Father’s day is coming up once again as we all rush to our local petrol garage to grab the last card available, why not get ahead of the game this year and get him something he will really like – a bottle of premium American Whiskey.
We’ve been drinking quite a bit of American spirits lately so wanted to present 2 different spirits that pair well with cigars – thus making great Fathers day presents.
As a dad myself, I often wonder what I would like my kids to get me (when they are old enough to buy me a gift) and something I love to collect is premium spirits.
1 – Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Jack Daniels have just re-designed their bottle giving it a sleeker new design.
Only one out of every 100 barrels is set aside by the Jack Daniel’s Master Tasting Panel to mature in the highest reaches of its barrelhouses. These areas of the barrelhouse present dramatic temperature changes, creating a truly unique whiskey.
This one-of-a-kind whiskey has a rich, robust flavour, accompanied with notes of toasted oak, vanilla and caramel making it a perfect pairing with a Montecristo number 2 or perhaps an El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme.
I was advised to try it with a dash of bitters and a twist of orange which really amplified the spirit.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel is available for around £45 and can be bought from the Jack Daniels Store and other leading supermarkets.
2 – Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve has been on our radar for a while now and I am always surprised when people say they’ve never heard of it.
If like me you are fan of Woodford Reserve, then you will love the Double Oaked.
It has the smoothness of Woodford Reserve with those Oak notes that linger, making it a spirit with more depth to it.
Cigar wise, I really liked it with a Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill as the cedar notes really complemented the oak notes of the spirit.
Woodford Reserve double Oaked costs around £47 and is available from Whisky Exchange and other specialist retailers.
3. Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Kit
Yes I know I’m doubling up on Woodford Reserve, however this little piece of kit is ideal for the dad that likes to make an Old Fashioned and thinks he’s Don Draper.
Cocktail accessory specialist, Tipplesworth has partnered with Woodford Reserve to create two exquisite gifts
Centered around The Old Fashioned classic cocktail, The Cocktail case combines everything needed to re-create the classic drink, from bitters and sugar to cocktail mixing equipment, with a 70cl bottle of Woodford Reserve sitting in pride of place. All products are displayed together in a beautiful leather-bound print case, inspired by the suitcases of mid-century gentlemen.
Perfect for the dad that likes to impress people at parties by making cocktails (I may be talking about myself here)
The Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail Case is available at Harvey Nichols for £185.
For those not looking to break the bank, there are also miniature cocktail making kits offering a compact version of the Old Fashioned Case, combining the basics needed to help your father revive the classic whiskey cocktail.
A mini bottle of Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select, sits alongside bitters, sugar, a cocktail stirrer and a recipe card in a stylish keepsake tin.
Great for the dad on the go who may want to make an Old Fashioned at work (again I may be talking about myself)
The Woodford Reserve mini cocktail kit is available at specialist retailers as well as www.tipplesworth.com for £19.95.
4. Old Forester Bourbon
If you really want to impress your dad this year with your spirit knowledge, then why not treat him to a bottle of Old Forester Bourbon.
As America’s first bottled bourbon, this spirit has some great history to it. Old Forester is the only bourbon that has been available pre, post and during Prohibition, and to this day is still made by the same founding family.
Made using a recipe, which is in keeping of when it was first introduced in 1870, the high in rye bourbon, is full bodied and rich. The spirit delivers a genuine bourbon experience, and smooth character, making it perfect for a Whiskey Smash, the traditional Whiskey Sour cocktail, or sipping neat.
We took part in an Old Forester cocktail competition a while back and found a great cocktail for cigar lovers which can be found here
Old Forester bourbon is available from all specialist retailers for around £30.
So there you have it. Our guide to some of the great stuff our American cousins are producing. If you are enjoying a glass on Father’s Day then give us a tweet and lets share a Twitter hashtag cheers together.