Costco is already gearing up for the holidays with one of its most popular seasonal items—the 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar. Priced at around $240 (depending on your location), this festive offering promises a “whisky tour of the world” featuring 24 distinct whiskeys from different countries.
With this advent calendar, whiskey lovers can enjoy a new spirit each day in December. So, what’s inside, and is it worth the splurge? Let’s take a closer look.
A Global Journey Of Whiskey Tasting
The 2024 edition of Costco’s Whiskey Advent Calendar is designed to take your taste buds on a trip worldwide. Six of the featured brands include:
- Green River Bourbon Whiskey 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
But that’s just the beginning. The calendar offers a broad selection of whiskeys from a total of 20 different countries, with highlights like:
- Indri Trini from India
- Pokeno from New Zealand
- M&H from Israel
- Breckinridge from Colorado, USA
- Helsinki from Finland
- Abasolo from Mexico
- Puni from Italy
Each day, you’ll open a small 50 mL bottle from a new country, paying around $10 per whiskey. This makes the calendar both a fun and educational experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
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How It Compares To Past Years?
Costco has been selling whiskey advent calendars for several years, and the 2024 version expands on the global theme introduced in previous editions. Last year’s calendar, for example, was more focused geographically, offering a tour of Scotland’s famous whiskey regions.
It featured single and blended malts from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay. While some distillers were undisclosed, the 2023 calendar provided an in-depth look into Scottish whiskey.
This year, Costco has widened its scope, bringing spirits from diverse parts of the globe. The 2024 calendar offers a broader international selection than 2023’s concentrated focus on Scotland. This could be considered an upgrade, depending on your preference for variety versus regional depth.
The Customer Experience
While the Whiskey Advent Calendar is certainly fun, reviews over the years have been mixed. Whiskey fans, in particular, tend to be critical of the selection, noting that many of the whiskeys have shorter barrel times, affecting the flavor depth.
Some reviewers argue that for $240, investing in a single bottle of premium whiskey that has been aged longer might be better.
However, not everyone shares that sentiment. Many customers appreciate the opportunity to try a wide range of whiskeys, particularly from countries they might not otherwise explore. The experience of discovering new spirits draws people to the calendar year after year.
For casual whiskey drinkers or those just getting into the world of whiskey, Costco’s advent calendar offers an enjoyable, interactive tasting experience that introduces them to different styles, blends, and distillers.
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Is It Worth It?
At $240, this whiskey advent calendar is not cheap. Whether it’s worth the money depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a serious whiskey collector, you may find that the selections lack the aged complexity you’re used to. However, if you enjoy sampling different whiskeys and discovering new brands, the calendar offers a fun and diverse experience.
Plus, since the holidays are still a few months away, there’s a good chance that Costco will discount the calendar closer to December, making it an even better deal. It might be worth waiting to snag it at a lower price for those on the fence.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s 2024 Whiskey Advent Calendar brings together a diverse selection of whiskeys worldwide, offering a unique tasting journey in the days leading up to Christmas.
While it may not appeal to die-hard whiskey enthusiasts who prefer long-aged spirits, it’s an entertaining way to explore a variety of whiskeys and perhaps find a new favorite.
With 24 mini bottles from 20 different countries, it’s an ideal gift or personal indulgence for the holiday season. Keep an eye out for potential price drops in December if you’re considering giving it a try!