Fathers day is right around the corner and you’ve probably been slacking on the gift department haven’t you? I think we all have Mothers Day covered: A dozen roses, a few beauty products, maybe a nice trip to the spa and she’s taken care of. But what about Dad? He doesn’t want or need another tie, and unless you’re super awesome and can afford that vintage car/motorcycle he’s always wanted, chances are you’re gonna disappoint this year, again. Well as a member of the father club, I can tell you that alcohol is never a bad gift (Unless your Father is an alcoholic/recovering alcoholic). But don’t just grab him a bottle of his favorite liquor, he can obviously do that on his own. Why not upgrade him a bit and go for premium or super premium in his spirit of choice. I’m a huge fan of rum, usually I drink mid grade stuff though. When I want to splurge, I go for something like Zaya, an amazing 12 yr aged rum thats really meant for sipping on its own because it’s that damn good. It’s pricier than your usually $15-$25 rum but it’s worth it. So what does dad drink? Below we’ve outlined a few amazing brands in each spirit category that will make dad proud he brought you into this world.

Vodka:

• Stoli Elit: My go to vodka is Stolichnaya. But if you’re looking for a nice step up go for the Elit. It’s triple-distilled and undergoes a unique freeze filtration process which brings its temperature down to -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). As the liquid’s density increases, it becomes easier to identify and remove impurities. The result: great body and texture, and a distinctly clean aftertaste. ($59.99 / 750ML)

Scotch Whiskey:

• Dewar’s Signature: If you’re familiar with white label, you know its good, but we want GREAT for dad this year right? Each hand-numbered bottle of DEWAR’S Signature is an ultra-premium, exclusive offering, with Aberfeldy Single Malt at the heart blended with only the rarest of whiskies, some of which are a surprisingly young and vibrant age, and others exceptionally matured. By mingling younger whiskies with aged whiskies, DEWAR’S Signature culminates in an incomparably smooth Scotch whisky with notes of rich fruit and dark honey. ($199.99)

Rum:

• Myers Legend Dark Rum: Rums are a bit different. You can find some pretty awesome stuff at some pretty low prices. But if I had to find one to give as a gift, I think I’d go with the previously mentioned Myers Legend. The original Myers is an amazing dark rum, but isn’t really intended for sipping. Myers legend is smoother and warmer to the palate and less bitter. Send one of these Dad’s way and you might get put back in the will. ($47.99 / 750ML)

Canadian Whisky

• Carabou Crossing Canadian Whisky: Growing up in the Midwest, Canadian whisky was a big deal. Moving down south and it’s not quite as popular, but Crown is still king. Crown is good, but it’s more sweet than smooth and can be outdone. You can get dad one of the higher end Crowns, or you can spring for Carabou Crossing. It’s smooth with hints of vanilla, honey, and has a pretty sweet bottle to go on the mantle too. ($54.99 / 750ML)

Gin:

• Nolets Silver Dry Gin: There’s several goodies in the high end gin market. Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray 10, but for me if you want to show daddy some love, grab him a bottle of Nolets. It’s got floral and fruity notes like peach and raspberry and makes an excellent martini. ($49.99 / 750ML)

Tequila:

• Herradura Anejo: If Dad is a tequila fan, first of call, kudos to him for still enjoying it in his old age. Tequila is often looked at as the young mans spirit because of the wild nights that usually are to follow. But go to Mexico and they sip it and drink it like many do Rum or Scotch, neat all by itself. That’s because they know the good stuff. Cuervo is for college kids looking to get trashed. Want to impress dad, grab him a bottle of Herradura. Rich texture, a nice herbal taste mixed with citrus and vanilla and a nice long finish makes this a winner. This ain’t for making margaritas. ($42.99 / 750ML)

Bourbon Whiskey:

• Booker Noe 7yr: Another favorite of mine. I owe my love of bourbon to a friend I worked with in my liquor clerk days. He upgraded me from the cheap stuff to eventually my love for Makers Mark. But when I want something even better I spring for Bookers. Aged 7 yrs, smooth as can be, and yet very powerful at a whopping 120 Proof. Yikes! This will put hair on dads chest in case genetics never could. ($57.99 / 750ML)

Honorable Mention: These aren’t knock you off you’re feet tasting spirits, but they are decent respectively and more importantly, are gimmicky that Dad might want to throw in the man cave.

• Crystal Head Vodka: We’re not the biggest fans of this Vodka for it’s taste, but we LOVE it’s awesome bottle design shaped like a skull, thus the name. It’s created by an Actor most of us grew up watching, Dan Akroyd, and those two reasons help to keep this one selling. If Dad likes a lot of mixed drinks this one is perfect, and for sipping its not to bad either, then again, we aren’t big on sipping vodka.

• Big Dick Dark Rum: This one might be best for a fathers day gift from mom… But we tried this dark rum while on vacation in the Bahamas  mostly because of it’s name as a gag gift and actually enjoyed it. Mixes well, but I wouldn’t recommend sipping it. So if Dad puts a little something extra in his coffee or lights mixed drinks AND wants an ego boost, this one is perfect. (C

So that’s all folks. If you were still stuck looking for last minute gifts for dad, I hope we helped out a bit. And if you don’t want to get one of these for him, you’re always welcome to splurge on yourself with one of these fine spirits.

Cheers!

For more updates on the latest brand launches, cocktail recipes, and industry news, make sure to Like Us On Facebook, or Follow us On Twitter.