Sample Swaps

A great way to try whisky before you buy is to swap samples with friends.

I've swapped with people all over the world, most I've never met or spoken to except on twitter, but now I'd call them friends!

You need some clean, empty sample bottles with good lids, I get mine from  Ampulla, normally these ones with leak-proof caps, they are around 58p each. Link


You can write your own labels or tags but I get mine from a great little business on ebay


I try to use ex-Master of Malt boxes but anything sturdy will do just remember to wrap all the bottles well in bubble wrap!


You can normally post within the UK for around £3 using 2nd class Small Parcel.

Now the Royal Mail will only allow you to send two bottles through the post, they can be up to 70cl but only 2.... Not useful when you want to send 5 samples. Some Post Offices ask you what's in the parcel and how many bottles then refuse to take it.

Your best bet is to use Click & Drop where you buy the postage online, print your label, stick it to the parcel and either drop it off at a post office or if you can find one put it in a parcel post box or  post box with a wide opening. 

No awkward questions! You even get 15p off the price if you use this method. It's free to sign up - all you need is a printer! Link

List of Parcel Post Boxes here.


I'm always up for a sample swap! Get in touch via twitter DM for my current open list.