From top-shelf whisky to hazy wheat ales, here’s what 11 of our staffers are reaching for this year.
Maybe it’s an old cliche, but dads can be a bit of an enigma. Sometimes they’re easy to read. Sometimes, less so. That’s what can make them so difficult to shop for. Who among us hasn’t asked themselves, stranded in aisles of a local bookshop, “Does this Tom Clancy novel really tell Dad how I feel?” Though he may protest the notion of a Dad’s Day gift, we know that deep down he always appreciates one, even if he won’t help us pick it.
So, to make things easy, we asked 11 Dan’s Daily staffers what they’re gifting this Father’s Day. Whether you’re shopping for your dad, stepdad, partner or any parental figure in your life, they gave us plenty of cracking gift ideas to share with you. They even sent us photos! From wine and whisky to craft beer and beyond, here are 11 things that’ll go down way better than the third edition of that cricketer’s autobiography. Best of all, you can enjoy these together, on the day.
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1. From Dimitri to Alex: Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Whisky Triple Pack
As the author of this article, I’ll go first. My dad loves a hot take. He arrives at them quickly and commits to the bit like a comedian doing crowd work. His latest target was single malt whisky. “Single malt is for self-indulgent navel-gazers,” he told one pushy bartender recently, feeling slighted by the less-than-enthusiastic response to his standard Johnnie Walker Black Label order. We were in a specialty whisky bar, for context.
But here’s the thing: I know he doesn’t really think that. He’s been gifting me single malts for Christmas and birthdays for as long as the law has allowed it. This Father’s Day, I’m going to remind him of that by returning the favour with a Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Triple Pack. He’s a fan of fresh, clean flavours, so I reckon three Speyside samples are just the thing to put this hot take on the rocks.
2. From Lara to Pedro: Prospero Añejo Tequila
We’re not saying Lara’s dad didn’t love last year’s gift (he did!), it’s just that he really appreciates a good tequila. “Like any good Mexican citizen, Dad’s go-to is always tequila,” says the Dan’s Daily Editor in Chief. “It truly doesn't matter how many he might already have in his liquor cabinet; another bottle is always appreciated.” So, this year, Pedro’s getting a bottle of Rita Ora’s latest co-sign.
“I don't think he has any idea who Rita Ora is, but he's a fan of the Próspero Añejo because it's beautifully rich and smooth, perfect for sipping neat, which is Dad's preferred method,” says Lara. “When his sister came to visit from Mexico recently, he bought it especially for her to try, so I know he's into it.” As for the Dad’s Day festivities? “We always cook a massive meal together – this year, we’re thinking an epic seafood feast.”
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3. From Anthony to Joseph: Pepperjack Certified Shiraz Cabernet
Dads get a lot of stick for being predictable, but we reckon it’s one of their superpowers. How else would we know what to get them for Father’s Day? “My dad thrives on two things: wine and cheese,” says Digital Media Coordinator Anthony. See where we’re going with this?
“For him, no meal is complete without a glass of Barossa shiraz,” Anthony says. “It perfectly complements his larger-than-life personality.” It’s only right then that his dad, Joseph, can expect a larger-than-life bottle of Pepperjack Certified Shiraz Cabernet to tuck into after Father’s Day dinner. “It’s just the thing to celebrate his passion for the finer things,” Anthony says. Here’s to that!
4. From Jean to Guy: 4 Pines Aussie Wheat Ale
Dads give guidance, but sometimes they need a little themselves – that’s according to Content Lead Jean, at least. “Dad is a ride-or-die IPA man, so this Father’s Day – as we move into the warmer months – I'm trying to broaden his horizons to get on board with lighter ales,” she says. “And I reckon this is the perfect brew for it!”
The brew in question is 4 Pines Aussie Wheat Ale. It’s fruity and hazy, just like an IPA, but with a lovely fresh kick of grapefruit, raspberry and yuzu. You know, for something different. We reckon her dad will love it, but we can’t help wondering if Jean has ulterior motives. “Selfishly, I want to see his fridge stocked with fresh, hazy ales when I visit him in Inverloch this spring,” she says. Very clever, Jean.
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5. From Tim to Steve: The Singleton 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Full disclosure: I live around the corner from Tim and have witnessed the majesty of his comprehensive bar cart firsthand. This man knows his spirits, so it’s no surprise that he’s picked an absolutely cracking single malt for his dad, Steve, this Father’s Day. “He usually likes spiced or flavoured rums, so I know he’ll appreciate the sweet, fruity notes of The Singleton 12 Year Old Single Malt,” says the Senior Designer.
