Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
The Flaviar Advent Calendar promises a spirited journey through 24 days of expertly curated whiskeys. I put it to the test—it's the ultimate gift for whiskey lovers.
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While Christmas may seem far off, now is the perfect time to grab one of the best Advent calendars. These fun countdowns come packed with treats, from cheeses and coffees to Bonne Maman jams and boozy spirits. And if you’re looking for the ideal gift for the whiskey connoisseur in your life, look no further than the Flaviar Advent calendar.
As a whiskey lover with years of experience exploring fine spirits, I couldn’t resist trying the 2024 Flaviar Advent calendar—aptly named Hotel Flaviar. Known for its curated, hand-picked selection of whiskeys from around the globe, the calendar promises a unique experience each day leading up to Christmas. Having toured distilleries and interviewed top bartenders as a food and travel writer, I approached this tasting journey with high expectations and curiosity to see how it stacks up against the countless bottles I’ve sampled. I also tested the 2023 Flaviar Advent calendar and Flaviar’s whiskey subscription, giving me a comprehensive view of the brand’s offerings.
A word of warning? It’s best to pre-order trending Advent calendars, as they have a limited supply and sell out fast! Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar is no exception. We highly suggest ordering ASAP.
Flaviar, an online spirits club for whiskey connoisseurs, releases a new Advent calendar each year featuring rare whiskeys from around the globe. I had the chance to test the 2024 Flaviar Advent calendar, Hotel Flaviar.
It’s more than a collection of mini bottles; it’s an experience for the adventurous whiskey lover. Behind each door is a sample-sized bottle of whiskey, all handpicked by experts. As you open each day’s box, you get tasting notes, suggestions for best enjoying each spirit and insights into the distilleries.
The Flaviar Advent calendar includes 24 1.7-ounce whiskey vials, two Glencairn glasses, a tasting journal packed with details on each whiskey and a one-year Flaviar Black Membership.
DARIA SMITH FOR TASTE OF HOME
Flaviar's Advent calendar is our go-to gift for whiskey enthusiasts. Sample 24 curated selections of bespoke bourbons from the best distilleries across the globe.
Flaviar’s whiskey Advent calendar offers a 1.7-ounce hand-picked, expertly curated whiskey vial for each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Sourced from top distillers worldwide, the collection includes a variety of bourbons, ryes, blended Scotches and single malts.
Each 1.7-ounce whiskey sample in the Flaviar Advent calendar comes with a scannable QR code, which links to a product page where you can purchase the full-size bottle at a discounted price. Purchasing on the corresponding Advent day unlocks an exclusive daily discount. The QR code in the tasting booklet and on the vial provides access to the story, craft and heritage behind each whiskey. The included tasting journal lets users track personal notes and refine their palate with insightful, education-focused details on every whiskey.
Flaviar secures whiskey vials and Glencairn glasses in their designated slots to prevent damage during shipping. The whiskey samples in Flaviar’s Advent calendar include award winners and exclusive new releases, with some vials sourced from bottles valued over $150.
This year’s whiskey lineup features an impressive array of U.S. varieties, including bourbon, rye and American single malt, alongside global whiskeys. Among the standouts are SFWSA Double Gold winners like Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the red wine barrel-aged Starward Nova Single Malt and the Solera-aged Stranahan’s Blue Peak American Single Malt. Other highlights include the Prohibition-era Chicken Cock Bourbon, Penelope Toasted Barrel Finish with its expertly crafted barrel-toasting and the rare Bhakta 1928—a blend of American Rye and Armagnac aged up to 100 years. The lineup also features Stork House Straight Rye, made from 100% German rye and an exclusive first taste of the new Sekk Sato Shiki Single Grain Japanese Whisky.
The whiskey Advent calendar includes a complimentary one-year Flaviar Black Membership (a $40 value), offering perks like early access to rare bottles, exclusive releases, deep discounts and free shipping on select items. Wrapped in sleek red and gold packaging, the Flaviar Advent calendar is an elegant and thoughtful gift for whiskey lovers.
To fully experience the Flaviar Advent calendar, I started by unboxing it, appreciating the sleek design and how securely everything was packaged. The steamer trunk–shaped box adds excitement to each day’s tasting. I opened a new door each morning, revealing a 1.7-ounce whiskey sample. Each bottle was clearly labeled, showing the thoughtful selection. Scanning the QR code linked me to tasting notes and distillery insights, enriching the journey.
