Father’s Day is almost here. And whilst there are thousands of Father’s Day Gift Guides on the blogosphere, I wanted my entry to speak to the heart of what most dads really like—booze. If the POP in your life likes to get his drink on, then I’ve got a Father’s Day Liquor Guide of Awesome Drinks which covers the creative and conversational.
Casker’s co-founder Steve Abt shared his list of drinks that are sure to make your him smile with approval. You can count on these drinks being a hit with the dad in your life.
Without further adieu…
For the DAD Who Is an Explorer
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
Steve says, “Has your dad traveled around the world and then some? I’m jealous, and he is going to love this single malt. Amrut Fusion is a marriage of whiskies made from peated Scottish barley and unpeated Indian barley making it an incredibly complex whisky. And you can’t go wrong a single malt that scored an incredible 97 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, which named it the third best whisky in the world.”
Tasting Notes: Complex and chewy, it has a nose of milk chocolate, oak and almonds. Light on the palate, with notes of coconut and fruit. A medium long finish with hints of vanilla and peat.
Awards & Accolades:
Whisky Bible: 97 Points
For the Dad who Loves to Win
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2004 Bourbon Whiskey
Steve says, “If losing is not in your father’s vocabulary, then this is the bourbon for him. Having won “Whiskey of the Year” five times over and scoring 97 points from Wine Enthusiast, this single barrel isn’t familiar with losing either. Aged for nearly 10 years under the intense Kentucky sun, this bourbon has an aroma of spicy oak, cinnamon and clove that leads into notes of caramel, pecan, and roasted nuts.”
Tasting Notes: Aroma of spicy oak, cinnamon and clove that gives way to notes of caramel, pecan and roasted nuts on the palate. Initial flavors lead to touches of creamy vanilla and honeyed oak, and finish with a hint of cinnamon spice.
Awards & Accolades:
Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points
5x Time “Whiskey of the Year” Winner
If Dad is a Whiskey Connoisseur
Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Steve says, “First, that’s awesome and you should bask in his knowledge. Second, buy him this bottle of Scotch. The Glenmorangie Signet is aged up to 40 years, has full-bodied notes of coffee, almonds, cinnamon and orange and earned the Best Single Malt Scotch Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2013.”
Tasting Notes: Aroma of mocha, milk chocolate and tiramisu. Chewy, full-bodied notes of coffee, almonds, biscotti, ginger, cinnamon and orange on the palate. Finish ends with waves of creamy vanilla.
Awards & Accolades:
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2009, 2010 & 2011 Double Gold Medals
International Wine and Spirits Competition: 2013 Best Single Malt Scotch Trophy
Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points
If Dad Likes to Steal From the Cookie Jar
Barr Hill Gin
Steve says, “For the father with the sweet tooth, Barr Hill Gin is the way to go. Made using raw, organic Vermont honey, this gin is a celebration of one farmer’s special connection to his land and earned the Double Gold Medal at the 2012 New York International Spirits Competition.”
Tasting Notes: Round and viscous on the palate with notes of juniper and honey lingering on the finish.
Awards & Accolades:
New York International Spirits Competition: 2012 Double Gold Medal
If Your Father Is a Pirate (or Wishes he was One)
Kirk and Sweeney 12 Old Year Rum
Steve says, “One, get him this rum. Two, don’t tell him where you got this rum. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Kirk and Sweeney earned its name from a wooden schooner best known for smuggling rum from the Caribbean to the United States during Prohibition. While today’s imports are legal, they are no less desirable. This 12 year old spirit is aged in oak casks and scored 95 points from Wine Enthusiast[, which also named it a Best Buy].”
Tasting Notes: Aroma of earthy sugar cane and vanilla. The initial flavors of sweet nectar and honey give way to notes of oak and toffee. The finish, which is bold and ripe, ends with a smooth vanilla kick.
Awards & Accolades:
Wine Enthusiast:
95 points
Top 50 Spirits of 2013
Liqour.com:
One of the Best New Rums of 2013
If Dad is Intense
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Steve says, “Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky is known as one of the most intense, smoky single malt whiskies ever made. Powerful aromas of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea are signature to this Scotch, which comes from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Aged for a minimum of 16 years, this whisky was named the “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.”
Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea. Notes of peat, rich smoke and salty tang, which are balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and honeyed oak. Finish is incredible and intense, with complex notes of sweet caramel and fruits belying bolder notes of peat and smoke.
Awards & Accolades:
San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
6 Double Gold Medals
2013 “Best Single Malt Whisky (13 – 19 Years)”
If Dad is All About Presentation
Glacier Balls (Set of 2)
Steve says, “If your pops loves style, class and just a touch of elegance then these spherical ice molds need to be in his spirit repertoire. Not only are they are awesome to look at, but they keep drinks colder, longer. This mold creates the perfect sphere of ice with less surface area than traditional ice cubes, allowing it to melt more slowly while still cooling drinks.”
You can check out Caskers’ full Father’s Day guide here.
About: Caskers enables consumers to discover unique and extraordinary craft spirits from around the world for delivery to their door. Full disclosure; this means we get to taste every spirit that goes on our site…and more, it’s kind of awesome. Members can choose from our curated selection that’s updated daily or click autopilot by joining one of our clubs that delivers three full-sized (750ml) bottles every three months.
Happy Father’s Day, DUDES!
*Drink responsibly.
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