When you’re looking for a classy gift to give your father for Father’s Day, you may decide on alcohol as a great choice. And what better alcohol to give to any special man in your life than whisky? Whisky is often considered a masculine liquor choice, and many dads are big fans of it. Even if your dad has never tried whisky before, it can be fun and exciting to introduce him to the world of this upscale beverage through your Father’s Day gift. But how can you know which type of whisky is best to give away? Are there unspoken rules about giving whisky as a gift, or can you just rush out and buy the first bottle you see?
We recommend taking your time and choosing a whisky based on your father’s alcohol preferences. However, if you’re looking for some suggestions to help you get started, we’ve got a list that’s sure to make your shopping trip go a little bit easier. Check out our five top whisky picks below to help you find the perfect bottle to give your dad the next time Father’s Day rolls around. Who knows? You may find one you want to try for yourself, too!
Dickel Tabasco Barrel Finish
Dickel is a well-known name in the world of Tennessee whiskeys, and Dickel Tabasco Barrel Finish is a unique and fun twist on the classic from this distiller. This whiskey comes from Dickel’s original recipe, which is then placed in old tabasco pepper barrels and aged for an additional 30 days. This process adds a spicy and somewhat smoky flavor to the whiskey as well as some sweet undertones. It’s bottled in a glass bottle that is designed to look similar to a tabasco bottle to finish off the whole theme. Although the aging process means that it cannot really be labeled as a whiskey anymore, this is a fun gift for any dad who would like something a little out of the box.
Price range: $
Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut
Okay, so the most tried-and-true whiskey aficionado may not be too interested in having a bottle of Jim Beam on the shelf when there are a lot of higher-end options out there. However, the Distiller’s Cut selection is a truly remarkable bottle of whiskey that is sure to change your dad’s mind even if he’s a little bit of a whiskey elitist. On the other hand, if your dad is just getting started in the world of whiskey, then he’s sure to be pleased with this slightly better-than-average bottle that’s still in the affordable range of prices for just about any gift-giving budget.
Price range: $
Glenrothes Vintage 2004
If you’re looking for a bottle of whisky to gift for Father’s Day that will look beautiful on the shelf and be just as pleasing to the palate, consider Glenrothes Vintage 2004. This whisky is a sherry-style liquor that uses oak barrels for aging, giving it a sweeter finish than many other whiskies out there. It’s a single malt and was bottled in 2004, so it’s at the perfect age for sipping and enjoying without having to let it age any further on the shelf. With its honey-gold color, this whisky has a lovely appearance that will make it stand out among even some of the higher-end options on the market.
Price range: $$
E. H. Taylor Four Grain
When your dad is a big fan of modern, stylish whiskey, E. H. Taylor Four Grain is sure to please. This whiskey was noted as whiskey of the year in 2017, so that makes it a little challenging to find. However, if you do come across it, it makes an excellent gift as well as a treat for yourself. This whiskey is made with wheat and rye before being aged for 13 years prior to bottling. The bottle itself is unassuming and elegant with a touch of class without being too over-the-top. Any dad who loves whiskey and loves trying something he probably hasn’t been able to get his hands on yet for himself will be happy receiving a bottle of this liquor for the holidays.
Price range: $$
Highland Park The Dark
Some dads know their whisky, and some dads have expensive taste. If this sounds like your dad—but you still don’t want to drop a thousand dollars on a bottle of liquor for Father’s Day—then you may want to consider Highland Park The Dark. This whisky comes from the well-known Highland Park label, known for its full and sweet flavor that just can’t be matched. The Dark is a 17-year-old whisky that comes in a sleek, stylish and unique bottle and is sure to make your dad’s whisky shelf look complete when it’s on display. It even comes with a separate display case, so if Dad isn’t quite ready to try it yet, he can use it as a conversation starter or just admire it until he’s ready.
Price range: $$$$
Did you find a bottle of whisky you’re interested in giving your father for Father’s Day? Although picking a whisky bottle to give as a present to anyone can be a little bit of a challenge, it doesn’t have to be too complicated. As long as you know a little bit about what the recipient likes and doesn’t like in terms of liquor, then it can be fairly simple to narrow down the choices and find something that will work for his tastes. For example, if you know your dad is new to the world of whiskey, then you may want to stick with something a little more familiar, like the Jim Beam option our list. On the other hand, if he’s into trying new things or has a broad whisky palate, the Highland Park choice may be better suited to your dad. With a little planning, you’ll be able to make the right call.
Choose from our list of favorites above and your dad will be sure to have a happy Father’s Day!