Discover the Best Christmas Spirits to Buy Duty-Free in France

As the holiday season approaches, Christmas becomes the ideal moment to share exquisite spirits with loved ones, whether as gifts or as part of festive gatherings. Instead of settling for the typical supermarket options, British shoppers can elevate their holiday experience by exploring the exceptional selection available at Calais Vins. With more than 2,100 spirits in stock, including 665 whiskies, 586 rums, 150 gins, and even local specialties like Juniper gin, this is a treasure trove for spirit enthusiasts. Located conveniently for Eurotunnel and ferry travelers, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins offer a range of premium spirits at duty-free prices. With up to 50% savings compared to UK prices and a simple VAT refund process, this is the perfect destination for quality and value this Christmas.

The Impact of Brexit on Duty-Free Shopping

The Brexit transition has significantly reshaped the traditional “booze cruise” for British shoppers. With stricter import limits and new regulations, travelers can now bring back smaller quantities of alcohol duty-free. However, this change has not deterred savvy shoppers from crossing the Channel to explore exceptional deals on high-quality wines and spirits. Retailers like Calais Vins have adapted by focusing on premium selections and offering streamlined VAT refund systems to maximize savings. For a deeper dive into how Brexit has affected this iconic tradition, check out this article from The Drinks Business.

Why Choose Duty-Free Spirits at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins?

Unbeatable Prices and Exceptional Selections

Calais Vins provides access to some of the best prices on a carefully curated selection of whiskies, gins, cognacs, rums, and more. Each adult can bring back up to 4 litres of spirits duty-free, maximizing the benefits of shopping in France. Additionally, Calais Vins offers a fantastic variety of wines, Champagnes, and sparkling wines  – perfect for toasting the holiday season with style. Shoppers can also take advantage of the 15% VAT refund, making these luxury spirits even more affordable.

Effortless VAT Refunds

Thanks to partnerships with Global Blue and Skiptax, Calais Vins ensures a seamless VAT refund process. Shoppers can simply scan a code at the Eurotunnel or ferry terminal to reclaim 15% of their purchase cost, adding even more value to their duty-free shopping experience.

The Best Christmas Spirits Available at Calais Vins

Whisky

Whisky is a classic choice for Christmas gifts, and Calais Vins has an impressive selection from single malts to Irish whiskeys and American bourbons. Here are some recommendations:

• Single Malts: For a refined sipping experience, the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old stands out. Known for its smooth and fruity notes, this whisky is perfect for cozying up by the fireplace during the festive season.

• Irish Whiskeys: The Jameson Black Barrelis an excellent choice for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied taste. With its deep flavors, it works wonderfully in festive cocktails like Irish Coffee or can be savored neat to appreciate its complexity. 

• American Bourbons: Bourbon lovers will appreciate Woodford Reserve, a smooth bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel. This option is perfect for both cocktails and sipping, making it a versatile gift for bourbon enthusiasts.

Looking for something exceptional? Consider the Ardbeg 25-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, priced at €1,390 but available at a duty-free price of €1,181.50. This premium whisky is crafted from a selection of the finest Bourbon-aged barrels, offering an exquisite balance of peat and smoky aromas alongside complex notes of caramel, chili, and tropical fruits. As quantities are extremely limited, it’s the ultimate gift for whisky aficionados

Calais Vins offers a variety of whisky options (blend whisky, fruity whisky, Japanese whisky)  to suit every taste and budget, ensuring that you find the perfect bottle for any whisky lover on your list.

The prices displayed in sterling pounds reflect the VAT deduction. The conversion is based on the current exchange rate of £1 = 1.21 euros. All prices in the shop are listed in euros and may be subject to changes due to exchange rate fluctuations. Please note that the conversion into pounds is provided for better understanding, but it cannot be guaranteed at the time of your purchase in-store.

Gin

Gin continues to be a popular spirit, especially for creating festive cocktails. Calais Vins offers a diverse selection that includes classic London Dry gins, flavoured gins, and artisanal options.

• London Dry Gin: The classic Tanqueray is a London Dry Gin that brings a balanced taste with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and angelica. This gin is perfect for a refreshing G&T, and its quality makes it an excellent gift. 

• Festive Flavors: Calais Vins also has a selection of ginger gins that add a spicy twist, ideal for Christmas cocktails. Flavored with seasonal warmth, these gins are a hit for holiday gatherings. 

