This year, get your father the gift he will really cherish
Father’s Day is that one time of the year you can make up for being a complete pain in the arse to your Dad. How you ask? Why, the answer is simple: whisky.
Now some dads prefer wine (don’t worry we’ve got a guide for that too), but for many there’s nothing like a sumptuous bottle of whiskey straight from the dram.
Understanding that not everyone has £150 to splash out on a gift, I’ve teamed up with whisky lover and The Independents Lifestyle Editor, Dave Maclean, to put together a comprehensive Father’s Day Guide across all price spectrums.
No matter what your budget, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s say thanks to Dad, the right way.
When you’re on a budget you need to be realistic, great whisky often comes with a price tag, but the good news is that not all great whisky has to come in the size of a full bottle.
Understanding peoples love of exploration, LVMH released their bespoke Glenmorangie gift set, giving you a sublime taste of The Original, La Santa, Nectar d’Or and Quinta Ruban.
A perfect idea for those who want great quality for great value. Buy it from Clos19.
Who wants just one whisky when you can have five? If your Dad continually boasts about being into his Scottish whisky, look no further.
This delicious set of five contains a variety of flavour profiles from peaty, smoky Islay to the fruity, malty Highlands; the soft, floral Lowlands; and the honeyed, often Sherried Speyside.
The range itself includes Glenfarclas (15-Year-Old), Lagavulin ( 16-Year- Old), Talisker (10-Year-Old), Dalwhinnie (15-Year-Old) and Auchentoshan ( 12-YearOld). Put simply, this great selection gives you the best of some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries and allows Dad to tempt his palate with multiple experiences in one.
If you’re looking for something a little quirky, here’s your pick of the bunch. It may sound a little odd, but this Peanut Butter & Jelly Manhattan isn’t half bad.
It’s perfect for those with a sense of humour who can polish off a Manhattan with ease. Bourbon is infused with a variety of interesting blended ingredients, including raspberry jam syrup and Himalayan rock salt. To top things off a raspberry scented wax closure seals the bot- tle, you know, just because.
The Boutique-y Whisky Company has built a phenomenal reputation for itself over the past several years with a vast array of sumptuous whiskies in bottles designed to truly catch the eye.
They recently teamed up with Majestic to create a one of a kind 18-year whisky at an even more attractive price point of just £45. Expect lemon drizzle cake, marmalade and chewy toffee to sit alongside chocolate truffles, cinnamon and malt loaf.
Does your Dad like a good craft beer as well as his whisky? Double the happiness with Glennfiddich’s new experimental range. I always take my hat off to brands who try to innovate and while the prospect of combining an IPA and whisky may sound hard to come by, they’ve pulled it off pretty damn well.
You’re looking at the world’s first single malt scotch whisky that has been finished off of IPA craft beer casks. The flavour profile offers a vibrant and zesty citrus with Madagascan va- nilla, fresh hops and white pepper spice. Throw in a twist of orange peel and you’re in for a real treat… or should we say, Dad is.
One for the history buffs — a very impressive attempt at recreating the whisky of the now lost Lossit distillery of Islay. The company uses archival records and other clues to attempt to recreate the likely flavours and aromas of long lost distilleries (many shut down in the 19th century).
The Lossit farm operation was once the biggest producer of whisky on Islay, and this bottle was created with a blend of more than five single malts, including a peated Ben Nevis.
It’s easy on the nose — a whiff of peach and some vanilla is at the forefront — but don’t let that fool you. It’s a lot more formidable in the mouth, with the typical smoky peaty kick Islay malts are known for, and the intriguing hint of peppered beef.
You may have heard your Dad talking about the craze that is Japanese Whisky. Over the past ten years Suntory has done an exceptional job at bringing these wonders to the UK market and in doing so has created a surge of demand.
The Hibiki Harmony is a blend of both malty and grain whiskies taken from the famed Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. If you want to step away from the traditional Scottish and Irish roots, this is your answer. Rich notes of white chocolate, apricot and orange peel combine with a spiced, cinnamon, white pepper and charred oak barrel.
The smoky, peaty, often medicinal—tasting whiskies of Islay can be overwhelming to the casual malt drinker. The mid-range 16-year-old is a go- to dram for many discerning drinkers, but the smell and taste packs a formidable punch.
This distillers edition was finished in casks that held sweet, rich Pedro Ximinez sherry, which means the peat and iodine is tempered by a sweet stick fruit notes. The rich smoke stills rolls across the tongue, as you’d expect from a Lagavulin, but you’ll get delicious rum and raisin flavours, along with a subtle nuttiness.
The finish is the biggest surprise: there’s a hint of delicate mushroom. Sounds strange? Trust us, you’ll love it. THE INDEPENDENT
You may have heard your Dad talking about the craze that is Japanese Whisky. Over the past ten years Suntory has done an exceptional job at bringing these wonders to the UK market and in doing so has created a surge of demand.