Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Give the Perfect Whiskey for Fathers Day


So you've decided to go with a bottle of whiskey this Father's Day. Solid choice. But if that's as far as you've gotten in the gifting process, then you're far from done. Deciding what to give is easy; deciding which one is where things can get dicey.

It comes down to two rules: First, when you walk into the store, you should already know what you'll be walking out with. Otherwise, your well-intentioned gift will seem generic and you'll look like a thoughtless ass that hit the liquor warehouse on the car ride over to your dad's. Second, approach whiskey the way you would any gift—your dad's personality and style should dictate your decision. More than price point or distillery, this will determine its success. If you can't come up with a single reason why a particular bottle is right for him, then it's probably not.

Now, you know your dad, but you might not be as well versed in whiskey. For that reason, we've hand-selected three bottles, each of them distinctive and complex, and identified the type of man they're most suited to.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Perfect for: The Traditional Dad
$225/750 ML

What it is:
This blended whisky is the most precious of the Johnnie Walker reserves. This rare, layered blend combines both young and old whisky stocks, hand-selected for intense complexity. Created in the early 19th century style, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is aged in oak casks and is infused with pepper for rich, explosive flavor. Powerful and smooth, it combines sweetness and peppery spice for a truly outstanding experience. Place your order by today, June 4th, to have your bottle engraved with a personal message and delivered in time for Father's Day.

Why he'll love it:
For the man who values tradition, no other whisky can compare with Johnnie Walker Blue's unparalleled luxury and 200-year-old heritage.

Highland Park Thor Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Perfect for: The Creative Dad
$199/750 ML

What it is:
Thor, a limited edition, 16-year-old Scotch, hails from Highland Park's Valhalla Collection, a tribute to the distillery's Norse roots. The first of four unique whiskies to be released, Thor is named for the mythological god of war and has a tasting profile to match. Make no mistake; this is an intensely flavorful whiskey with explosive spicy notes of gingerbread and smoke. However, they're tempered by a mild fruitiness. The balance of sweetness and spice seems to be, appropriately, at war from start to finish, lending an exciting interest and complexity.

Why he'll love it:
This whisky's rich back story will appeal to his innovative side and is prime fodder for cocktail hour discussions.

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve
Perfect for: The Laid-Back Dad
$39.99/750 ML

What it is:
Jameson's Irish whiskey manages to be mellow, yet multifaceted and complex. Aged in sherry and bourbon casks, it has a rich, earthy flavor and is the most popular of the distillery's Reserve collection. The toasted wood and spice notes make this award-winning whiskey a natural choice for boating, camping, or simply barbecuing in the backyard.

Why he'll love it:
This whiskey is as mellow and adaptable as the man who drinks it and is a welcome addition in any setting. 


Via: Give the Perfect Whiskey for Fathers Day