We’ve already talked about how tool kits, World’s Greatest Dad mugs and tacky ties seem to be the Father’s Day gift of choice. But let’s get real: That might have gotten over when we were a kid, but fully grown folks should not be treating Father’s Day like it’s Throwback Thursday with the same childish presents. Clearly, we need to do better by dad. If you’re ready to step up your gift game, check out these options.
If your dad is a bourbon fan, why not get get him something special. OK, getting your hands on a bottle of Pappy van Winkle is probably not in the cards. Plus you’ll have to fight off hordes to find it before you will be allowed to pay top dollar for it. We recommend I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($35) and the Limited Edition I.W. Harper 15 ($75) . The 124-year-old brand hadn’t been available in the U.S. for the past 20 years, selling mostly in Asia.
One of our favorite whiskies is The Macallan Rare Cask ($300), a deep amber whisky that is matured in first-fill Spanish oak casks that formerly held dry oloroso sherry for 18 months. The result is rich and meaty, with distinctive dried fruit (apricot, cherry, raisin) notes derived from the sherry casks.
Smokey, peaty whiskey aficionados will love two new single malt whiskies from Ledaig. The first is the 18 Year Old, the distillery’s first for that age statement, which matured in oak and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. It’s complexity marries the peated Hebridean style with sweet and floral notes. Just 500 cases are available in the U.S. and at $16o it would make a fine addition to any dad’s liquor cabinet.
Even more rare is the Ledaig Dúsgadh 42 Year Old, the rarest and oldest single malt whisky the distillery has ever produced. How rare? Only 100 bottles will be released in the U.S. and at $5,000 a pop, your Pop would be a lucky, and grateful, to get his hands on one.