Flaviar 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar: Our Testing and Reviews

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The concept of the Advent calendar has grown well beyond its traditional appeal to children, now captivating adults with a range of monthly treats. Today’s offerings encompass an impressive variety of items—from gourmet chocolates and artisan jams to unique selections like premium cheeses and even caviar.

Among the many options available, drink Advent calendars have become particularly popular, featuring an array of wines, beers, and spirits. A standout in this category is the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar, renowned for its curated selection of lesser-known spirits that often include intriguing, independent brands. The distinctive design of the calendar appeals to whiskey aficionados and makes it a desirable gift. Given its high demand, it’s no surprise that the Flaviar calendar tends to sell out annually.

Recently, I had the opportunity to preview the 2024 Hotel Flaviar edition, and I found it quite compelling.

What Sets the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar Apart

What truly distinguishes the Flaviar calendar from other whiskey Advent calendars is its dedication to featuring small, independent brands. You won’t see popular staples like Jack Daniel’s or Jim Beam; instead, the samples highlight unique offerings that even seasoned whiskey enthusiasts may not have encountered. While I won’t reveal all of the intriguing options, I must mention two personal favorites: Starward Nova, an Australian single malt known for its wine barrel aging that imparts delightful red-fruit notes, and Milam & Greene, a Texan bourbon blend that offers a lovely balance of spice and floral flavors.

The presentation adds a whimsical element to the experience. This year’s edition comes in a stylish steamer trunk–style box, and the accompanying tasting booklet resembles a “guest itinerary,” showcasing a fictional Hotel Flaviar. Each whiskey sample is linked to a different part of the hotel, from ski slopes to tennis courts. The booklet includes essential tasting notes about each sample and encourages users to jot down their impressions. Also included is a “hotel keycard,” which provides access to a free Flaviar Black membership, granting discounts on full bottle purchases. The experience is rounded off with a “do not disturb” hanger for your whiskey tasting sanctuary. While these extras may not be keepsakes post-holidays, they certainly enhance the overall enjoyment.

The sample sizes in this calendar are substantial, at 50 milliliters each, which provides a fitting serving for one person or a generous pour for two to enjoy a meaningful tasting experience. Additionally, it comes with two Glencairn glasses, perfect for savoring the whiskey neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. Each sample is of high quality, meant to be savored, though cocktail enthusiasts might also enjoy using these spirits in classic drinks like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

As a fan of Scotch, particularly the peated varieties from Islay, I found it somewhat disappointing that this year’s calendar does not feature any Scotch whiskies. It encompasses a global selection, including whiskies from Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Australia, yet leans heavily towards American whiskies, featuring 14 bourbons alongside a few American ryes and single malts.

This product is ideally suited for adventurous whiskey drinkers who appreciate exploration. Even whiskey connoisseurs will likely encounter selections they have yet to try.

Price-wise, the Flaviar calendar is on the higher end, retailing at $250 (plus shipping). However, for this price, customers receive a total of 1,200 milliliters, comparable to one and a half standard bottles of whiskey. Considering the rarity of many of the included spirits, this equates to around $12 per sample, a reasonable price compared to local whiskey bars, where these options might be unavailable.

Comparison to Other Offerings

The Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar stands out but is not the only adult-focused calendar available. There are numerous whiskey Advent calendars on the market, and this particular offering is notable for its blend of quality and affordability. Cheaper calendars often feature commonly available whiskies, while those containing rare, aged selections can be prohibitively expensive. Flaviar’s 50-milliliter samples are nearly double the size of many competitors’ offerings, which are typically just 30 milliliters.

Another advantage of the Flaviar calendar is its shipping policy. It can be shipped to all but nine U.S. states, with a flat shipping fee of $19.59. This is particularly valuable given the complexities and variability of liquor shipping regulations across states.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a thoughtful gift for a whiskey enthusiast—or simply looking to treat themselves—the Flaviar Whiskey Advent Calendar is an excellent choice. It provides a unique opportunity to sample hard-to-find and small-production whiskies, all packaged within an inviting theme designed for festive enjoyment.

Exploring More Drink Advent Calendars

Expert Insights

With a master’s degree in journalism and a culinary background, senior writer Jason Horn brings nearly 20 years of experience covering food and drink. His extensive portfolio includes roles as an editor at Liquor.com and a spirits columnist for Playboy. While his personal favorite whiskey, Caol Ila, is notably absent from the Flaviar selection, his expertise in the field remains noteworthy.

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www.foodandwine.com