• Artisan Choice: Gin du Mont Blanc is a unique artisanal gin, distilled at the highest distillery in Europe. This gin incorporates botanicals from the Alps, including genepi flowers and wild blueberries, combined with classic notes like juniper and coriander. Its floral and fruity aromas make it an intriguing gift for gin lovers. 

Armagnac and Calvados

French brandies like Armagnac and Calvados make thoughtful and unique gifts, showcasing the tradition and craftsmanship of French spirits.

• Vintage Armagnac by Jean Cavé: A truly personalized gift, Jean Cavé offers vintage Armagnacs that can be selected from a specific birth year or milestone year, making it a memorable choice. Jean Cavé’s Armagnacs are aged in oak barrels, giving them deep, complex flavors that make each sip an experience. 

• Classic Calvados: Produced from Normandy apples, Calvados is a smooth apple brandy with a distinctive flavor. Calvados Lemorton from the Domfrontais region incorporates 30% pear, giving it a unique fruitiness. It’s an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys exploring new and refined spirits.

Cognac

Known for its luxurious appeal, cognac is a perfect choice for those looking to give a refined, sophisticated gift.

• Rémy Martin Accord Royal 1738 – This cognac offers a rich, round profile with fruity and spicy notes, making it a delightful option for holiday indulgence. Notes of plum, fig, and dark chocolate make it an ideal pairing for festive desserts or as a digestif. 

Rum

Rum is a versatile spirit that comes in a variety of styles, from light to dark, aged, and spiced. Calais Vins offers an extensive selection of rums to suit different tastes. Calais Vins' selection is truly unparalleled, making it impossible to recommend every great bottle. However, for a unique touch, explore their “rhum arrangé” varieties like Cabrakan, an innovative rum flavored with exotic spices and fruits. 

• Aged Rums: Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva from Venezuela is an aged rum that boasts rich and complex flavors. Perfect for sipping, this rum is an excellent choice for a holiday gift. 

• Spiced Rums: Captain Morgan Spiced Gold adds a warm and spicy note to cocktails, perfect for the festive season. Its versatility makes it a great addition to holiday punches or warm winter drinks. 

• White Rums: Trois Rivières Agricole Rum from Martinique is a versatile white rum that brings fresh sugar cane flavor, making it a popular choice for cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris. 

Vodka

Vodka is a staple in many festive cocktails, and Calais Vins offers a range from classic to luxury options.

• Premium Vodka: Beluga Noble Russian Vodka – Known for its smooth and refined profile, this Russian vodka is perfect for those who appreciate a high-quality base for cocktails or a clean, crisp sip on the rocks.

• Flavored Vodkas: For a twist on traditional vodka, try one of the flavored options available at Calais Vins. These add a fun element to mixed drinks and can bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering. Browse flavored vodkas.

• Specialty Vodka: AQUAVIT LINIE, a Norwegian spirit aged as it crosses the equator, offers a unique, spiced flavor profile with notes of cumin and black pepper, making it a unique and exotic gift choice. 

French Liqueurs and Aperitifs

No French Christmas is complete without traditional liqueurs and aperitifs. These options bring a taste of French tradition and sophistication to holiday gatherings:

• Cointreau: With its vibrant orange flavor, Cointreau is a classic choice for festive cocktails such as Margaritas and Cosmopolitans. 

• Chartreuse: Known for its rich herbal profile, Chartreuse is crafted by Carthusian monks using a secret recipe that dates back centuries. This liqueur is perfect as a digestif or a unique addition to cocktails, offering a distinct taste of French history.

Your Christmas Guide to Duty-Free Allowances

To maximize your holiday shopping, remember that British visitors can bring back up to 4 litres of spirits per adult, allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits of duty-free prices. Don’t forget to take advantage of the wine and sparkling wine allowances to complete your festive table.

How to Plan Your Visit to Calais Vins and Olivier Vins

Located conveniently near the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals, Calais Vins offers British travelers a seamless shopping experience. Shoppers who place an order of €300 or more can enjoy a complimentary ferry crossing, making it even easier to bring home your selection of Christmas spirits

Conclusion: Make This Christmas Unforgettable with Calais Vins From rich, aged cognacs to artisanal gins and classic French liqueurs, Calais Vins offers something for everyone. By shopping duty-free, British visitors enjoy exceptional savings and quality, ensuring this holiday season is memorable and festive. Visit Calais Vins to find the perfect spirits and make this Christmas truly special.