Best Bourbons for Father's Day
These stellar sippable options are just what the bourbon loving dad in your life needs.
With Father's Day approaching, you may be wracking your brain about what to get him. A tie? Been done. Grill tools? He has a million. Booze? Now we're talking! And a booze that's great for making cocktails or drinking neat on the patio all summer? Enter bourbon. It's an American sipping staple and one that can make just about any father figure happy—for more reasons than one.
While bourbon does make a great Father's Day gift, the market is crowded and it's easy to be swayed by fun labels and interesting blends. Since he's too important to take a chance on, we made it easy for you to pick out the perfect gift for your dad, based on his personality.
For the DIY Dad: Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Original
For many people, it's just not Valentine's Day without roses—in any color—with their signature look and scent. "Garden roses will forever be one of my favorite flowers," says Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer of The Bouqs Company. "They are the perfect bloom for someone who wants to still gift roses but is looking for something more niche and fragrant. They appear delicate and soft but have the durability and long vase life of a standard rose. You'll find them in the most incredible colors—often with two or three colors painted on the petals."
For the Classic Dad: Woodford Reserve Doubled Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
You can't go wrong with a bottle of Woodford Reserve. This classic American bourbon is the sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, and is rooted in American culture. Up the ante this Father's Day with a bottle of Woodford's Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Smooth, elegant, and complex, this sipper has tasting notes of oak, caramel, and chocolate.
If your dad loves bourbon drinks, add some of Woodford's mixers.
For the Dad Who Marches to the Beat of His Own Drum: Barrell Bourbon, Batch 032
What started with a distillery tour ended up changing Joe Beatrice's life. And now this bourbon distiller has created a brand that has upended all expectations—kind of like your dad? Barrell's Batch 032 is formed in two sets of barrels—a set that imparts creamy, tropical notes and another that is more complex. The result is a bourbon that is rich and multifaceted with layers of spice, nuttiness, and even chocolate—like cinnamon roll meets buttery brioche on the palate with a kick of wasabi (trust us on this!). Get ready to be your dad's favorite child—at least for this year.
For the Competitive Dad: Eagle Rare 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The only bourbon to win the double gold medal five times at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition is this may be your best bet when shopping for a dad who loves a bit of healthy competition. Aged for no less than a decade, Eagle Rare 10-year is truly special. A complex aroma of toffee, orange peel, honey, and even leather combine with tasting notes of dry oak complemented by candied almonds and cocoa. This bourbon gives others a run for their money, and is a good investment of yours.
For the Water-Loving Dad: Jefferson's Ocean, OCEAN Voyage 24
Whether he's hanging on the beach, grabbing his new gear for water sports, or spending a few hours out fishing or boating, there is a special place in your heart for your aquatic dad. So, may we suggest a bourbon that's similarly inspired by the waves? Jefferson's Ocean is barreled and aged on ships and was inspired by the swirling of bourbon in a glass. According to the brand, the rocking movement of the ships encourages more interaction between the whiskey and the barrel, while the extreme temperatures and sea air help give it a distinctive flavor that can't be achieved with other aging processes. The latest iteration, OCEAN Voyage 24, was aged in the heat of the Caribbean, and the result is a bourbon with elevated vanilla notes, as well as caramel and dark fruit.
For the Adventurous Dad: Hudson Whiskey NY, Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon
Your dad loves to take chances. Skydiving, scuba diving… drinking a bourbon from New York? Well, you can add that to his list this Father's Day. Hudson Whiskey NY's Bright Lights, Big Bourbon will speak to your dad's adventurous side. Bold and grain-forward, this bourbon is made with 95 percent New York corn (and 5 percent malted barley) and aged a minimum of three years in American oak. Palate pleasing, Bright Lights, Big Bourbon has notes of caramel, corn bread, cashew, and stone fruit and a long, warming finish. And, the best part? It's also pretty affordable. Let's call this a win all around.
