While gifting a spirit or wine bottle to dad for Father’s Day seems like an easy idea, the world is full of over 3,000 different brands to choose from. Thankfully, we asked two professionals in the field, Amnelis Cruz of Pittsburgh bar Spirits and Tales as well as Suntory Global Spirits company, to make the choice a little simpler. Each chose some of their favorite bottles from deep, rich bourbons to crisp wines, making sure there’s a bottle for every dad’s taste. All you have to do is head to your local liquor store and find the perfect gift bag.
What Spirit or Wine Bottle to Buy Dad for Father’s Day
Wines for Dad
Clos de los Siete
Amnelis Cruz, lead mixologist of Spirits and Tales selected this bold red for Father’s Day because it’s elegant, smooth, and full of flavor, just like dad! With silky tannins, vibrant red fruit, and a hint of spice, it pairs perfectly with some of his favorites like steak, lamb, BBQ, game meats, as well as rich pasta dishes.
ROCO Chardonnay
This is Amnelis Cruz’s pick for the dad who prefers a lighter meal or something crisp and refined, especially on a warm summer day. It goes beautifully with grilled fish, roast chicken, creamy pastas or seasonal veggies. It’s a great choice for a dad that also has great taste.
Spirits for Dad
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
This one is for the Dad who appreciates quality without all the fuss. Amnelis Cruz notes that it is approachable yet premium, with a flavor profile that hits all the right notes from toasted oak to caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. Whether Dad enjoys it neat or in a classic Old Fashioned, this bourbon is a versatile pour that is sure to impress.
Maker’s Mark
This bottle pick comes from the team at Suntory Global Spirits. Created by Bill Samuels, Sr. to be a bourbon that he would enjoy drinking himself, Maker’s Mark is smooth and approachable with an easy finish. It’s a true contrast to hot, harsh whiskies that ‘blow your ears off,’ and a downright revolutionary idea at the time. Maker’s Mark is made slowly in small batches, in their National Historic Landmark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. While it makes any cocktail better, a lot of folks still prefer it on its own, or over ice with a splash of water.
Maker’s Mark 46
Another pick from Suntory Global Spirits, this bottle starts with fully matured Maker’s Mark straight out of the barrel. Then it takes a bold twist. They add seared French Oak staves to the barrel, and then finish it in a cool aging cellar. The result is a whisky with bolder, more complex flavors. But, it’s one whose every sip delivers the smooth, approachable whisky that Maker’s Mark is famous for.
Makers Mark 101
This last Marker’s Mark pick from Suntory Global Spirits is a signature family recipe at a special 101 proof for the holidays. Like all Maker’s Mark whisky, there’s a lot to discover within it. There is front-of-the-tongue bourbon smoothness but with richer and more intense flavor from the higher proof. It’s definitely different – and a rare treat for all who make the pour. Rich, creamy and soft spice with fruit and caramel. The finish is mellow with a midpalate finish that pleasantly lingers.
Knob Creek Bourbon
Suntory invites you to experience the well-earned, full flavor of Knob Creek 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for Father’s Day. Knob Creek 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged nine years to draw out the natural sugars in charred white oak barrels. This full-bodied Kentucky bourbon features an oak aroma, a sweet, woody, almost fruity taste, and a long, rich finish. Enjoy Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktails.
Basil Hayden Bourbon
Suntory Global Spirits’ last pick is a special one. Booker Noe loved bourbon for its character and craft. So he created Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – distilled to showcase everything great about bourbon while remaining inviting and approachable. Basil Hayden is a light, inviting Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It offers something to love for everyone, from bourbon lovers to those taking their first sip. It’s made with a high-rye mash bill and bottled at 80 proof, giving it a light yet complex flavor with the perfect balance of spicy-smooth and sweet. Basil Hayden is ideally served in light aperitif-style sipping cocktails that complement the spice and versatility of the liquid. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Zhivko Minkov
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.
