Which whisky bottle on your shelf is the real showstopper? (Ask Away)

Whisky bottles come in all shapes and sizes. When you think of a whisky bottle, you probably picture a 'standard' 70 centiliter bottle, but there’s so much more out there. There are bottles in all kinds of forms. Take the Nikka Samurai, for example. And then there are bottles that come in special presentation boxes. Especially in the higher and more premium segment, it’s rarely just about the bottle alone. So we put this question to the editorial team: What’s the most beautiful whisky bottle you have on your shelf?

I can proudly say I own a dragon bottle. It's a bottle from Suntory. I came across it at a liquor store that was closing down, and it was love at first sight. My Chinese name also includes a dragon, so it all fit perfectly. I haven’t seen another Japanese whisky bottle shaped like a dragon in the years since. Which is why I’m incredibly happy I made this impulse purchase.

There are a few striking bottles in my whisky cabinet. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Nc’nean bottles with their beautiful floral motif. I’ve also got a few Signatory Vintage bottles. Their shape is stunning, with that broad shoulder and slender base. The only drawback is that they’re not the easiest to pour neatly. But the contents are usually top-notch.

The most beautiful bottle I own is the Glenmorangie Signet. Both the presentation box and the bottle exude luxury, and it’s simply gorgeous to look at. The elegant design and distinctive stopper make clear you’re dealing with a special whisky. I also think the whisky itself is lovely—distinctive, yet without unnecessary fuss.

For me, it’s actually the Nikka Samurai mentioned in the intro. Even though the little guy’s armor isn’t made from the finest materials, the bottle itself looks impressive. We had two of them, and once brought one along to pour at Whiskyfest in Amsterdam. It turned out to be a real eye-catcher.

I think the most beautiful bottle in my cabinet is a Bruichladdich from Chieftain’s. Chieftain’s bottles are gracefully shaped, yet still reminiscent of a classic whisky bottle. At 22 years old, it’s part of a more luxurious series with a handsome box to match. It’s a special bottle to me because it was distilled in my birth year.