There’s something trite about getting Pop a bottle of something for Father’s Day, but part of the reason it’s so well trod is that, when done right, it’s a really good gift. A chance to either let him indulge in something he wouldn’t normally splurge on or introduce him to a maker that may soon become one of his go-tos. So with that in mind here’s three bottles chosen to nail the unexpected.

Ardbeg Smokiverse $165

I have a policy of not doing stories on, for example, “International Aperol Day” because there is no such thing as International Aperol Day. It’s, of course, made up by marketing departments and it makes me feel like a dupe falling for the scheme. Also unfair to real holidays like Memorial Day. The exception: Ardbeg Day, an actual grassroots movement by the lover of Islay’s famed smoky whisky that not only brings smokeheads together around the globe but also usually sees a special release from the distillery that only appears for a short while. And while Ardbeg day has passed (it was June 1st), this years special release—Smokiverse, slightly fruity in a pineapple-roasted-over-a-beachfire-sort-of-way—is still available in small quantities. And there are small quantities—these releases disappear and are generally never seen again and become coveted by collectors—all of which make it a smoky staple to anchor Dad’s back bar.

 

1 Mill Road Pinot $67

I haven’t met a father in nine years who isn’t now some sorta “Pinot guy.” Yes, some of them drink Meoimi (so not really classic “pinot” guys) but even a lot of those fellas have gravitated to more nuanced takes on the heartbreak grape. So, how great is it to not only give them a great bottle, but introduce them to a small-ish operation that’s handmaking pinot at the highest level? And that’s Naramata’s 1 Mill Road. The winery is run by husband and wife duo of Ben Bryant (a former VP of Winemaking at Mission Hill) and Katie Truscott and their winery on the northern end of Naramata is straight out of central casting for what you want in a fave winery: run by thoughtful, passionate people who are really creating wines of place and time. The wines can be tricky to find (there’s a tiny amount chardonnay at the BCL and Marquis has some pinot) so the easiest route is to sign Dad up for their list so he gets first crack going forward.

 

Bearface Whisky Wilderness #3 $60

Anthony von Mandl launched the Bearface brand a few years back and while it seems to have been successful enough, I’m perpetually confused as to why it hasn’t become more of a phenomena. Partly I think it’s underpriced—their benchmark Triple Oak is under $40—and when it comes to Canadian whisky it seems people are most comfortable at either super low or super high. Here’s hoping that our recent surge of patriotism shines a bit more light on the brand because their new offering—Wilderness Series #3—would probably hit the sweet spot for many a now ex-bourbon drinking Dad. There’s a sweet maple note that’s quite present but both the nose and the finish have a fresh greenness–almost pine forest like. The combo seems very Canadian to me and probably to Dad too. A solid toast to an Oilers victory lurks in here for the ol’ fella.

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan