Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve 2011, 40%

Master blender Sandy Hyslop has deliberately attempted to capture Christmas in the glass, and so it should come as no surprise to find a rich, full, and flavorsome whisky with sherry trifle, red berries, orange fruit, and mince pie filling in the mix. It’s put together with grace and style, mixes well, and is that rare beast — a blend that can be enjoyed on its own.