That time of the year is almost here again, when sons and daughters all over the world run out to find the perfect gift for the special lady in their lives on Mother’s Day. The date is May 14^th, and if you haven’t found your mother a gift yet, you’re probably getting a little stressed right about now.

Well, here at Dekanta we strongly believe that anyone, man or woman, young or old, can grow to love whisky, if exposed to it correctly. Even though the whisky industry is progressing rapidly, and becoming a growing trend in the drinks industry for all, some preconceptions still exist from the past.

One of these is the idea that rare and flavourful whisky is only enjoyed by old men in dusty bars, up in the Highlands of Scotland. Sure, most men probably do enjoy a few drams at their local, but so do women!

One of the biggest myths around states that women can’t “handle” the kick, strength, and intensity of whisky! In the beer industry, women tend to enjoy very strong, dark beer much more than men.

Your mum probably likes whisky too! But, due to the preconceptions in the industry, she probably hasn’t tried enough different drams, to find one she loves.

Enter Japanese whisky!

Scotch whisky is known for following tradition and rules more closely than any other spirit in the world. The recipes are concrete, and the flavours are often extremely intense and heavy. The whiskies produced on the isle of Islay, for example, are heavily peated, and the strong smoky, woody flavours can be overwhelming to some.

The Japanese whisky industry, however, is known for its constant experimentation in refining their whiskies, to make them as delicate and smooth as possible. The whisky made in Japan is often lighter and smoother, delivering more subtle flavours and almost never overwhelming the palate.

Perfect for seasoned whisky drinkers, beginners and, of course, your mum! We’ve made a little list of bottles we feel would make the perfect gift for your mother. The whiskies are drinkable, interesting, and come in some very beautiful bottles that can easily be used as décor in the home after consumption.

Surprise one of the most important women in your life this Mother’s Day with one of these unique bottles.

Soon you might be enjoying a dram or two with your own mother, how cool would that be?

Yamazakura 21 Year Old

Before even starting on the flavour, just look at the bottle. Simple and tasteful, the bottle will look amazing on the shelf, with a great story to tell when visitors ask about it.

The flavour of the Yamazakura 21 is everything one could ask from a good whisky. Light and smooth, with fruity notes bursting onto the palate, this gorgeous blend will turn a novice into a life-time fan instantly.

Nikka Tsuru Ceramic Bottle

Nikka is one of the major players in the Japanese whisky industry, and has been on the scene for decades, building its brand globally and refining its whisky flavour day by day. This Nikka Tsuru release is a delicate and extremely drinkable whisky if there ever was one.

The flavour and mouthfeel bring smoothness to the forefront, with partially sweet, fruity, and fresh flavours playing on the nose and palate.

In a gorgeous, curvy ceramic bottle and a classy box, this is “the” gift for mothers with a love for art and pottery.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

The Yamazaki 12 year-old is one of the most popular Japanese whiskies in the world, and for good reason. Matured in oak for 12 years, the imparted oaky sweetness and balanced smoothness will shock and please anyone’s palate.

It’s also one of the only single malts on this list, and will allow drinkers to really experience the Yamazaki character in depth.

Suntory Whisky Ceramic Set

This one is a triple set of extremely rare Suntory limited releases. In three hand-painted, ceramic bottles lies some beautifully aged whisky by the global drinks giant, Suntory.

From the longer maturation, the flavours here have mellowed and grown smoother, bringing a sweet, woody softness not easily found in younger whiskies.

It’s a set, so you can hit two birds with one stone, and buy yourself a treat while giving your mother the perfect gift.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Yosedo Ceramic Edition

This limited Yosedo edition of the Yamazaki 12 year-old features a beautiful ceramic bottle and a lovely box, with a cute rabbit engraved on the front.

This release is truly a classic and the dram many people use to define Japanese whisky. You just can’t go wrong.

Suntory Reserve Pottery Bottle

Another smooth whisky by Suntory which comes in a handmade, small ceramic bottle, with hand-painted flower blossoms on the front.

Delicate and deep, yet intense and strong, balance is what makes this whisky great. If your mother likes her drinks with a kick, this is a great option.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016

This one is a global award-winner, and was voted the world’s best whisky in 2015.

The bottle is nice, but not as unique and artistic as the others above, featuring ceramic decanters and hand-painted bottles. However, it is the flavour of this release that really sets it apart.

The maturation in a sherry cask brings forth a slight sweetness which is complimented by the whisky’s light and slightly spicy notes.

Jim Murray, a global figure and writer in the whisky industry, describes this release as a “near indescribable genius” and praises its “nose of exquisite boldness” and finish of “light, teasing spice”.

Hibiki 21 Year Old

The Hibiki is one of Suntory’s most popular whisky ranges, and the 21 year-old release, in particular, has been voted the World’s Best Blended Whisky 5 times in the past decade.

Delivered in an elegant glass decanter, and bursting with complex, deep, yet light and fruity flavours, this is the bottle you need to show your mother how much you love her.

Karuizawa Mercian 21 Year Old in a Granite Decanter

This one is, without a doubt, one of the rarest and most sought after whiskies is the world, and you must really really really love your mother if you choose this one as her gift.

In a breath-taking granite decanter, coming in a wooden box, this bottling by the now shut-down, silent Karuizawa distillery has an unbelievable woody, earthy, and spicy character built and deepened throughout 21 long years of expert maturation.

This is a whisky for those with a love of new sensations and flavours never tasted before.