Why You Can Trust CNET Father's Day gifts for dads who enjoy their booze
There are so many ways to improve the drinking experience, and Dad deserves at least one of them.
Dad is the silent saint, bending over backward and running himself ragged to make sure the lights stay on and the grass stays mowed. And this he had to do it all in the face of in addition to thanking him endlessly for all the free hot water and electricity you've pilfered over the years, find a perfect boozy gift he'll love; something he would never buy himself, but would deeply appreciate having. From a well-crafted bottle of booze to a snazzy gadget or accessory that'll vault his cocktail game into another stratosphere, we did all the legwork. So put that shirt and tie combo back on the shelf and make some liquid magic happen for Father's Day.
For fans of whiskey, Flaviar is the way to go. This fine booze membership club entitles your giftee to one premium bottle along with a themed tasting box every quarter. Plus you'll get access to rare, exclusive bottlings, tailored recommendations and invitations to unique members-only events.
Flaviar costs $190 for six months or $300 for a full year, which amounts to four bottles along with four themed tasting flights housed in cool little vials along with the aforementioned member perks. Flaviar also has fine tequila and mezcal tasting flights for $42, in case Dad is more into that south-of-the-border spirit.
The complaint I've ever read about these beer glasses is that they keep beer too cold. I like mine cold as ice and if Dad does too, he'll love this gift.
An ice bucket is a simple way to throw a little mood on the bar and it makes a great gift that's also practical for a serial cocktail party host. This one, made of mirrored stainless steel with a midcentury feel, is a total Don Draper dream come true. Talk about classy cubes.
If Dad is a tequila drinker, these shot or sipping glasses are made from natural Himalayan salt and add a salty finish to his favorite tequila. They're solid and sturdy and won't melt away, so pair them with a good bottle of tequila, and get those bottoms up.
Spice things up with this small yet sturdy cast-iron mortar and pestle set. This bar tool will eliminate the need for ground spices, pulverizing whole peppercorns and fennel seeds to ensure fresher flavor and stronger aromatics in your drink. In the process, you'll also get a fun workout and stress relief. There's a reason this ancient food processor has stood the test of time.
These limited-release bitters were recreated with the original, now 150-year-old, Boker's bitters recipe found in the very first cocktail book ever published, The Bar-Tender's Guide: How to Mix Drinks, or The Bon-Vivant's Companion by Jerry Thomas from 1862. $38 might seem steep for bitters, but consider that this is a much larger than normal bottle (375 ml) and will last Dad a very long time.
It's a well-known fact that all dads love toothpicks, a fact not lost on funky online retailer Uncommon Goods, where you can get this set of oversize scotch-infused toothpicks soaked in premium Islay single malt. Smoky peat and caramel flavors are unlocked and released slowly as the (sustainably forested) wood is gently chewed.
A nice set of scotch glasses goes in the category of something Dad might not buy for himself but would appreciate. When you hold a well-made crystal tumbler in your hand, you notice the difference, and suddenly that $40 bottle of scotch or bourbon tastes like it cost $100.
Variety is not just the spice of life, but also the best thing about being a craft beer nerd in a country with over 6,000 breweries. Craft Beer Club lets Pops try some of the more uncommon and obscure ones without leaving the comfort of home. Each month's shipment features 12 beers in various styles from two different microbreweries around the country.
This story was written by David Watsky and originally posted at Chowhound.
