Father's Day is just around the corner, and let's be honest, socks and ties are so last decade. This year, why not elevate your gifting game with something that’ll truly make Dad’s day—artisan spirits. Whether he’s a gin enthusiast, a whisky aficionado, or just enjoys a finely crafted cocktail, we’ve got you covered with these top-notch gift ideas. Let’s dive straight into the ultimate list of spirit-centric gifts that’ll have Dad grinning from ear to ear.
Craft Spirit Subscriptions
Forget the traditional wine clubs; spirit subscriptions are the way to go if you want to keep Dad’s bar stocked with the latest and greatest. Gintonica offers a fantastic gin subscription that delivers three 50ml bottles each month, perfect for gin lovers who appreciate variety. Each month’s selection is a curated surprise, showcasing Australia’s finest small-batch gins. If whisky is more Dad’s style, then WhiskyRocks delivers three 50ml samples of premium whiskies from around the globe, offering a tasting experience that’s hard to beat. For those who prefer a bit of both, Garden Street Gin not only delivers a full 700ml bottle but also throws in garnishes, mixers, snacks, and even bar tools. It's like giving Dad his own private gin-tasting event every month. And let’s not forget Curatif, which specializes in ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. Their subscription delivers two exclusive 130ml cocktails monthly, crafted by top bartenders, ensuring Dad has a bar-quality experience at home without lifting a finger.
Customised Spirit Bottles
If you’re after a gift that screams personal touch, customised spirit bottles are the way to go. Archie Rose leads the pack with its fully customisable spirits. You can craft a unique blend just for Dad, selecting everything from the base spirit to the botanicals, and finish it off with a bespoke label. It’s a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is tasty. Barossa Distilling Co. and The Canberra Distillery also offer similar options, allowing you to create a bottle that reflects Dad’s tastes. Whether he’s into bold, spicy gins or smooth, oak-aged whisky, a customised bottle is a surefire way to show him how much you know and appreciate his refined palate.
Limited Edition Spirits
For the dad who has everything—or at least thinks he does—limited edition spirits are the gift of choice. Lark Distillery has some extraordinary offerings like the Muscat Cask Finish II and the award-winning Dark Lark Single Malt Whisky, which was crowned at the World Whisky Awards 2023. These are not just bottles of alcohol; they’re collectible treasures that will take pride of place in any home bar. Manly Spirits has their Rockpool series, including the Ruby Dusk Gin, which is as visually stunning as it is delicious. And for something truly unique, Capricorn Distilling offers the Black Truffle Rum, which combines the rich earthiness of truffles with the smoothness of aged rum. Their Dumpster Diver rum is another conversation starter, made with sustainability in mind using upcycled ingredients. Limited editions like these are all about exclusivity, ensuring Dad feels like one in a million.
Distillery Tours
Why settle for just a bottle when you can give Dad an experience? Distillery tours are a fantastic way to spend quality time together while indulging in some top-tier spirits. Australia is home to a thriving distilling scene, with many distilleries offering cellar door experiences where you can taste their range, often paired with gourmet tapas. Whether it’s a local gem or a trip down to Tasmania’s whisky trail, a distillery tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft and a chance to sample some exquisite spirits straight from the source. Plan a day out, enjoy the scenery, and sip on some of the best spirits Australia has to offer. It’s a win-win.
Home Bar Essentials
If Dad fancies himself a bit of a home mixologist, then kitting out his home bar with some essentials is the perfect gift. Platforms like Amazon offer a broad range of bar tools that are standard but reliable. However, for something a bit more special, check out The Cocktail Shop, which provides high-quality, professional-grade tools that’ll make Dad’s cocktails the talk of the party. And if you’re looking to go all out, Barware offers everything from crystal glassware to state-of-the-art cocktail shakers. Give Dad the gear to shake, stir, and serve like a pro.
Tasting Packs
Tasting packs are like a mini-spirit adventure in a box, and they’re perfect for the dad who loves to explore new flavours. Gintonica and WhiskyRocks both offer tasting packs that include 12x30ml and 12x50ml samples, respectively. Each pack is curated around a theme—be it regional gins or a whisky style—giving Dad the chance to discover new favourites. For those who prefer to go straight to the source, many distilleries like Lark Distillery and Corowa Distilling offer their own tasting packs, often featuring their entire range. And don’t forget about non-alcoholic options! Monday Distillery has a fantastic 16x300ml pack that’s perfect for dads who are cutting back on booze but still want to enjoy complex, flavourful drinks.
Mixers & Garnishes
No great spirit should ever be enjoyed alone, and that’s where premium mixers and garnishes come into play. Sodasmith and Strangelove are known for their top-tier mixers that elevate any drink. From artisanal tonic waters to exotic sodas, these mixers are designed to complement high-quality spirits. And for the finishing touch, Gintonica offers a range of dried garnishes and tonique garnishes that are perfect for adding that professional bar look and taste to Dad’s cocktails. Whether he’s a G&T man or prefers a classic whisky sour, these additions will take his drink to the next level.
This Father’s Day, ditch the clichés and give Dad a gift that’ll truly make him smile. Whether it’s a carefully curated spirit subscription, a bespoke bottle with his name on it, or an unforgettable distillery tour, these gift ideas are guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, make this Father’s Day one to remember with the perfect spirit-filled surprise. Cheers to that!