and wine calendars we found were unavailable or didn’t state the year, and the low-alcohol one we found was a 2024 edition. We’ll add one if a 2026 listing appears.
Can I send one as a gift?
Yes, but only to an adult (18+). Check the delivery details on the listing before you order.