Father’s Day is for celebrating the best in life and what’s better than great bottles of your dad’s favorite drink? Whether he likes Scotch, bourbon, tequila, or gin, there’s something on our Father’s Day Gift Guide that is sure to make your dad’s day.
From elevated expressions of dad’s favorite dram to the kinds of tools that make the bar and cellar even more pleasurable than usual, we recommend perusing this guide to find the perfect Father’s Day Gift.
Whisky
Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky ($41)
The adventurous dad deserves a boundary-pushing whisky, like Johnnie Walker’s newest release: High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky. Featuring a unique mash bill of 60% rye blended with notable single malts from distilleries such as Cardhu, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky is a bold, new offering that tempts tastebuds with revolutionary layers of flavor. Johnnie Walker High Rye can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic cocktails perfect like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Old Pulteney 12-Year-Old Highland Single Malt ($50)
Old Pulteney 12-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Whisky marries together briny notes from the sea with sweeter notes from ex-bourbon American oak casks, creating the hallmark expression from the Old Pulteney family. A firm bodied, yet well rounded single malt, Old Pulteney 12 Years Old combines rich flavors of vanilla, honey, dark caramel, and cream, along with orchard fruit notes and spice with a subtle salty accent.
Starward Octave Barrels ($80)
Recently awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Starward Octave Barrels is matured in 100L octave-sized barrels that previously held Yalumba The Octavius, an iconic Australian Shiraz wine and the world’s only red wine aged in these specialty sized barrels. On the nose, the whisky is rich, full bodied expression with notes of red fruit, raisins, ripe peach, caramel, and toasty oak. The palate is viscous and long with dark forest fruits flavors and a toasted oak backbone. The finish features toasted marshmallow.
Glendronach Port Wood ($90)
The GlenDronach Port Wood has been matured in the Highland distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in Port pipes from the Douro Valley in Portugal. This extra maturation in Port casks imparts a deep cherry wood color and enriches the layers of fruit in The GlenDronach, with delightful waves of Victoria plum, brambles and sandalwood on the nose.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan ($106)
Named after a treacherous whirlpool near Islay and celebrated in Celtic legend, this raw full-bodied, high-proof expression mirrors the spirit of Ardbeg and why it isn’t made for the faint-hearted. The process entails starting with Ardbeg matured in New ‘Virgin’ French Oak casks then balanced with Ardbeg matured in ex-Bourbon American Oak casks, creating the most complex and smoky of all the Islay whiskies. The end result is a phenomenal deep, swirling whisky with big spicy flavors of cloves, cinnamon and licorice which enhances the existing herbal, floral characteristic of Ardbeg Ten Years Old. Ardbeg Corryvreckan won Best Single Malt Scotch and a total of five Gold Medals at the 2020 International Whisky Competition.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old ($135)
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old ($148)
The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, has a wealth of quality casks to choose from when creating this complex expression, each of which has rested a minimum of 18 years in oak. The mix of casks – American and European oak, first and second fill- all play their parts to create this whisky, our single most awarded expression, and its unique character. The European oak adds spicy notes and complexity and the first-fill American oak casks add the tropical fruitiness that makes it unmistakably The Glenlivet in style. Its golden hue bears testimony to its 18 years very well spent maturing.
Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated ($360)
This limited edition of Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.
Whiskey
Bulleit Rye ($39)
Since its release in 2011, Bulleit Rye has quickly become one of the most beloved Rye Whiskeys on the market and has picked up almost every award imaginable, including double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in two different years. It possesses rich oaky aromas and is exceptionally smooth, with hints of vanilla, honey, and spice. The finish is crisp and clean, with long, lingering flavors.
Hudson Whiskey Bright Lights Big Bourbon ($40)
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Bright Lights, Big Bourbon is a bold, grain-forward, no-holds-barred straight Bourbon Whiskey. Distilled from New York corn and aged in new charred American oak barrels, with notes of rich vanilla and lightly salted caramel on the finish, it’s a bright offering that is as good sipped neat as it is in cocktails.
Writers’ Tears Copper Pot ($47)
Writers’ Tears is a unique marriage of Aged Single Pot Still and Single Malt Irish whiskey. Distilled entirely from barley, both malted and unmalted, this is a truly special Irish Whiskey. Writers’ Tears is triple distilled, non-peated and matured in Flame Charred American Oak bourbon casks. An award-winning whiskey that has also been included in Ian Buxton’s publication “101 Whiskeys to try before you die”.
Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon ($547)
Named for a stretch of rich farmland along the Kentucky River, Rock Hill Farms is possibly our favorite single barrel bourbon. The limestone waters of the Kentucky River that wind through Bluegrass country and alongside Buffalo Trace Distillery nourish the land and provide the distinct flavor to Rock Hill Farms. It’s a smooth bourbon defined by the lush and rolling Kentucky landscape. While not as well known as Blanton’s, Rock Hill Farms is certainly in the same league–and it better be considering its price tag.
Tequila
Espolon Blanco ($26)
Espolòn Blanco is the purest expression of Espolòn Tequila. It is double distilled using a combination of pot and column distillation. This process yields a perfectly smooth and balanced taste profile. The Tequila has quickly become a favorite among bartenders and it’s perfect for mixing cocktails. On the nose, it’s delicate with aromas of sweet agave, tropical fruit, lemon zest and a hint of pepper. The palate is soft with bright agave flavor, notes of pepper, vanilla bean, grilled pineapple and spice.
Casa Dragones Añejo Barrel Blend ($165)
A Father’s Day tequila gift for the aged-spirits lover. Casa Dragones Añejo Barrel Blend is aged in two styles of custom-made wood barrels, new French oak and new American Oak, then artfully blended to create infinite richness and an agave-forward taste profile that is both elegant and smooth.
Avión Reserva 44 ($169)
Typically served neat, Avión Reserva 44 is the perfect elevated sipping tequila for any celebration. The single origin blue agave is grown at some of the highest elevations in Mexico for 7-10 years, then aged for 44 months. Reserva 44 Extra Añejo offers the smooth, complex taste of luscious fruits and American oak paired with an aroma of warm vanilla and spices.
Don Julio 1942 ($203)
This is the final variant that Don Julio Gonzalez created in his life-long career in collaboration with current Master Distiller Enrique de Colsa and is the unique tribute to passion and reward. Aged in American white oak barrels for a minimum of 2 1/2 years, it possesses an astonishing flavor profile featuring caramel, toffee and vanilla and has a full-bodied creaminess with a sweet agave-laced finished.
Gin
Tod & Vixen’s Gin ($42)
Created by three of the world’s most iconic bartenders, Tod & Vixen’s Gin comes from The Vale Fox Distillery in New York’s Hudson Valley. Frankly, it is an incredible base for cocktails. We find it to be one of the finest options we have ever used to make a Martini, especially if you enjoy yours with a 4:1 Gin to Vermouth ratio with a lemon twist, like we do.
Nolet’s Silver ($49)
Nolet’s Silver is an undeniably modern take on gin, reflecting the tastes and preferences of a new generation of gin drinkers. The refreshing floral and fruit-forward flavor highlights a unique combination of botanicals never before used in gin. Only 117 Calories per 1.5 oz. Serve, No Sugar, No Carbs and non-GMO Project Verified.
Monkey 47 Dry Gin ($69)
In many eyes, this is the world’s best gin, and we’re not here to disagree. Monkey 47 gin is a rare, aromatic blend of 47 botanicals from the heart of the Black Forest and India. Meticulously crafted with lingonberries, hand-peeled citrus fruits, herbs, flowers and spices, it is produced in batches using traditional distilling methods. The unconventional process and inventive marrying of classic and unexpected ingredients has earned Monkey 47 distinguished awards and accolades, and built a passionate following among gin aficionados.
Brandy
Germain-Robin XO ($125)
Germain-Robin XO is an icon of California Brandy. Distilled exclusively in Pruhlo Charentais Pot Stills and aged in Limousin Oak Barrels, XO highlights the unique flavor and characteristics of California Pinot Noir grapes.
Prunier Tres Vieille Grand Champagne XO Cognac ($275)
While Prunier might not be as famous stateside as Hennessy or Remy Martin, its Cognac remains some of the finest anywhere. Their Tres Vieille Grand Campagne XO might be their best offering and is one of the finest brandies we’ve ever had the opportunity to try. It’s rich and complex, yet elegant, with notes of leather, white pepper and tarte Tatin.
Vermouth
Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso ($40)
If you’re looking for a new Vermouth to push your Negroni to the next level, look no further than Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso. Complex spiced, wood, and root aromas open to smooth vanilla, dried fruit (especially fig) and floral wormwood signature. On the palate, dried fig opens to notes of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon, along with flavors of roots, licorice, and vanilla. It is mouth-warming, with a long bittersweet finish, typical of Piedmont wormwood.
