Costco has officially unveiled its 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar, and it’s already generating buzz among whiskey enthusiasts. As part of its annual holiday lineup, Costco's Whiskey Advent Calendar has become a fan favorite, offering a “whisky tour of the world” to anyone looking for a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than before, featuring 24 bottles of whiskey from 20 different countries, offering a truly global experience for whiskey lovers.
A Global Whiskey Experience
The 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar is more than just a collection of whiskey; it’s an invitation to explore diverse whiskey cultures from all over the world. Each day of December leading up to Christmas offers a 50-milliliter dram from a different region, allowing people to savor whiskey styles they might not otherwise have access to. The calendar features a wide range of whiskey types, including bourbons, single malts, rye whiskeys, and whiskey blends. This ensures that no matter what your preference is, there will be something to suit your palate.
What’s Inside the 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar?
The advent calendar is packed with some well-known whiskey brands alongside lesser-known gems, providing a balanced mix for both seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and those new to the spirit. Some of the standout bottles include:
- Green River Bourbon from Kentucky, USA
- Mackmyra Svensk Ek Whisky from Sweden
- Nc'Nean Whisky from Scotland
- Kavalan Whisky from Taiwan
- Lark Whisky from Australia
- Hatozaki Whisky from Japan
These are just a few of the well-known names, but the calendar also includes whiskies from countries that are less commonly associated with whiskey production. For instance, the Indri Trini from India, Pokeno from New Zealand, and Abasolo from Mexico add an exotic twist to the collection. This unique blend of countries makes the calendar not just a whiskey sampler, but also an educational experience that highlights how different regions of the world approach whiskey making.
The Packaging
The 2024 edition of Costco’s Whiskey Advent Calendar has received a bit of an upgrade in its presentation. Designed to resemble an elegant collection of books, the packaging has been divided into five “volumes,” each representing a different theme: Anticipation, Exploration, Adventure, Triumph, and Reflection. Inside each “book,” you’ll find six mini bottles of whiskey, with the final book also including two low-ball whiskey glasses, perfect for enjoying your new finds in style.
This thoughtful design makes the calendar not only a great gift but also a conversation starter for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a whiskey tasting party or simply enjoying a quiet drink at home, the calendar’s presentation makes it a standout piece.
Price and Availability
Costco’s 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar is priced around $240, though this may vary slightly depending on your location. This works out to approximately $10 per 50-milliliter bottle, which is a fair deal considering the high-quality and international variety of whiskies included. Each bottle offers enough whiskey for a proper tasting, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors without feeling like you’ve overindulged.
However, the calendar is only available in Costco stores that are permitted to sell alcohol. Unfortunately, this means that residents of certain states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, won’t be able to purchase it due to local liquor laws. For those lucky enough to live in states where Costco can sell alcohol, it might be worth waiting until early December when the advent calendars traditionally go on sale. This way, you might be able to grab one at a discounted price.
A Look at Past Whiskey Advent Calendars
This year’s global theme is a significant departure from the 2023 edition, which focused primarily on whiskies from Scotland. That calendar featured single malts and blended malts from Scotland’s five major whiskey regions: Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay. While last year’s advent calendar was geographically narrower, this year’s box offers a more expansive exploration of international whiskey, making it an exciting upgrade for 2024.
Despite the differences between the two editions, customer feedback has been consistently positive. Many buyers have enjoyed the chance to try different whiskies without committing to full-sized bottles, making the advent calendar a fun way to discover new favorites. Some reviews have pointed out that while the whiskey brands featured in the calendar may not all be premium, the experience of trying a wide variety of styles and regions is well worth the price.
Perfect for Gifting or Self-Indulgence
Costco’s Whiskey Advent Calendar has become a go-to gift for whiskey fans, and it’s easy to see why. The variety of whiskies included, combined with the sleek packaging, makes it a fantastic present for both casual drinkers and whiskey aficionados. It’s also a great treat for yourself, offering a fun and interactive way to count down the days until Christmas.
While some whiskey purists might prefer to invest in a single bottle of premium whiskey, most agree that the advent calendar offers a delightful way to sample a wide range of whiskies. For $240, you get the opportunity to explore 24 different flavors, and many people have reported discovering new brands they never would have tried otherwise.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Costco Whiskey Advent Calendar is shaping up to be one of the retailer’s most exciting holiday offerings yet. With its global selection of whiskies, beautiful packaging, and accessible price point, it’s sure to be a hit with whiskey lovers this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or simply want to treat yourself to a fun whiskey-tasting experience, this advent calendar has something for everyone.
Just be sure to act quickly — Costco’s advent calendars tend to sell out fast, and with the holidays approaching, whiskey fans will be scouring their local stores to find one. If you live in a state that allows Costco to sell alcohol, make sure to keep an eye out in early December when the advent calendars may go on sale.
