Eight of the best alcohol advent calendars to keep you merry this Christmas
From beer to wine, there’s a treat behind each door
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Christmas spirit is almost upon us.
As children start to open their chocolate calendars on December 1, adults will be set to miss out on the treat.
Until now.
When it comes to spreading some Christmas cheer, mini bottles of beer, wine and spirits are the brightest way to count down to the big day.
With just the right boozy measure, these festive displays will not only top your table décor, but are a tasting adventure with a myriad of little treasures to gift a loved one, or yourself…
1. BrewDog Craft Beer Advent Calendar, £55, BrewDog
A beer odyssey for hop heads, 24 colourful craft brews range from fruity, hoppy and citrus, such as the grapefruit-infused IPA Elvis Juice; to Black Heart draft stout, to the sharp and zesty Speed Bird OG IPA. With the added bonus of a BrewDog glass to enhance the flavours.
2. Black Sheep Brewery Christmas Beer Advent Calendar, £65, Black Sheep Brewery
Yorkshire brewery Black Sheep picked up 12 medals at the World Beer Awards 2024, including four golds for its best selling Milk Stout – so you can’t go wrong with their advent calendar. Featuring 24 award-winning beers, alongside a few limited edition surprises to drink in the Yorkshire Dales.
3. Fever-Tree The Ultimate Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar, £70, Waitrose
If Fever-Tree are your favourite mixers, look forward to discovering a range of flavours expertly paired with premium gins such as award-winning Masons of Yorkshire Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber Gin. Think gin-gle all the way.
4. Craft Gin Club Craft Gin Advent Calendar 2024, £89.99, Craft Gin Club
A well-stocked stable of craft gins, 25 double measures are waiting to be pulled and savoured. From classic dry gins with a bounty of botanicals, to citrus gins infused with tangy flavours; a Christmas Cake gin from Tarquin’s makes its festive debut to crown the day.
5. Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar 2024, £89.99, Virgin Wines
All the more reason to love Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer with an impressive line-up of 24 mini bottles of white, rose, red and fizz; plus a full-sized bottle of shiraz to share with Santa. A wonderful wine tour through some of our best-loved regions, it’s sure to be a big hit.
6. Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar Mixed 2024, £99.99, Laithwaites
A snapshot of Laithwaites’ bestsellers and new discoveries, this vineyard tour offers plenty of variety with gems such as fruity Italian rosso, white Rioja, smooth, southern French grenache – and full-sized bottle of prosecco to pop the cork and celebrate in style.
7. Drinks By The Dram Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar 2024, £129.95, Drinks By The Dram
A golden ticket to the world of richly flavoured peated whisky, behind each door of deliciousness sits a wax-sealed sample from Scottish producers…with a few drams from producers around the world. Expect some big hitters with a full-bodied character and peaty smoke galore.
8. Irish Whiskey Advent Calendar, by the Spirit Co, £149.99, Not On The High Street
One for Irish whiskey lovers, 24 malts from the Emerald Isle feature in this countdown with aged expressions such as Bushmills 10 Year Old; Clonakilty Single Batch Double Oak, flagship of their cask finish series; and Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Irish Single Malt. Sláinte!