I poured each sample into a Glencairn glass, noting the aromas, flavors and unique qualities. I tested the spirits, both neat and in simple cocktails, to gauge versatility. While I followed Flaviar’s tasting notes, I trusted my own palate, jotting personal notes in the journal to track my thoughts and deepen my understanding. The journey spanned bold Kentucky bourbon to smooth French cognac, and I was thrilled to sip one of my favorite bourbons from Chicken Cock Whiskey. Shareable portions made it easy to enjoy tastings with a friend, adding to the fun.
Over 24 days, I explored a range of whiskeys, from bourbons and ryes to exclusive releases. The thoughtful curation kept me engaged, while the educational content sharpened my appreciation for each whiskey. By the end, I had a clearer sense of my preferences and a deeper respect for the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
As Senior Shopping Editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman, I bring over a decade of experience reviewing products across food, travel and lifestyle categories. Having written for Southern Living, Forbes and Better Homes & Gardens, I’ve built a reputation for delivering well-researched, hands-on product reviews. For this review of the 2024 Flaviar Advent calendar, I applied my expertise in spirits—honed through cocktail crafting and culinary exploration—to offer an informed, genuine perspective on the calendar’s selection, quality and overall value. I’ve tested the 2023 Flaviar Advent calendar, Flaviar whiskey subscription and over 50 bourbons.
In addition to my commerce editorial work, I’m a food and travel writer for The Local Palate and Covey Rise, where I’ve toured distilleries and interviewed top bartenders and spirit makers. This experience and my passion for crafting cocktails and hosting equip me to assess the Flaviar Advent calendar’s offerings with a discerning eye for variety and craftsmanship.
The Flaviar Advent calendar exclusively includes whiskey samples from various regions, featuring rare or limited-edition bottles.
However, a Flaviar subscription offers a wider range of spirits, including whiskey, rum, gin, tequila and brandy. Subscribers receive curated tasting boxes, providing opportunities to explore a diverse selection of spirits from around the world.
Yes, the Flaviar Advent calendar is suitable for beginners. It offers a wide variety of whiskey samples in tasting-sized vials, making it an excellent way to explore different whiskey styles and regions without investing in full bottles. It’s a fun, approachable introduction to whiskey for novices.
Reviewers tout Flaviar as the best whiskey Advent calendar on the market. From the packaging to meticulously curated samples, every step of the tasting journey is captivating and festive. For some, it’s the best gift they’ve ever received.
Five-star reviewer Josh Cannery says, “Best Advent calendar—EVER! Packaging is high quality, user experience is entertaining, samples are wonderfully delivered and no shortage of variety.”
It’s the perfect gift for any whiskey enthusiast in the family, according to Nick Glorioso. “My wife and son purchased this for my 50th. Absolutely the best present I could receive. Hands down one of the best presents you could purchase as a gift.”
For verified purchaser and booze enthusiast Chefbourbon, it was an opportunity to expand his palette. “My wife got me that for Christmas. What a treat! Really fun to try some new bottles I might never have given a time of day.”
Compared to other advent calendars on the market—such as Master of Malt’s whisky Advent calendar—Flaviar stands out for its variety. While some Advent calendars focus solely on one type of spirit, Flaviar offers a more diverse experience. The exclusive selections and the accompanying tasting notes also provide an educational component that others lack.
The Flaviar Advent calendar is a must-have for any whiskey enthusiast. It offers an engaging and educational tasting journey throughout the holiday season. With 24 curated whiskey samples from some of the best distilleries worldwide, it provides a unique opportunity to explore a variety of bourbons, ryes and single malts—many of which are rare or exclusive releases.
The combination of premium spirits, high-quality packaging and thoughtful extras make it stand out from other countdowns on the market. The added bonus of a one-year Flaviar Black Membership sweetens the deal, offering value long after the holiday season ends.
While its $250 price tag may seem steep, the variety, craftsmanship and exclusive access to sought-after whiskeys justify the investment. For whiskey lovers or those looking to broaden their palate, Flaviar’s Advent calendar delivers a tasting experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.
DARIA SMITH FOR TASTE OF HOME
Act fast is you want to snag this in-demand countdown! The Flaviar Advent calendar is packed with delicious spirits and practical extras, like tasting glasses.
Secure your stay at the Hotel Flaviar before it’s fully booked for the holidays. Available exclusively through Flaviar’s website, the whiskey Advent calendar costs $250, offering 24 curated 1.7-ounce whiskey samples. That breaks down to just $6.13 per ounce—an excellent deal, especially considering some whiskey bottles are valued at over $150. You can save $30 by purchasing two calendars for $235 each.
Preorder by November 12 to receive the Flaviar Advent calendar by Thanksgiving. Note: Flaviar doesn’t ship to Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia or P.O. boxes.
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