6.13.2011

Top Shelf Spirits for Dad


This Father’s Day, get Pop that trophy bottle that he’ll sip and savor until next June. Or at least until the leaves change color.
Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix

Snow Phoenix is a limited-edition (12,000 bottles in all) scotch made in sherry, bourbon and whisky casks aged 13 to 30 years. All of its ingredients were exposed to sub-zero temperatures when the roofs of several Glenfiddich warehouses collapsed from record snowfall (hence the name). Golden in color, it starts off bright (think green apples) but also has an oaky, salty depth. This is one silky smooth scotch.
47.6% ABV, $90
Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2011

Aged for 12 years, this is the latest of Four Roses’s annual offering of its limited-edition single-barrel bourbon—the spirit in each of the 3,600 bottles comes from individual, cream-of-the-crop barrels rather than a blend of several different ones. It packs a lot of heat at first, but the more experienced bourbon drinker will appreciate the spicy rye flavors and a long finish full of ripe fruit.
59.3% ABV, $90
Hibiki 12 Years Old

This clean, smooth and incredibly balanced dram is a good introduction to Japanese whiskey, which favors subtlety and balance over more macho flavors. Aged for 2 to 3 years in casks seasoned with plum liqueur, it has a pleasant sweet and sour, slightly acidic taste. It’s easy to sip straight up. No ice necessary, and perfect for the flask.
43% ABV, $65
Ron Abuelo Centuria

Yes, rum is for sipping, too. Made to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary, Centuria is a blend of Panamanian rums aged up to 30 years. At first you’re hit by its rich caramel flavors, then leather and tobacco and, finally, a little tropical spice. But mostly, you’ll be blown away by its smoothness.
40% ABV, $130
Herradura Seleccion Suprema

Aged for more than four years in American oak barrels, this Extra Añejo tequila is creamy, vanilla-y and has an ultra-long, oaky finish that’s practically whiskey-like but, with all of the agave notes, much more exotic.
40% ABV, $350



[Source: The Wall Street Journal, Photo: F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal]

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