A smooth, rich whisky that comes in an elegant bottle, this drop is sure to please anyone, but it’s all about the occasion for Tim. “I can see him enjoying this neat or over ice after a long day of entertaining the grandkids and cooking steaks on the barbie,” he says. “You can’t go wrong with Singleton. Plus, it looks great on the shelf!” Onya, Tim.
6. From Antony to John: Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz
We’re hoping Marketing Coordinator Antony has the camera ready to capture John’s face when he unwraps his Bogan on Dad’s Day. Yep, you read that right. Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz is what he’s gifting Dad this year. “I feel like this bottle just suits him,” Antony says. “But not necessarily in name,” he diplomatically adds.
“It’s an old-fashioned Barossa belter – sorta like him,” says Antony. “It’s a bold, pull-no-punches style of wine. It’s larger than life yet warm and soft and always makes you feel at home.” Okay, that’s actually really sweet. “It’ll definitely age better than him, though.” Antony! Jokes aside, we’re sure John will appreciate what’s in the bottle. Especially alongside the barbecued steak Antony has planned for him.
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7. From Lily to Al: Archie Rose Distilling Co. Single Malt Australian Whisky
Good whisky is a foregone conclusion for Lily’s dad, Al. “Sure as the sun will rise, my sister Sarah and I are certain that our dad will love a single malt for his gift,” says the Digital Content Coordinator. “He’ll start dropping hints before his birthday, Christmas and Father’s Day, of course. It’s a no-brainer.” We love a dad who knows what he loves!
“He’s very particular about it not being too smoky, which is challenging for his two daughters, who know very little about whisky,” Lily says. “So, this year, I consulted the experts here on our team and decided on Archie Rose Single Malt Australian Whisky. Not too peaty, with notes of espresso and sticky date pudding – one of AB’s favourite desserts!” You call your dad AB?! Jealous.
8. From Kate to Tony: Stone & Wood Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale
According to Digital Content Specialist Kate, her dad only really drinks on special occasions. So, she’s made sure he’ll have something delicious to enjoy this Dad’s Day (an objectively special occasion). “He loves a pale ale, so I’ll be getting him a six-pack of Stone & Wood Hinterland Hazy Pale,” says Kate. Made with three types of Australian hops (Vic Secret, Eclipse and Galaxy), this juicy, tropical-tinged brew is the first in a limited-edition series celebrating all things Down Under – and it sounds like the perfect way to mark the moment.
“Father’s Day is a pretty low-key event in our family,” says Kate, “so we’ll probably enjoy these with some fish and chips or a good pizza.” Good thing this beer loves food – battered fish and a hot pie, especially.
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9. Jake: remembering Dad with Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Jake is our talented Marketing Planning Manager. He’ll be thinking of his dad this Father’s Day, but we’ll let him tell you about him in his own words.
“The old man, while he enjoyed the simple things in life, often loved a bit of the top shelf when it was time to celebrate a milestone. Birthdays, anniversaries, and weekends away; I have fond memories of sipping Johnnie Walker Blue Label while chatting with him – about the early days, him growing up, ’60s and ’70s muscle cars, and how long it took him to walk to school. While he's no longer with us, I still like to keep that tradition going, and Father's Day is always a great time to reflect and reminisce about the good ole times. Cheers to you, Dad!”
10. From Melissa to Michael: Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2016
They say the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, so it was hardly a surprise to hear that our Events Specialist’s dad “LOVES a party”. Yes, in all caps. “He loves getting in the kitchen, preparing a feast and opening up a few bottles to share with family and friends,” Melissa says. She and her sisters are letting him do the cooking this Father’s Day (“He wants to do it!”) but they’ll be bringing a lovely bottle of Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz for him to open once dinner is served.
“Dad’s a red wine kinda guy,” Melissa says. “Not any red; it has to be big, bold and punchy to go with his homemade pizzas or famous barbecues.” Word on the street is Michael has four (four!) barbecues to choose from, but it’s his signature roast dinner with all the trimmings that he’ll be plating up this year. “Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz is the go. Dad will love it.”
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11. From Molly to Justin: The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Scotch Whisky
Molly’s dad Justin is, in her words, a whisky fanatic. “He loves building his collection and trying new styles,” she says. This year, the Content Producer is giving him something a little different to add to the pile – The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Scotch Whisky.
Aged in traditional whisky barrels before spending nine months in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks in a patented process called ‘wood finishing’, The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Scotch is a remarkably deep and complex drop. “I think this whisky, with the wood finishing, is the perfect present,” says Molly. “It’s not something he’d normally buy for himself, so I can see him getting excited to share this with mates next time he’s hosting.”
