Well if so, you’re in luck. To save you some hassle this holiday season, we’ve taken a sneaky cheeky peek into our Flaviar members' virtual My Bars to see what some of the most popular spirits are. What follows is a certified can’t-go-wrong-at-all list of Uncle Flaviar approved selections in the 5 of most popular spirits categories.

It doesn't come as a surprise that this category is the winner in all aspects – hands down, the most popular among our members and for many, the number one drink of choice to take along with them to a deserted island.

Laphroaig - founded in 1815 and located in the Isle of Islay, the brand isn't allowed to put the prefix ‘Royal’ in its name just yet; though rumour has it his royal princeness Charles of Wales is a big fan. Flaviaristas' favourite bottlings are Laphroaig Quarter Cask and Laphroaig Triple Wood.

The Macallan – officially a Highland malt, in 2009 they claimed to have surpassed Glenfiddich to become the second largest producer of single malt Scotch in the world, behind only Glenlivet.

Lagavulin – established in 1816, this is one of the most robust, peaty Islay malts around. Lagavulin 16 is a classic and a No. 1 most popular bottle in our members' virtual bars.

Glenmorangie – founded in 1843, their stills are the tallest found in Scotland, which means that only the very lightest vapours make it to the top, resulting in a smooth and elegant Scotch. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is a popular choice with our members. 

Glenfiddich – the distillery was started by William Grant in 1887 and is still owned by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is the biggest selling malt worldwide and the pioneer of single malt. 


With roots in the late 1700s, when British, Irish and Scottish settlers started making Whiskey in Kentucky, all American Whiskeys are distilled from a fermented mash of cereal grain and water.

Unlike Scotch, by law American Whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels and can be no more than 160-proof (80% alcohol by volume). Bourbon meanwhile, must be made from a mash that is at least 51% corn.

Jack Daniel’s - based in Lynchburg, Tennessee, this is the largest producer of American Whiskey in the world bar none, producing over 11 million cases a year. Our choice from the range? Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select.

Maker’s Mark - this Bourbon Whiskey is one of America's most iconic brands of Whiskey, famous for its red wax-dipped bottles and sweet flavour profile.

Booker’s - one of the small batch bourbons produced by the Jim Beam distillery, with the highest alcohol content of the brands in the Jim Beam "Small Batch Bourbon Collection": Booker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Willett – located in Bardstown, Kentucky, this private family-owned company produces various brands of Bourbon and rye Whiskey, with most in the premium category. Flaviaristas' favourite is Willet Pot Still Reserve Bourbon.

Four Roses – established in 1888 and located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, they were named American Whisky Distiller of the Year in 2011, 2012 and 2013 by Whisky Magazine. Our members' favourite is Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.

Its incredible range of styles speaks to how it started in that country, which country has brought Rum there, how people locally have interpreted Rum… It’s the most elaborate spirit in the world and mind-bogglingly diverse. It’s made in over 100 countries - everywhere, except Antarctica!

Ron Zacapa – named after a town in eastern Guatemala, this cloud forest distillery uses only the first press of sugar cane, known as virgin sugar cane honey and a strain of yeast extracted from pineapples. Ron Zacapa Solera 23 is most often found on Home Bar shelves.

Kraken Rum – distilled in pot stills on the Virgin Islands and fermented from molasses, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is aged in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months before being blended with a range of spices.

Ron de Jeremy – this delicious Rum of porno fame is hand crafted in Panama. Currently available for grabs is the older brother Ron de Jeremy XO.

Dos Maderas PX 5YO + 5YO Rum – this triple aged Rum, originating from the aged stocks of Barbados and Guyana is actually produced in a wine growing region of Spain.

Pyrat XO Reserve Rum – a very unique Rum, this is a semi-complex blend of select Caribbean Rums, aged up to 15 years in French Limousine and American sweet oak barrels.

The popularity and consumption of Irish Whiskey has been on the rise for years. The style unique to Irish Whiskey is called single pot-still, which is triple distilled Whiskey, made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley. The flavour profile of Irish Whiskey is gentle, flowery and delicate, i.e. lighter and smoother, more approachable.

Jameson – founded in Dublin back in 1780, Jameson has since become the most recognizable and top selling Irish Whiskey in the world.

Bushmills 16 - unanimously considered the oldest licensed distillery in the world, having celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008, this dram is matured in three different types of casks.

Greenore 8 Year Old - located in Dundalk, unlike most other Irish Whiskeys, which are distilled three times, Cooley's products are generally distilled only twice, so as to preserve all of the flavour components.

Redbreast 15 - produced in The Midleton distilleries in Cork County, this is a ‘single pot still’ Whiskey, made in a different way than single malt, because the mash is made from both malted and un-malted ‘green’ barley.

Knappogue castle 1995 – produced in the cellars of a real castle built by the MacNamara Irish clan in the 15th century to stop the invading Normans, this brand, revived by an American of Irish heritage has serious global cred.

Enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as more people discover the wonders of Gin, there’s been a flood of high quality craft producers experimenting with herbs lately. Some people actively hate Gin, due to the flavour profile, which can be a bit overwhelming, with strong notes of juniper and other spices. While not a great choice for everyone, those open to new experiences will appreciate the complexity of the taste.

Monkey 47 Scharzwald Dry Gin - a novelty within the Gin Universe, this tipple is unique because of its low production volume and real difference in taste, obtained by a double distillation of grain and a third distillation with botanicals.

Reisetbauer Blue Gin – distilled in a family farmhouse in Axberg, Austria, this kaiser uses only the finest alpine water, unique botanicals, and sloe fruit to transform a cherished British classic.

Sipsmith London Dry Gin - this London-based distillery makes small batches of Gin, typically under 500 bottles, producing a truly stunning spirit that is smooth, full of character and intense flavour.

Hendrick's Gin - Distilled in Ayrshire, Scotland, where one would least expect to find a Gin, Hendrick’s is made in miniscule batches of 450 liters. Infused with the Bulgarian Rosa Damascena and specially selected cucumbers from Holland.  

Elephant Gin - custom made artisan Gin is inspired by Africa for Africa. Infused with 14 botanicals, including rare African ingredients, for a distinctive flavour profile.

Picking the perfect gift for the spirits lover in your life just became a lot easier, didn't it? It's time to congratulate yourself! Life is good.