What higher method to have fun Father’s Day than with a bottle of one thing particular? However with a lot whisky on the market to select from, deciding which bottle to purchase will be complicated.
The excellent news is there’s arguably by no means been a greater time to purchase whisky. Alongside established producers in Scotland and the US, whisky distilleries are popping up everywhere in the globe, serving to to create a various world of whisky. From Tasmania and New Zealand to Denmark and Finland, you’ll discover worldwide drams to go well with each style.
In the meantime the large names of Scotch, bourbon and Irish whiskey are actually upping their recreation as by no means earlier than, experimenting with uncooked elements, cask finishes and particular releases.
With revolutionary approaches to distillation, a courageous new technology of whisky makers just isn’t afraid to tear up the rulebook. They’re exhibiting actual creativity within the pursuit of recent flavours and distinctive new tastes.
The result’s that there’s one thing in our prime 10 choice for each paternal style. Maybe a 17-year previous single malt from Dalmore or the oldest bottling to-date from Jameson – or a tempting tasting set of Japanese whiskies from Drinks by the Dram.
Finest whiskies for Father’s Day
Annandale Man O’Phrases 10 Yr Previous Cask #125 Recent Ex-Bourbon
Exhausting to consider that it’s over a decade for the reason that resurrection of the Annandale Distillery in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. With a reputation impressed by Robert Burns, that is its first 10-year-old launch (there’s additionally a peated variant, Man O’Sword). It delivers perfumed apple and poached pear, with layers of honey and beeswax, plus notes of vanilla fudge from the cask. The excessive power provides it further grip; water teases out extra of the spirit’s fragrant character. Alcohol 58.8%
Cotswolds Hearts & Crafts Calvados Single Malt
The sixth bottling within the Hearts & Crafts collection, this English single malt was wholly matured – unusually – in ex-Calvados casks. Energy of suggestion perhaps, however a thread of frivolously stewed apples is all the time current right here, alongside a dusting of cinnamon and darker notes of golden syrup and treacle. A refined and pleasing interaction between gentle aromatics and deeper richness. Alc 55%
Dalmore Luminary No3 17 Yr Previous 2025 Version
The newest Luminary Scotch releases are a part of a tie-in with architect Ben Dobbin of Foster + Companions (there’s additionally a 52-year-old auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong). Some basic Dalmore components right here, with a wealthy, silkily textured character that’s massive on dried apricot, tarte tatin and occasional roaster. However there are additionally lighter notes of vetiver and scented pot-pourri. Alc 49.2%
Drinks by the Dram The Japanese Whisky Tasting Set
Tasting units are a enjoyable reward at one of the best of instances, however this additionally works as a type of primer on Japanese whisky, with six miniatures spanning a number of the most well-known names: Yamazaki, Hibiki, Nikka, Hakushu, Yoichi and Hatozaki. Pressed for highlights, I’d need to plump for the sweetly floral-tinged fruit of Yamazaki 12 Yr Previous and Nikka Coffey Grain’s natural tackle the bourbon template. Alc numerous
Fielden Rye Whisky
A yr on from its rebranding (beforehand often known as The Oxford Artisan Distillery), the USP of English distillery Fielden stays its work with heritage grains and no chem regen farming strategies. Whereas punchy, this can be a way more elegant rye than the basic American type, with floral and natural components overlaying cereal, pink peppercorn and a contact of menthol. Maturation in a mixture of American oak and ex-wine and Madeira casks brings candy notes of vanilla fudge and molasses. Alc 48%
Glen Scotia 50 Yr Previous Parts of Campbeltown Launch No1 Air
The primary 50-year-old launch from this Campbeltown survivor, and the primary in a deliberate annual collection, this venerable Scotch was distilled in 1973 and totally matured in refill American oak. That helps to elucidate its exceptional vivacity, with basic distillery characters of boatyard and seaweed, alongside roasted almond, dried pear and all spice. One for the intense collector. Alc 42.3%
Jameson 23 Yr Previous Small Batch
Unique to The Whisky Alternate, that is the oldest bottling thus far from Irish distillery Jameson, and is a world away from the model’s core product. A mix of single pot nonetheless and grain whiskeys, it shows the previous’s tangy, spice-edged orchard fruits alongside loads of vanilla and honey from the latter. Candy, however by no means cloying due to the presence of some peppy black pepper and even a jab of chilli. Alc 55.1%
Laphroaig Parts L2.0
Parts L2.0 is Laphroaig, however not precisely as we all know it: an unusually lengthy fermentation time of 115 hours conjures aromas of grilled pineapple, baked pear and even tangerine peel. Worry not, although – the basic Islay distillery character can also be current, with loads of smouldering seaside bonfire and Arbroath smokie straight from the pan. Sweeter than the benchmark 10-year-old, with touches of manuka honey and spun sugar. Alc 59.6%
Linkwood 2008 16 Yr Previous Bourbon Cask
An excellent instance of the typically underrated Linkwood, bottled solely for The Whisky Alternate by Signatory Classic. It is a straight-down-the-line, pitch-perfect mixture of distillery character and high quality American oak: wildflower meadow, lemongrass and confectioner sweetness, then pastel de nata and a mild undertow of baking spices. Within the present whisky local weather, it’s additionally glorious worth for cash. Alc 58.7%
That Boutique-y Whisky Firm 10 Yr Previous American Bourbon
A brand new addition to the terrific (and terrific worth) Boutique-y vary, this can be a basic Kentucky Straight Bourbon with as a lot grunt and energy because the bison that adorns its label. Baggage of vanilla, black banana, roasted hazelnut and sticky treacle, all carried on a candy, silky, corn-rich palate. After a decade in oak, there’s glorious depth right here, with secondary flavours of polished walnut and tanned leather-based. Alc 45.8%
