Next Sunday is Father's Day here in the US. The one day every year where all I ask for from my wife and child is freedom from projects and chores. Let me watch movies/tv or if you must, take me out to lunch. Preferably for wings and beer.
But this year my daughter no longer lives with me. She got all growed up and moved out on her own last year. That means I've decided that she needs to do something more for me than just get out of the way. I mean, she's doing that every day now. So in a strange shift of events, I want her to visit me on Father's Day.
And since she asked me what her mother wanted for Mother's Day, I'm going to assume that she has a similar lack of a clue as to what to get me. And since no one ever said I wasn't helpful, I've decided to share this list on the internet where she can be sure to find it. In order to be even more helpful, I've broken the list down by subject.
Whiskey (of course)
Now before you get to wondering how a guy could go asking his kid for booze: she's 21 now.
Four Roses Small Batch
I know that most people would choose the Single Barrel over the Small Batch. But I'm not one of them. I know that the regular release of the Single Barrel is an excellent bourbon, but I find this very tasty too and the price is right.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
If she wants to get me something with a bit more oomph to it, this guy comes in at a bit higher proof. I believe the ones on the shelf around here are still hovering at about 54% ABV. I've never been disappointed to see Rare Breed and I won't be if it shows up next Sunday either.
Willett Rye
Now, I doubt that my just-out-on-her-own child is feeling like spending too much on her dear old dad, but if she's feeling particularly well-off next week, she can place an order at Merwin's for local delivery or store pickup for this five year rye. I have half a bottle on the shelf, but it is my "special-occasion rye" so having another would not be a bad thing.
Books
So maybe she really doesn't feel comfortable buying her daddy some booze. Well what's the next best thing? That's right, books about booze.
Beam, Straight Up: The Bold Story of the First Family of Bourbon
For me, Fred Noe might be one of the most entertaining characters in bourbon today. I might not care for most of the whiskeys he makes, but there are a few I like very much and the teaser pages I've read of this promise to be very entertaining indeed.
But Always Fine Bourbon: Pappy Van Winkle and the Stroy of Old Fitzgerald
I've wanted to read this for a long time. I've got no real reason why, other than it sounds interesting. I'm not a Pappy drinker and do not aspire to be. In fact, if I ever see one on the shelf, I don't know that I'd buy it (not that this unlikely event is going to happen). The price is too high for me to not immediately get buyers remorse for blowing two or more months of my bourbon budget on a single bottle. But the book? That's only $11 on the Kindle.
And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails
I'm finding that I am getting more and more interested in rum lately. I haven't bought much beyond the cocktail ingredients that many of us have. I've got a white, a gold, and Gosling's Black Seal just in case I get a hankering for a trademark appropriate way to enjoy a Dark 'n Stormy. But that doesn't mean that the interest isn't there. And this book sounds extremely entertaining.
Food
If she is feeling really poor (and I remember feeling that more often than not at 21) there is always food to pair with the bourbon and books I already have in the queue.
Cheese
I talked a few posts back about the Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar and how well it pairs with the Old Pogue that I had. I've also had a Havarti that made Rare Breed taste just like heaven as well. And seeing as I'm from Wisconsin, the gift of cheese is always appreciated.
Chocolate
I've never found a chocolate and a bourbon that pair especially well together. Everyone else seems to though. And I seem to remember that these bourbon truffles made in Lexington were really tasty...and...hey they ship.
Crackers
I have a hard time finding the unsalted crackers to use during a tasting. Oyster crackers work fine, but if she really wants to surprise me and not pay a lot, this is the way to go. Simple.
Of course, all of these ideas are only if she needs to feel like a real capitalist and buy me something. The best gift of all would just be her presence. I sort of like just having her around.