Father’s Day weekend should be a time where dads get to do pretty much whatever they want, including raking in the gifts from their loved ones. We’re doing things a bit differently in this edition of Spirit. Ed’s Father’s Day roundups by highlighting bottles we think will make a great gift for Dad.
Usually for Father’s Day, I like to feature an array of cocktails and such. However, with so many options out here, I decided to break things apart for once. Of course, there are bottles out there worth the splurge for Dad, but he might be a simple man who just wants a quality bottle of liquor, no matter the price tag.
Ardbeg is notable among Scotch drinkers, and their core expressions are approachable, affordable, and worth seeking out. We’re highlighting the Arbeg Ten, which is a great introduction to the brand.
Basil Hayden’s core releases include its Straight Bourbon, Toast, and its 10 Year Old whiskey. Each of these is a solid purchase, but we’re leaning towards the 10 Year Old for Pops.
Blue Run Spirits, founded by Mike Montgomery, Tim Sparapani, Jesse McKnight, and Andy Brown, is renowned for its high-end bourbon and rye whiskies, which are often highly sought after. However, we’ve seen plenty of Blue Run whiskey on the shelves, and we are highly recommending folks purchase whatever you see. It won’t disappoint.
If Dad likes the sweet flavors of Caribbean rum, Bumbu’s Original and its XO expressions are ones to seek out. If Dad likes cream-based drinks, the brand also has a great rum liqueur.
Iowa might not come across as a whiskey-producing state, but Cedar Ridge Distillery certainly introduced us to the Hawkeye State’s splash in that arena. Check out Cedar Ridge’s barrel proof release.
Chicken Cock has been racking up accolades and awards, lending to the brand’s craftsmanship and special releases. The brand’s new Ryeteous Blonde takes Chicken Cock’s rye whiskey and finishes it in Goodwood Brewing’s Blonde Ale barrels.
As one of the last tequila expressions overseen by Cirilo “Maestro Cirilo” Oropeza, Espòlon’s famed Master Distiller, the Cristalino is a crystal-clear version of the brand’s award-winning anejo tequila.
Glenmorangie is a standout whisky from the Highlands region, and we’re big fans of its Original 12 Years Old bottle. But if you’re ready to wow Dad, pick up a bottle of the brand’s Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old The Infinita.
Dads like wine and Hampton Water from Jon Bon Jovi and his son, Jesse Bongiovi. Partnering with Hip-Hop artist Cey Adams for its new limited-edition bottle featuring designs from Adams. What’s dope is that a portion of sales go toward aiding New York City’s Harvest organization.
Jacob’s Pardon Batch #3 is within a category that is new to us, light whiskey. This high-proof offering is 99 percent corn and just 1 percent barley. Aged for 18 years, this rare bottle will make Dad the envy of his whiskey-drinking buds.
Jeptha Creed has roots in Tennessee and now produces whiskey out of Kentucky. Its bottled-in-bond expression follows all the proper parameters for the category.
Knob Creek, part of the mighty Beam Sumtory portfolio, makes solid juice at all their price points but if you want to truly wow Dad, check out their new Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength bourbon and rye.
If you’re looking for a good, clean, and classic blanco tequila to gift Dad, Lalo is as solid as they come. It’s good neat as a sipper, and makes a killer cocktail.
Luc Belaire’s line of sparkling wines produced in France has made its mark on American shores for years, and the Luxe Rosé is among the line’s best offerings.
Gin is a category that gets overlooked, and it’s a shame because gin is a versatile spirit. McQueen and the Violet Fog is a gin with roots in Brazil and made from sugarcane, a major difference from typical gin styles.
Proper No. Twelve has been making moves in the Irish whiskey category for a while now, and with time comes bigger age statements. Be sure to get Dad a bottle of the brand’s limited-edition Proper No. Twelve 13-Year-Old Single Malt.
Remus has among its core releases solid sippers for every type of drinker but for the baseball-loving Dad, the limited-edition Babe Ruth Reserve is the one to grab.
25. Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo (Jose Cuervo)
Source: Jose Cuervo
Breaking the wall here to say that of the dozens of Extra Añejo tequilas I’ve tasted over the years, I always return to Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia. Yes, it’s a splurge bottle, and Dad is worth it.
Premium rum is exploding as a category, and we’re glad to feature a brand new to the Spirit.Ed pages, Ron del Barrilito. Ron del Barrilito bills itself as Puerto Rico’s oldest rum producer, and its Three Star expression is a blend of rums aged 6 to 10 years in Oloroso sherry casks.
Sagamore Spirits is Maryland’s master of rye, and their Small Batch expression is a fine place to start for newbies, although we’re partial to the brand’s Double Oaked and Cask Strength.
Smokehead Original’s Islay single malt Scotch whisky takes on the familiar peaty characteristics of the region. If Dad loves the smoke in his glass, this is his whisky.
If Dad loves Scotch whisky from the Speyside region, Tamdhu 12 Year Old, which is aged exclusively in sherry casks, would impress him. This single malt whisky is meant for neat pours and slow sips.
Irish whiskey is a category that has its fair share of fans, and Teeling is a leader in the space with a fantastic core lineup of award-winning bottles, along with coveted limited edition releases.
The Busker Single Malt expression takes The Busker’s classic Irish whiskey and matures it in American Oak and Oloroso sherry casks for a rich combination of flavors.
Blended Scotch whisky gets a nice upgrade in The Deacon, an affordable but great-tasting whisky that serves well in a highball and other great whisky-based classics.
The Muff is a blend of five Irish malts and grain whiskies, each with distinct maturing methods. The result is a whiskey with plenty of character and mixability.
If Dad is a fan of cognac but you want to get him something different, check out Villon. This cognac-based liqueur is primed for mixing, and the handsome bottle will look amazing on a bar cart.
If you’ve got an eco-conscious Dad, World Whiskey Society Green Code Bourbon is uniquely bottled in a paperboard container, hence the expression’s name.