How often do you give dad a good Father's Day present? Like, one he'll really appreciate and thank you for over the next few months? I mean, honestly, he can only get so many ties or socks, right? How about giving him a good bottle of his favorite spirit this year, doesn't he deserve that? We've selected a few of our favorites we've had over the past few months that are sure to put a smile on the old man's face! So if you've already bought the tie or socks, go get your money back and spend it on this stuff instead.

For the Bourbon Lover

Image courtesy Booker's Bourbon

Booker’s Backyard BBQ

We’ve long been fans of Booker’s Bourbon, and look forward to their yearly releases, and we think dad will be too. Each release of Booker’s honors the famed Master Distiller of Jim Beam, Booker Noe. This release, just in time for Father’s Day, is definitely one of our favorites. Called Booker’s “Backyard BBQ” the new whiskey pays tribute to the summertime parties thrown by Booker Noe (called “bourbon-ques” of course). It’s aged for 6 years (6 years, 2 months and 10 days to be exact) and, at 128.6 proof, delivers hints of maple and vanilla.

For the Irish Whiskey Lover

Image courtesy Glendalough Distillery

Glendalough 13 Year

Earlier this year, Glendalough Distillery, Ireland’s first craft distillery, released this 13 year old single malt whiskey, and we fell in love with it immediately! It is the first and only Irish whiskey that uses Japanese Mizunara oak in the aging process. Mizunara oak is extremely rare and expensive, and is only found in the forests of Hokkaido. Dad will get notes of vanilla, honey and citrus. The whiskey is tough to find, and its price hovers around $90, but it really is one of the best whiskies we’ve ever had (and doesn’t dad deserve that?).

For the Gin Lover

Image courtesy Watershed Distillery

Guild Series Chamomile Flavored Gin

The small, Columbus, Ohio distillery, Watershed Distillery, is making some of the best spirits of any regional or craft distiller we’ve found. But its crowning achievement has got to be its Guild Series Chamomile Flavored Gin. This gin, made in collaboration with Columbus-based Cameron Mitchell Restaurants The Guild House, earned “Best Flavored Gin” at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Watershed starts with a corn and apple-based spirit that’s distilled in the style of a traditional gin, and then infuses it with rose petal, nutmeg and chamomile flowers. The result is an amazingly mixable gin that’s perfect for any cocktail.

For the Tequila Lover

Image courtesy Corralejo Tequila

Corralejo Tequila Anejo

Corralejo Tequila is one of the only tequilas that doesn’t come from Jalisco, Mexico, where the government of Mexico says tequila has to come from. Instead, it comes from the state of Guanajuato, found about 130 miles to the east of Jalisco. Why? Well, Hacienda Corralejo was the first commercial tequila distillery, opening in 1775, so their history definitely warrants some rule-bending. The Anejo is aged in new American oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months, resulting in notes of oak, smoke, cocoa, and vanilla and tastes of caramel, apple, pepper, and warm spice. Dad will love this one!

For the Rye Lover

Image courtesy Beam-Suntory

Knob Creek Cask Rye Whiskey

If dad’s a fan of robust and bold rye whiskies, then Knob Creek’s new Cask Rye Whiskey will definitely make him happy. They call this a “pre-prohibition style” rye, as it’s aged for 9 years, unfiltered and immensely spicy. This rye was designated the “Best Rye Whiskey” at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. At 119.6 proof, this whiskey is only for the fan of that immensely forward rye flavor. Quantities are extremely limited but it’ll be worth it if you can find a bottle!

For the Scotch Lover

Image courtesy Laphroaig

Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask

Laphroaig is known for exceptionally peaty and smoky Scotch whiskies. In fact, their entire marketing approach focuses on the fact that many think drinking a glass is like licking an ashtray. Needless to say, it’s made for a true Scotch connoisseur. If that’s what dad is, then he’ll love the Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask. It’s double matured in two American oak barrels, and then bottled at cask strength. The result is a rich and buttery expression with notes of peat and smoke, plus citrus and warm spices.

So there you go, a special gift for that special dad. Trust us, this year do something different and give him something he'll actually enjoy. Happy Father's Day!