As everyone knows, Mother’s Day is practically a national holiday. Stores run sales, restaurants are jammed and the floral supply is decimated. By contrast, what do men get on Father’s Day? A lousy card, if anyone even remembers. This year, break the pattern and get him something he’ll cherish—hopefully, a spirit he can put in a snifter and enjoy over time.
If your Dad is a Cognac drinker and money is no object, consider The Last Drop. Two casks of this rare, 60 year-old brandy were found in the woods near the town of Cognac, and only 478 bottles were produced. The price may be steep ($2,700), but it comes with a Certificate of Bottling and a 50-ml miniature to prevent dipping into the bottle itself. Then again, you can get a nice bottle of VSOP for less than $100, or splurge on Martell Cordon Bleu for $125.
Blended Scotch is highly personal, but there are high-quality choices at every price point. Johnny Walker Blue ($225) is reputed to be as good as it gets, but many experts prefer the Gold label at a more civilized $80. The 25 Year-Old blend of Chivas Regal is considered to be the ultimate ($250), but the 18 year-Old is quite special and easier to find ($70). The same applies to Dewar’s: Signature ($250) is the top of the range, Dewar’s 12 (just $30) makes a wonderful and distinctive gift. If your father is fan of single malts, find out his favorite region and surprise him with a splurge.
When it comes to rum, Appleton Estate 30 Year Old ($395) gets high marks from connoisseurs, but don’t overlook the Mount Gay 1703 Cask Selection ($125) or the Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 year ($40), both solera blends .For true Bourbon lovers there’s only one choice: Pappy Van winkle, particularly the 15 Year Family Reserve ($75) and the incredibly rare 23 year Old ($300).
While your father will be thrilled to receive any of these, some choices will take a while to find—precisely why I’m giving you nearly a week to shop.
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