With Father’s Day on fast approach, now is the time to find that perfect gift reflecting just how much you love and appreciate the “dads” in your life. Here are three thoughtful and budget-friendly beverage gifts ideas:
Esquire and Jefferson’s ‘The Manhattan: Barrel Finished Cocktail’ (www.Esquire.com) – $39.99
This is a brand new product that just launched this past April. It’s the result of Esquire magazine’s collaboration with Jefferson’s bourbon, who’ve teamed up to enhance the experience of enjoying a classic cocktail – the Manhattan. Bourbon enthusiasts will especially love this gift since it’s a barrel-finished, expertly mixed, ready-to-drink cocktail in a really great-looking bottle. And the price point is also tasty under $40. The beverage is comprised of six-year-old bourbon, both sweet and dry vermouth, and barrel-aged, spiced cherry bitters. He can enjoy it either on the rocks, or stirred and strained over ice to chill. So this Father’s Day, you can show your appreciation for the dads in your life with a drink he deserves – the perfect Manhattan!
Cairdean Vineyards Wines (www.CairdeanEstate.com) – $38 to $98
Cairdean is the Scottish Gaelic word for friends, and their varietals epitomize proprietors Edwin and Stacia Williams’ belief that wine is meant to be shared with those held close to your heart—that certainly includes dear ol’ dad. Cairdean Vineyards offers many great-tasting wine like the 2012 Haley Margaret White—a special blend of Pinot Gris, Roussanne, and Viogner bottled to raise funds and awareness of cystic fibrosis (for each bottle sold, $10 will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Another of their wonderful whites is the 88-point, award-winning 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay. On the palate this big wine enters with softness and rounds out with a sur-lie production style and hints of sweet oak on the finish. This winery’s red category boasts distinguished, award-winning offerings, including the 2011 Napa Valley Sangiovese, 2011 Atlas Peak Syrah, Acquaintance Cabernet Franc, and Acquaintance Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese is warm and shows character, with developed tannins and touches of spice, while the Syrah shows considerable nuance and fine tannins. The Cabernet Franc (my personal favorite) is round and lush, finishing smoothly with a touch of spice while the Sauvignon is balanced, showing developed tannins which provide a smooth finish. These Cairdean Vineyards wines make any occasion a special one and are certainly apropos for dad’s big day.
