Why A Bottle Of Whiskey Is A Good Corporate Gift
There are few drinks classier than a bottle of whiskey. As such, it’s no surprise that a bottle of whiskey makes for one of the best corporate gifts you’ll find. Smooth, presentable and dignified, some say that the whiskey bottle represents all the best features of corporate life. In this guide, we’ll show you how. Firstly, we’ll introduce you to the world of corporate gifting. Next, we’ll explore what makes whiskey a good gift, providing some detail about the different types of whiskey out there. Finally, we’ll explore the vast variety of whiskey brands, from Japan to Ireland, and where to buy them at duty-free prices (well, we’ll let it out – here on iShopChangi of course!). With all that, you’ll be set to venture into the world of corporate gifts with confidence and styles since you’ll be equipped with a uniquely expert connoisseur knowledge of this unbeatable beverage.
What makes a good corporate gift?
There are a lot of other things to consider when giving a corporate gift.
Firstly, it’s important to follow the corporate guidelines of gift-giving and receiving. Your company may have policies around which gifts are appropriate to give, and which are not. Similarly, the recipient organisation may have distinct protocols with which it needs to comply with as well. Always make sure to check these before sending your gift.
Next, make sure you consider the interests and tastes of your client. If you know that they have an appreciation for something specific, like watches, you might want to consider buying them one. However, these types of gifts are risky, as it is difficult to guess exactly what your client’s personal tastes and preferences are. Otherwise, it is best practice to buy something more generic and less personal, as these have the greatest chance of being well-received without the risk of violating any corporate policies.
Finally, consider the cost of your gift. Pricing will often demonstrate how valued your client is to you. If you buy something which is relatively common or low in quality, particularly if your organisation has a substantial budget, it may come across as disrespectful. Always try to buy something which shows your gratitude for the business partnership which has been established between both parties. Generally, corporate gifts are intended to be classy and sophisticated. Fortunately, alcohol ticks all of these boxes, with the added benefit of being something that the recipient organisation can share amongst staff.
Is whiskey a good gift?
When it comes to corporate gifts, whiskey ranks among the best you’ll find. Each whiskey has a unique backstory, with deliberate care, consideration and expertise being poured into the creation of each bottle. Whether it’s the Yamazaki 12 Single Malt, originating in the birthplace of Japanese whiskey in Osaka, or the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, which finds its roots in the American state of Tennessee, there’s a history and distinction to each whiskey brand on the iShopChangi shelves. This makes them excellent gifts, which can be tailored based on the personalities or characters of your recipients.
Moreover, whiskey appeals to a wide range of taste palates. While whiskey fanatics can enjoy the most sophisticated, high-quality bottles on the market, the drink remains accessible enough for beginners to enjoy and appreciate and an entry-level. By gauging your clients’ prior exposure to whiskey, you’ll be able to determine which bottle is right for them. In any case, however, the right brand is sure to be enjoyed by whoever tastes it upon their lips.
What kinds of whiskey are there?
The two main categories of whiskey are single malt whiskey and blended whiskey. The distinction is made between the different types of grain used in the whiskey’s production. While single malt whiskey uses exclusively malted barley, blended whiskey can include other grains, such as corn, rye or wheat. What’s more, blended whiskeys can contain several different types of grain in one bottle, or several distinct types of barley mixed together. This gives single malt a purer, more iconic whiskey taste, while blended whiskey offers a greater complexity of flavour simply by virtue of the number of ingredients with which it is able to be composed.
Despite being made from different key ingredients, single malt whiskey and blended whiskey both go through a similar process in their production. They are both distilled from fermented grain mash, which may or may not be malted, before being aged in wooden casks for a specific number of years. The flavour of the final whiskey product will be a composite of many factors, including the grains used, their quality, the year that they were grown, the fermentation and distillation techniques applied, and the current age of the bottle.
You can explore more about whiskey in our guide to single malt whiskey and blended whiskey guide, or, alternatively, check out our complete whiskey buying guide for a full run-down of the ins and outs of this revered spirit.
Which whiskey is the best to give as a gift?
Whiskey is, without a doubt, a good corporate gift to give. However, nuance should be applied when deciding which bottle is right for your client. Some whiskey bottles are more expensive than others; some are intended for those with a fine appreciation of whiskey, while others are more targeted to newcomers to the drink; some brands are more associated with businesspeople, while others are more associated with party-goers. All of these considerations are necessary to take into account before you pick the perfect bottle.
Whiskey as a corporate gift
Many of the most popular types of whiskey used in corporate gifting come from Japan. Japanese whiskey brands like Kamiki, Yamazaki, Hibiki and Nikka all produce incredibly rich, refined, delicious whiskies, which are broadly appreciated in the corporate world.
Take a look at the Hibiki Harmony, for instance. With notes of rose, lychee, rosemary and sandalwood on the nose, candied orange peel, white chocolate and honey on the palate, and Mizunara (Japanese Oak) to finish, the Harmony comes to resemble something of a pleasant afternoon stroll in spring. Floral, sweet, and woody, Hibiki has produced a whiskey that is both delicate and complex. As one of the most well-respected brands in the world, Hibiki is a fine choice when it comes to purchasing whiskey.
