Cheers to Dad: Father’s Day Gift Guide
By Rob LeDonne
We’d like to propose a toast!
Here’s to all of the dads of the world! Regardless of the generation or walk of life, it’s fathers who are there for us when we need them most. Not only do they impart, either directly or indirectly, their wisdom on us, but they also make some of the best drinking buddies around. As such, Father’s Day is a prime time to bequeath the father (or father-figure) in your life with a clink-worthy libation: one that allows them to let loose and promotes some quality booze-bonding time to boot. So, here’s to the dads: we honor you with these boozy gifts that are worthy of any father.
IZO Mezcal Joven
For dads who are both classy and like to let loose, one can’t go wrong with the gift of mezcal. And while mezcal fans can find a copious amount of the varieties on the market, there’s a single brand that embodies both shining qualities. Hailing from Durango, Mexico (and based out of San Diego, California) is IZO Mezcal Joven, a brand that provides equal-parts top-notch craft (it’s source agave hand-harvested and slow-roasted in fire pits), taste (a subtle smokiness that is smooth as silk) and appearance (a sleek clear-glass bottle with a locally-sourced Onyx cap). Even better, dad can sip with the peace of mind that the distillery is environmentally friendly, outfitted with solar panels and even a colony of happy bees who propagate the plants.
IZO Mezcal Joven
Barcelo Rum
Whether thrown in a Pina Colada (or similar tropical cocktail), splashed in coffee, or sipped on the rocks, rum is a spirit option that’s versatile as it is scrumptious. When it comes to rum brands, Barcelo has any kind of dad covered: whether one prefers a no-frills variety (their imperial blend) a super-premium offering. Zeroing in on the latter quality, the company offers the Ron Barcelo “30 Aniversario” Imperial Premium Blend. Packaged in a oblong gold-hued tin, the interior bottle is full of the brand’s private reserves and is available in limited quantities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company.
Barcelo Rum
Bushwick Kitchen Condiments
For a dad whose taste is sophisticated enough that they frequently traverse top-tier cocktail bars, a collection of syrups and ingredients might be just the trick to enable him to experiment with cocktails of his own this Father’s Day. Cue: Bushwick Kitchen’s collection of condiments. Based out of the hip New York City neighborhood, the brand concocts lush bottles of delectable sweet and spicy condiments perfect for cocktail experimenting or for squirting on meals or snacks. And with three different varieties of both honey (regular, spicy and salted) and maple syrup (coffee, spicy and gingerbread flavors), the taste possibilities are never-ending.
Bushwick Kitchen Condiments
Partida Tequila
So, let’s say your father is a tried and true tequila lover. When Father’s Day rolls around, the choice is whether to give him a run-of-the-mill brand that can be found in any old liquor store, or to spring for a smaller company that deserves his attention. With Partida Tequila (based out of San Rafeal, California and sourced from Mexico’s eponymous Tequila valley), the answer to the aforementioned query is obvious. Boasting four distinct varieties (Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, Elegante), any tequila fan would salivate over the heart and soul and sheer uniqueness of Partida, all while forgoing the other boring brands we’ve all tried more times we can count.
Partida Tequila
Absente Absinthe Refined
If the dad or dad-figure in your life exudes nothing but class, he might be partial to partaking in a storied shot of Absente Absinthe. Not only does the company follow a tried and true recipe dating back to the 19th century (meaning it’s a real deal Absinthe and one of those pale imitators), but their Absente Absinthe Refined is crafted in the south of France- by hand, no less. Better yet, pair the gift of a bottle by also bequeathing an Absinthe spoon and you’ll both feel like you’re living a life of 1800s-era elegance.
Absente Absinthe Refined
ONE ROQ Vodka
Some dads are, shall we say… choosey? For the fathers in our life whose expectations may be higher than the Empire State Building, perhaps an ultra-exclusive vodka could whet even the toughest of whistles? Say hello to the ONE ROQ Vodka club, which bills itself as the world’s (yes, the world’s) first member-owned luxury libation company. Yes, the real draw here (aside from its ultra-premium product sourced from hand-picked corn and is gluten, sulfite and sodium free), is that ONE ROQ is also seeking investors which grants entry into a ‘club’ that grants members company equity, VIP invites, and a say in company decision making. It’s a gift that goes eons beyond a simple sip.
ONE ROQ Vodka
Four Peel Gin
If your dad isn’t so much a party monster but rather enjoys a delectable spirit while his nose is buried in a book, a bottle of gin could be just the thing to honor him with this Father’s Day. And while he probably knows all of the ubiquitous brands, odds are that Watershed Distillery’s Four Peel Gin could be just the thing to expand his gin-horizons. Based out of Columbus, Ohio and first released in 2010, Watershed bills Four Peel as a fan-friendly gin that’s easy to drink, and the perfect option whether mixed in a Gin and Tonic or enjoyed on the rocks. It’s like a bear hug in a glass… and is there a better time to give your dad a hug, both metaphorically and physically, than Father’s Day?
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