You don’t need a reason to spoil your mom—she did raise you, after all—but Mother’s Day offers a great excuse. Go to brunch, take her for a pedicure, make sure she doesn’t lift a finger all day. You could get her a corsage or a lovely bouquet, too, but why not give her something that lasts longer than a few days?
Moving past a few obviously named candidates—we’re looking at you, Four Roses and Rosebank—many whiskies offer floral aromas and perfumey notes. At this time of year, they’re perfect for sipping or mixing into a cocktail. If your mom is a whisky-loving woman—whether she likes bourbon, scotch, Irish whiskey, Canadian, or even something a bit more esoteric—consult this list for our top recommendations. Click through each whisky to read the full Buying Guide review.
Kilkerran 12 year old—88 points, $45
A complex single malt from Glengyle Distillery in Campbeltown. Its flowery nose gives way to flavors of canned peaches, cinnamon, smoke, and licorice.
Lot No. 40—94 points, $40
With notes of slate and white pepper mingling with the floral elements, this Canadian whisky over-delivers in every way. It’s inexpensive, but Mom won’t be able to tell.
Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond 10 year old—90 points, $33
A 100-proof bourbon with plenty of fragrance, reviewer Fred Minnick described the palate as full of caramel, vanilla, roasted pine nuts, and hints of strawberry. And at the price, you can even buy a bottle for yourself.
Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990—92 points, $615
If you’re looking at the luxury end of the spectrum, try this perfumey 26 year old single malt. Aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, it has flavors of vanilla, honey, and chocolate orange.
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye—91 points, $26
Rye whiskey often has flowery notes, and this 95% rye is no exception, mixing them with peaches, prunes, vanilla, and peppery spices.
Brenne Estate Cask—89 points, $55
Aged for six years in French oak and finished in cognac barrels, this French single malt is redolent of rosewater and eucalyptus, with honeycomb and sweet spice.
Two Lanterns—85 points, $120
This 4 year old whiskey is distilled from Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and the hops from the original beer appear here with the same floral, citrus, and pine aromas.
The Dubliner—90 points, $28
An “uplifting floral bouquet” on the nose leads into a sweet, honeyed palate on this uncomplicated—and bargain—Irish whiskey.
Highland Park 12 year old—90 points, $46
The Orkney peat used in Highland Park imparts signature heathery notes. On this single malt, they mingle with honey, citrus fruits, and wood smoke.