Vodka
Broken Shed Vodka ($25)
New Zealand-based Broken Shed Vodka is triple distilled out of fresh water from both the Northern and Southern islands and as a bonus, includes natural whey protein in its ingredients. Broken Shed proudly turns down additives, including sugars and other sweeteners, and is both gluten and GMO free.
Carbonadi ($76)
Carbonadi Vodka hails from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, and its name refers to the specific filtration process that gives this spirit a unique level of smoothness. Carbonados are black diamonds, which are surprisingly absorbent and remove impurities from the vodka. In this case, the liquor has already been distilled five times before being filtered through the Carbonados.
Cocktails
Campari Ready To Serve Negroni ($29)
The Campari Negroni Ready to Serve features an elegant design and is made using the same iconic cocktail recipe from over 100 years ago. A blend of equal parts Campari, London Dry Gin, and Sweet Vermouth – simply pour over ice and garnish with an orange slice and you have the iconic Negroni cocktail. Available in a 375 ml bottle, the newly designed offering includes approximately four servings of the Negroni. Whether you’re on-the-go or hosting a cocktail party, dinner or aperitivo hour at home, the Campari Negroni Ready to Serve can be conveniently enjoyed, recreating your favorite cocktail bar moment for any occasion.
Glassware
Rauk Heavy Tumbler ($41)
An uncompromising crystal tumbler developed for savoring whisky on the rocks. And for those who revel in the crafted cocktail, the tumbler features an array of extruded chevrons radiating from the center, which serve to provide friction points for gripping ingredients used in muddled drinks.
Books
The Japanese Art Of The Cocktail ($18)
Nominated for the 2022 James Beard Foundation Beverage with Recipes Award, this is the first cocktail book from the award-winning mixologist Masahiro Urushido of Katana Kitten in New York City. Katana Kitten, one of the world’s most prominent and acclaimed Japanese-American cocktail bars, was opened in 2018 by Urushido. It recently earned the #10 spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, making it the Best Bar in the U.S. Before Katana Kitten, Urushido honed his craft over several years behind the bar of award-winning eatery Saxon+Parole. In The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, Urushido shares his immense knowledge of Japanese cocktails with eighty recipes that best exemplify Japan’s contribution to the cocktail scene, both from his own bar and from Japanese mixologists worldwide. Urushido delves into what exactly constitutes the Japanese approach to cocktails, and demystifies the techniques that have been handed down over generations, all captured in stunning photography.
Foot Trodden: Portugal and the Wines that Time Forgot ($27)
Portugal’s rich wine culture dates back at least two millennia. Its vineyards teem with fascinating native grape varieties and its cellars harbor heritage wine styles and ancient techniques (including foot treading in stone troughs) that have died out elsewhere. Foot Trodden is a book for everyone who loves a good story, wine, Portugal or modern social history―and for anyone who wants to dig deeper into Portuguese culture and the Portuguese soul. Written in an accessible, narrative style, this book is above all else about the people behind the wines: the challenges they faced, what drives them, and how they succeeded against the odds to put Portugal on the map.
Tools & Toys
Waiter’s Friend, Wood ($44)
Few things are as important in a bar as a good wine opener. A good opener can make all the difference between joy and a pain in the a**, so we suggest not scrimping. The Le Creuset Waiter’s Friend uses its patented two-step design to maximize leverage for smooth cork removal, and includes a built-in foil cutting blade and bottle opener.
Coravin Timeless Three+ ($199)
Perfect for the Dad with aging wine collection, the Coravin Timeless Three Wine Preservation System allows users to pour their favorite wines without pulling the cork. The Three System is the perfect introduction to the brand’s Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing users to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years. Featuring a molded all-black architecture, two Coravin Pure Argon Capsules, two Coravin Screw Caps and a Coravin Aerator, the Three+ contains everything you need to enhance your wine experience.
Ice Ball Maker ($900)
Instantly elevate your single malt experience with The Macallan Ice Ball Maker. This must-have accessory will transform a large block of ice into a perfectly rounded sphere that will chill your whisky, without diluting it and unlock hidden flavors with every sip. Crafted from a premium aluminum alloy, The Macallan Ice Ball Maker creates ice spheres just over 2.5 inches in diameter. The set consists of one ice ball maker and four ice ball molds.