Drinks by the Dram has unveiled its 2025 Very Old & Rare Whisky Collection Advent Calendar – a once-in-a-lifetime countdown to Christmas, featuring 24 hand-waxed drams of extraordinarily rare whisky, many of which are now virtually impossible to acquire, even at auction.

This remarkable collection showcases whiskies from both lost distilleries and legendary names, with drams from Karuizawa and Port Ellen to The Macallan, Highland Park and Yamazaki – each representing a chapter in whisky’s most illustrious story.

Each dram rests in its own compartment within a black oak and walnut cabinet, handcrafted by British master craftsman Simon Jewell and inspired by antique apothecary chests. Inside, a suede-lined drawer holds detailed tasting notes, a personal letter from Dr Sam Simmons, Head of Whisky at Drinks by the Dram, and a pair of Riedel glasses to ensure every sip is savoured as intended.

Among the 24 drams are exceptional expressions including Balvenie 40 Year Old, Glenfarclas 1958 cask 2061 (of which just 130 bottles were ever released), Karuizawa Five Decades, Glenfarclas 60 Year Old, and the legendary Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2012. The result is a line-up even the most seasoned collectors would struggle to assemble.

Commenting on the release, Dr Sam Simmons, said: “We’ve gathered whiskies so rare the warehouse cat has never seen them. We had a lot of fun curating this cabinet, which is itself a time capsule and a tribute to whisky’s story. Highlights include a 40-year-old Balvenie, liquid gems from lost distilleries such as Port Ellen and Karuizawa, and ancient examples from Macallan, Glenglassaugh, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glenrothes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime tasting journey that will make this Christmas truly unforgettable.”

The Very Old & Rare Whisky Collection forms part of Drinks by the Dram’s celebrated portfolio of advent calendars and is now available from Master of Malt, for a RRP of £9,995.