Valentine’s Day whisky tastings and gifts

If you’re looking for a slightly less feminine affair this 14 February, one of these whisky tastings or gifts for Valentine’s Day might suit you.

There are an array of whisky tastings and gifts out there to help you enjoy a perfect alternative Valentine’s Day

While many develop a more romantic sensibility on Valentine’s Day, others seek respite from the hearts, teddy bears, clinking Champagne flutes and, let’s face it, downright cheesiness which accompanies the occasion.

And so, whether you’re a whisky novice celebrating with your loved one or a Scotch aficionado searching for the perfect place to host a single soiree, the UK has a host of whisky tasting sessions which provide a refreshing alternative to the standard Valentine’s evening.

If it’s a more private evening you desire, then there are also a range of whisky gifts you can share with your loved one.

Flick through the following pages to see our round-up of the Top 10 whisky tastings and gifts for Valentine’s Day.

However, if you’re seeking a more traditional way to toast to your loved one, fear not, and take a look at our countdown of the perfect cocktails for Valentine’s Day. 

Whiski Rooms tasting

Edinburgh’s Whiski Rooms offers the perfect antidote to cliché Valentine’s Day celebrations with a host of classy whisky tasting sessions.

The venue has a dedicated tastings room to host daily events between 10am and 7pm, including bespoke tastings, an introduction to whisky class, premium tutored tastings, a history of Scotch tasting, whisky and cheese tasting, and a whisky and chocolate tasting.

Whiski Rooms can host up to 50 people for every tasting, which costs from £17.50 per person.

For more information, click here.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky and chocolate tasting

Courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, couples, groups or those flying solo can enjoy their Valentine’s evening at a one-off chocolate and whisky tasting

Hosted at Edinburgh’s Vaults alongside a society ambassador and a local master chocolatier, attendees can enjoy a candlelight supper with a matching of five single cask single malt drams of varying flavours, along with some exceptional hand crafted chocolates.

From creamy bourbon casks to explosive smoke monsters, this promises to be a truly lavish night.

For more information, click here.

Drinks by the Dram Valentine’s tasting set

If your partner is fond of a dram or two, then this Valentine’s Day Tasting Set by Drinks by the Dram could make the ideal gift.

The collection could be subject to change, but it is currently advertised as containing Lagavulin 1996 Pedro Ximénez Finish, Goldlys 12 Year Old Oloroso Finish, Blair Athol 12 Year Old 1999, Provenance by Douglas Laing, The Dalmore 26 Year Old 1986, and Aultmore Batch 3.

The set carries an RRP of £28.95.

For more information, click here.

The Capital Hotel whisky and cheese tasting

Five star The Capital Hotel, in Knightsbridge, London, is offering a whisky tasting session for two as part of its Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Three whiskies will be selected to taste alongside a selection of British and French cheeses.

Places cost £50.

For more information, click here.

Old Jameson Distillery tour

Fancy coupling your Valentine’s Day drinking activities with a romantic trip to Ireland? Then a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin might suit you.

Visitors will have the chance to enjoy a briefing of the brand’s history, as well as receive an Irish whiskey taster certificate.

Open seven days, the Old Jameson Distillery tours run from 10.00am until 5.15pm.

For more information, click here.

Personalised whisky bottle

To add a personal touch to your Valentine’s Day gift, why not name a bottle of delicious single malt after the one you love?

Gonedigging.com offers a unique labelling service, where consumers can name a bottle of Speyside single malt after their partner and convey a heartfelt message.

The whisky has been created by a small independent distillery at the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park.

For more information, click here.

Milroy’s of Soho group whisky tasting

Wine and whisky retailer Milroy’s of Soho offers its cellar to spirits enthusiasts who might want to host their own tasting events in large groups.

The venue can also cater to the less confident whisky fans with by providing an informed host for the evening.

There is a cover charge of £15 per attendee including service which also covers a buffet of cheeses, charcuterie, pâtés, and bread, while all whiskies used during the session will be charged at retail price.

For more information, click here.

The Whisky Tasting Company gift set

The Whisky Tasting Company has created a special Valentine’s Day 2014 gift set for couples to share.

Containing four single malts from across Scotland as well as a Welsh expression, the collection offers a glimpse into the whisky regions.

It also includes whisky tasting cards and a whisky tasting mat featuring a beautiful landscape or distillery scene.

The set costs £29.95.

For more information, click here.