Father’s Day is across the nook, and whereas a brand new tie or grill gadget would possibly get a smile, nothing says appreciation fairly like bottle of whiskey. Whether or not your dad is a seasoned sipper or simply entering into bourbon or rye, a considerate bottle speaks volumes.
We’ve rounded up six standout whiskeys, all beneath $100, every one with a particular story, taste profile, and character. From the outdoorsman to the dad-joke connoisseur, right here’s a information to selecting the best bottle in your outdated man this yr.
New Riff Bourbon – For the Dad Who Likes to Attempt New Issues
In case your dad likes to remain forward of the curve, New Riff Bourbon is a stable decide. This Kentucky-based distillery has solely been round since 2014, however its dedication to custom and high quality has rapidly earned it respect. This bourbon is bottled-in-bond, non-chill filtered, and constituted of a high-rye mash invoice: 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. It’s aged for a minimum of 4 years in full-size barrels and bottled at 100 proof.
Dad can count on a full-bodied, spicy sip with notes of caramel, vanilla, clove, and darkish berries, ending with a kick of white pepper. It’s a vigorous, trendy bourbon that also respects the classics. At round $45, it’s additionally nice worth for a craft whiskey that holds its personal in opposition to extra established names. In case your father likes exploring new distilleries or prides himself on discovering “the following huge factor,” this one will hit the mark.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – For the Dad with a Candy Tooth
For dads who benefit from the smoother, richer issues in life, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked delivers in spades. This bourbon is matured twice; first in a typical new charred oak barrel, then completed in a second barrel that’s been deeply toasted and evenly charred. The result’s a sweeter, extra dessert-like bourbon that also carries the traditional Woodford spine.
Made with a mash invoice of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, this 90.4 proof bourbon gives up layers of darkish caramel, toasted oak, marzipan, and a contact of chocolate. The end is lengthy, silky, and warming. Priced round $55, it’s the type of reward that feels just a bit extra luxurious. Excellent for dads who love a wealthy pour after dinner or who could be tempted to pair a glass with a cigar.
tenth Mountain Bourbon – For the Historical past Buff or Veteran
This small-batch Colorado bourbon honors the tenth Mountain Division, a legendary U.S. Military unit that educated within the Rockies throughout WWII. Based in 2014, tenth Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. celebrates this heritage with a whiskey that’s each daring and respectful.
Distilled from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, it’s aged within the mountain local weather and bottled at 92 proof. Anticipate a easy, approachable profile with toasted nuts, vanilla, and a contact of caramelized sugar. It’s straightforward to sip neat and versatile sufficient for a traditional cocktail. At about $55, this bottle carries extra than simply taste. It carries which means. In case your dad has a army background, an curiosity in historical past, or a love for the Rockies, this can be a considerate and symbolic reward.
TINCUP 10 12 months Bourbon – For the Outdoorsman
In case your dad feels most at residence in mountaineering boots or behind the wheel of a 4×4, TINCUP 10 12 months Bourbon is his bottle. Named after a Colorado mining city and capped with an precise tin cup, this bourbon is rugged in branding however easy within the glass.
It begins life as a high-rye bourbon (from Indiana’s MGP distillery), aged for a full decade, then lower to 84 proof with Rocky Mountain spring water in Colorado. The result’s a light-weight, silky whiskey with notes of cinnamon, pine, orange peel, leather-based, and a biscuit-like end. Retailing for round $58, it’s excellent for dads who like their whiskey with a way of place and journey. Bonus factors in the event you reward it alongside a weekend tenting journey.
Blackened Rye The Lightning – For the Dad Who Nonetheless Rocks
Made in collaboration with Metallica, this whiskey doesn’t simply play music, it makes use of it within the getting old course of. Rye The Lightning is a straight rye completed in Madeira and rum casks, then blasted with Metallica’s personal music throughout maturation in a course of they name BLACK NOISE. It’s stated that the vibrations from Metallica’s head-banging tunes draw out extra taste from the wooden in the course of the whiskey’s last getting old course of. The whiskey was crafted by legendary distiller, Dave Pickerell, whom Metallica thought-about to be a member of the band. Pickerell sadly handed away in November 2018.
This 92 proof rye is full of taste: pear, roasted almonds, muscovado sugar, and baking spice. It’s wealthy, layered, and only a bit unconventional in one of the simplest ways. Priced round $70, it’s a standout for the dad who nonetheless cranks up the amount, whether or not he’s driving or grilling. Even when he’s not a die-hard Metallica fan, the craftsmanship and daring character make this rye a enjoyable and memorable reward.
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye – For the Dad Who Loves a Good Pun
One other whisky crafted with the assistance of Dave Pickerell, WhistlePig PiggyBack is a six-year-old, 100% rye whiskey made for each sipping and mixing. Its title, proof (96.56), and even the pig-in-a-hat label all have backstories, the type of little particulars {that a} dad with a love for wordplay will recognize.
It is a spicy, full-flavored rye with notes of cinnamon, cocoa, citrus zest, and black pepper. It’s non-chill filtered and daring sufficient to shine in cocktails just like the Manhattan, however easy sufficient to take pleasure in neat. At round $50, it gives pedigree and character with out pretension. In case your dad enjoys each nice whiskey and ‘Dad joke’, this one’s a straightforward win.
Wrapping Up Your Father’s Day Whiskey
Whether or not your dad prefers candy and easy, daring and spicy, or one thing completely sudden, there’s a bottle right here to match his style. These six whiskeys every inform a narrative, and giving one reveals you set some thought into discovering one thing excellent. Cheers to Dad, and to nice whiskey shared in even higher firm.