The Kamiki Sakura Malt Whiskey has been blessed by the priests of Omiwa for good reason. Yoshino Sugi, Sakura wood and sandalwood are three of this bottle’s primary flavours, and each contributes an intricate, woody aroma to the top notes of ripe banana, chestnut and cinnamon, as well as finishing notes of spicy cherry and cedar cask. Making the most of warm, fruity and woody notes, this whiskey is the ideal companion to cold chilly nights.
Feast your eyes and palate on the Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt. Made in the northern region of the Honshu island that is known for its pure air and aged in ex-sherry casks, this whiskey contains a depth and sweetness which is uncharacteristic of many bottles, but not at all to its detriment. Notes of malted barley, soft spices, chocolate, wax and coconut interplay to produce a luscious, decadent, and tropical flavour profile that intrigues and surprises the drinker with every sip.
Alternatively, explore iShopChangi’s collection of American whiskies. With a rich tradition of distillation, American whiskies often feature blended varieties, many of which have been incorporated into a culture of bourbon production.
Take a bottle of Old Forester Signature 100 Proof to the checkout, and give your recipients the gift of coffee, chocolate, butterscotch, liquorice, apple, clove, nutmeg and oak notes. At once rich, abundant, fruity, spicy and woody, this bottle goes to the heart of American whiskey-making. Otherwise, take home a bottle of the Master Collection Very Fine Rare Bourbon from Woodford Reserve, an ideal choice for those who enjoy dabbling in a bourbon mix from time to time. Sweet and delicious, this bourbon contains very old oak notes, in addition to sweet aromatic notes like caramel, brown sugar, chocolate, and vanilla. All of these notes are blended with a cured tobacco character, before presenting a cacophony of clove spice, apple peel and citrus on the palate and finish.
Corporate Gift Bundles
If the occasion permits it, you might want to consider purchasing a corporate gift which includes more than a single bottle of whiskey. Not only does this give a greater sense of gravitas to the gift, it also caters well to different taste preferences, and allows for the staff at the recipient company to compare which whiskey they like best.
Check out the Yamazaki 12 Year + Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve bundle. In the Yamazaki 12 Year, you’ll find the classic flavours of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla and Mizunara on the nose; coconut, cranberry and butter on the palate; ginger and cinnamon to finish. Aged for twelve years to bring out the true maturity present within the flavour, this bottle has been recognised internationally for its extraordinary qualities, making it an excellent choice for gifting. The Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, meanwhile, constitutes the finest selection of ingredients from the brand. You’ll find cool, fruity notes of peppermint, melon and cucumber on the nose, zesty fruits like yuzu, grapefruit and lemon thyme on the palate, and the warm, enveloping aroma of smoke to finish.
Alternatively, buy a bundle of Shin Whiskey Premium. Your gift recipients will be able to make the most of the Shin Pure Malt Whiskey 10-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old, each of which possesses uniquely indulgent flavours. The 10-Year-Old Japanese whiskey contains notes of dark dried fruits like raisins and dates with a hint of vanilla, sandalwood and spice, making it a rich, sweet, warm drink ideal for pairing with fruit platters. By contrast, the 15-Year-Old Japanese whiskey holds lighter, woodier scents, like blueberry, cinnamon, Mizunara Oak and sandalwood. Both are true gems in their own right, making the combination purchase a wonderful buy for any appreciator of whiskey.
What should I buy for people who like whiskey?
There’s no two ways about it: your whiskey-loving clients will simply adore a bottle of the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. The iconic selection of the iconic single malt of Japan’s most iconic whiskey producer – Suntory – this bottle is, safe to say, iconic. Fruity notes of strawberry, cherry and Mizunara meet your nose, before even more fruits greet you on the palate, like raspberry, white peach and coconut. To finish, sweet vanilla and cinnamon round off the occasion, providing a dessert-like quality your clients will be sure to love.
Which whiskies do millionaires drink?
It’s no secret that millionaires have a reputation for drinking whiskey. As one of the best-quality spirits out there, this comes as no surprise. After all, having the means to invest in rare and prestigious brands of whiskey can tell a lot about one’s status. Bottles like the Hibiki 17 Years Old are a prime example of this. At a ripe $1,600, this is one of the most pricey bottles of whiskey you can buy. This blended whiskey has been described as refined and supple. With a careful selection and processing of each of this whiskey’s ingredients, it’s hard to match the 17 Year Old’s elegance. Nose notes of peach, apricot, melon, rose, lily and lemon leaf are met with palate notes of toffee, black cherry, vanilla and Mizunara, before being rounded off with a sweet lychee finish.
If you’d like to explore more about the best kinds of whiskey, you can check out the range of even more whiskey on iShopChangi, or explore our guide to alcohol shopping for beginners.
Find the best bottles of whiskey on iShopChangi
Shop for all of your favourite corporate gifts, including whiskey, online on iShopChangi! Explore the range of duty-free alcohol online, and have your products delivered for free in Singapore when you spend $59 or more at the checkout. Alternatively, have your products available for pick-up from your terminal by ordering at least one hour before your flight. While you’re at it, why not sign up for Changi Rewards? Membership is free and you’ll receive 10% off your first order after joining! You’ll also receive other perks, like exclusive member discounts, which you can put towards your next corporate gift. Check it out online today and enjoy your newfound savings tomorrow!
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