father's day gift guide, father's day, whiskey review, whiskeys for fathers day, rye review, booze review
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Do you still need to get your old man a gift for Father’s Day? Does he like bourbon or rye? Well, you’re in luck. Here’s a quick guide to six of our favorite bottles—all at different price points and flavor profiles—any of which are sure to cement your place as the Golden Child…at least for Father’s Day.

What’s that—your dad is more of a gearhead than a whiskey drinker? Don’t fret. We have a separate gift guide here, packed with great ideas for dads who love to hunt and fish.

For the King of Dads

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Bottle: Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye ($30)
Notes: This whiskey has done nothing but impress folk (and win awards) since it debuted early last year. It’s super-smooth and has distinct notes of spice, oak, and vanilla. If your dad likes Canadian whiskey, he’s going to love this.
The Perfect Occasion: During a game of cards at camp. Drink it on the rocks or mix it into a Sazerac. Or, if you insist, Dad, mix with a few glugs of Coke. —C.K.

For the Wild West Dad

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Bottle: Wyoming Whiskey $45–$50)
Notes: The first time I ever tried this small-batch bourbon was one evening at camp at the end of a Wyoming-pronghorn hunt. It’s hard for me not to make that connection when I enjoy it now. The whiskey is smooth and has notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and charred oak. Wyoming Whiskey has grown a lot since it first came onto the scene (and won its share of awards), and these days, you can now find a bottle in just about every state.
The Perfect Occasion: Sipping, on the rocks, while Dad tells stories of his favorite Western big-game hunts. —C.K.

For the Dad Who Likes to Indulge Now and Then

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Bottle: WhistlePig 12-Year Old-World Rye ($100)
Notes: I burn through a lot of cheap and mid-price rye, but it’s always nice to have a top-shelf bottle stashed in the liquor cabinet should a special occasion arise. The 12-year-old WhistlePig, at 90 proof and as smooth as they come, is such a rye. It comprises whiskeys finished in three different wine casts—Port, Madeira, and Sauternes—for a complex, sweet blend of flavors and spices. No, it’s not cheap, but it’s not too pricey to be shared among close friends and family.
The Perfect Occasion: After a successful day on the water with your old man, bust out the WhistlePig as your catch cooks on the grill. It’s not an everyday rye, but one to enjoy when celebration is in order. —J.R.S.

For the Top-Shelf Dad

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Bottle: Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release ($150)
Notes: Yes, it’s very expensive. It’s also one of the best bourbons I’ve ever tasted. (Many others on the F&S staff who sampled the bourbon with me would whole-heartedly agree.) The whiskey has notes of torched sugar and a spicy finish. A taste is enough to leave you weak in the knees—not because of the 92-proof strength, but because it’s so damn good.
The Perfect Occasion: Bourbon this fine tastes good anytime. Just don’t be surprised if Dad keeps this bottle all to himself. After all, he deserves it. —C.K.

For the Dad Who Appreciates a Good Deal

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Bottle: Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old ($45)
Notes: At 91.2 proof, this is a strong bottle, but it’s still smooth as can be. It has familiar notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit. Drink it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail—you can’t go wrong. You also can’t find a finer bottle of bourbon for the price.
The Perfect Occasion: Keep some in a flask packed in your fly vest. Offer Pops the first swig at the end of the day. Also: This bourbon mixes into one of the best Old Fashioneds you’ll ever have. —C.K.

For the Dad Who Likes to Keep It Simple

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Bottle: Four Roses Yellow Label ($15)
Notes: Though Bulliet 10 Year might be the best bourbon bargain, Four Roses Yellow Label is bourbon’s best-kept secret. It’s amazing that a bottle this cheap can taste so good, but it does. It’s great on the rocks, but this is the perfect whiskey to buy and keep on hand for cocktails. I love this stuff in a Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or Old Fashioned.
The Perfect Occasion: This Sunday—on Father’s Day. From all of us at F&S, here’s to all of the dads out there. Cheers. —C.K.