Delicious Father’s Day Gift Ideas

June 10, 2014— -- One of the hardest things about gift-giving holidays is being sure what someone on your list might like to receive. Something well-made and delicious to drink is always a good idea in my book. Father’s Day is around the corner and that’s the perfect time to look toward distilled spirits as gifts. I recently tasted through a number of different spirits, and I found seven that are perfect Father’s Day gifts. So whatever your budget is, the list below likely has something that fits in.

Speyburn 10 Year Highland Single Malt Scotch, SRP $30 – The distillery sits in the hills, built from carved stone sourced at the local namesake river. Nearby is the largest collection of distilleries in one area. This Scotch has an extremely fresh nose that is tempered by bits of salinity. Stone fruits are evident through the palate with peach, nectarine, and apricot all playing a role alongside a nice complement of spices such as white pepper and hints of clove. Oatmeal, yeast, and gingerbread spices are all in play on the finish, which is above average for the category. This even-keeled and easy drinking Scotch represents a very solid value in Single Malts.

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, SRP $30 – To create this expression, their Master Distiller marries four distinct bourbons to create one new blend. This bourbon has a deep, coppery color. The nose is loaded with vanilla and complementary spices as well as toasty oak. The palate is intense and hefty, layered with deep fruit flavors, continued spices, and a hint of mesquite honey. Barley, bits of nectarine and caramelized brown sugar are all part of the intense and somewhat fiery finish. Four Roses Small Batch is a very nice expression of bourbon, particularly at this price-point.

Phraya Aged Rum, SRP $40 – This offering hails from Thailand. Different lots of rum were aged in oak barrels for periods ranging from 7-12 years.  From those they select their favorite barrels to create Phraya. The appeal of this particular rum starts from the absolutely gorgeous and striking packaging. From there, the moment you pour it, the lovely golden color shimmers beautifully in your glass. The first whiff reveals a mélange of plum pudding spices supporting tropical fruit aromas. White fig, roasted pineapple, caramel, and cinnamon flavors are all part of the generous palate. The spice-laden finish, which shows off chocolate and crème fraiche, also reveals a bit of pleasing heat.  This rum is a winner all the way around from a country that I haven’t thought of for this particular spirit before.