Bourbon For Dad
by Robert Giles
It can be confusing trying to find a gift for dad when his special day comes around. Bourbon is one of those things that can be an easy gift to grab. If you’re unsure about which one to get, we have a handy listing of our Top Ten Sellers that has something for everyone. You can, however, delve a little deeper and find some great and unique bottles that give that extra touch. So, let's jump right into some great options that may be the surprise hit gift.
Single Barrels
Single barrel whiskies are always a great option, and we have some good ones. On the higher proof side there's Knob Creek. It’s high proof is balanced with a strong caramel note. We also have the Four Roses Single Barrel. This bourbon is full of nuance with spice and dried fruit notes throughout.
Want to go for one of the new up and comers in the whiskey world? Smoke Wagon started a barrel select program for their straight bourbon and we jumped at the chance. A great limited edition gift!
Finally, there is the underdog: George Dickel 15 Year Barrel Select. This one is so good that when we had to choose between two barrels, we couldn't decide. So, we bought both. Fantastic flavors and an amazing price for a 15-year-old whiskey.
The Standouts
Store picks are unique and amazing gifts, but they’re extremely limited in quantity (after all, a barrel only holds so much whiskey.) If you want to grab something that’s available year-round and may become a new favorite for dad, here are some great options.
Maker's 46 takes the classic easy drinking of Maker's Mark and adds wonderful complexity that begs for exploration. Using a combination of specially toasted French oak staves that are added to the barrels, this whiskey brings all the hallmarks of an American bourbon with the subtle toast and complexity of French oak.
Wild Turkey's Kentucky Spirit is a single barrel whiskey selected and bottled by the father and son team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell at Wild Turkey. Kentucky Spirit usually has subtle nuances from release to release, but can often be easier to find than some of the rarer store selections.
This last whiskey is somewhat limited but is a great release for country music fans. Chris Stapleton partnered with distiller Harlan Wheatley of Buffalo Trace to release his own blended whiskey called Traveller. Now, don't expect this to be just a copy of Buffalo Trace. It is a unique beast and deserves to be judged on its own merits. Laced with caramel, vanilla, and aged fruit, this whiskey is a journey that is best savored on its own.
Hopefully, these tips will give you a good start picking a bourbon for Father's Day. If you don't find anything in our top ten bourbons or from these options there will always be one of our bourbon experts to help you with your decision. We can always help find that perfect gift and let you celebrate Dad. Cheers!