5 Favorite + Unique Gifts for Whiskey Lovers

Father’s Day is right around the corner and since our House loves all things bourbon and whiskey, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite essentials and unique gifts for the whiskey lover in your life!

1. Whiskey. Let’s start with the basics…. meaning a bottle of some sort! We love the collection that we have (and continue to acquire!) and while we are always on the lookout for something from an Antique Collection and love something with a higher proof, these bottles are perfect for gifting and easier to find! The Four Roses Small Batch Select was recently released with a bolder and fuller body than their traditional releases and we really like it. The James E. Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof Rye is perfect for sipping or mixing, but if you’re only looking for a Rye to mix, grab the Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond!
2. Custom Glasses. These Bullet Glasses from Neptune Glassworks are my absolute favorite! They were a wedding present from one of my best friends and she hit the nail on the head— or maybe the bullet on the glass?! These are hand-blown glass with a copper bullet and each is slightly different than the rest making this a one-of-a-kind gift that’s the perfect conversation starter!
3. Cocktail Supplies. Sometimes a perfectly concocted Manhattan or Rye Stinger (one of my faves!) is exactly what the doctor ordered– but you can’t make it without the proper tools!
   1. Mixing Pitcher and Strainer: West Elm’s faceted glass and stainless steel strainer are just what you need to mix up your drinks in style.
   2. Muddler: This OXO Steel Muddler is perfect for muddling mint and fruit for mojitos and cocktails. The stainless steel is sturdy and the nylon head won’t scratch your glasses– win-win! And you can pick them up at Target or Williams Sonoma!
   3. Bar Spoon: Williams Sonoma teamed up with world-champion bartender and creator of Crafthouse Cocktails, Charles Joly, for this Crafthouse by Fortessa Bar Spoon. Made to multitask, this spoon also measures an 1/8 oz and the flat top can be used for micro muddling. I happened to get a Blanton’s Bar Spoon at an event and use that all the time too!
   4. Jigger: With all the mixing going on, you’re going to need the OXO Steel Angled Measuring Jigger. The angled surface lets you read the measurement from the top (so you’re not filling and checking the side!) and the markings are etched so they won’t fade or wear off.
   5. Ice Molds or Whiskey Cubes: you can go for the Original Whiskey Ball ice mold because it looks super cool, but we tend to use our Large Cube Silicone Ice Trays more often! We also have Whiskey Chilling Stones, so take your pick!
4. Bourbon Foods. When we were in Kentucky, we were introduced to Bourbon Barrel Foods and have been fans ever since! Their shop offered a peek into their signature soy sauce production, smoked spices and tastings. We love cooking with their Bourbon Smoked Paprika, Bourbon Smoked Pepper and Bourbon Smoked Garlic Salt, but they have so much more! In addition to their signature Bluegrass Soy Sauce (that’s the only microbrewed soy sauce in the US), there’s smoked spices of all kinds, candles, cookbooks and even apparel. If you’re ever in Louisville, be sure to stop by! When their motto is “Eat Your Bourbon,” you’re sure to love it!
5. The Ultimate Experience. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is on any whiskey lovers bucket list and would make the best surprise trip! Well, this may be harder to pull off as a surprise, but if you can, go for it! You can read about our experience on the Trail a few years ago! Be sure to hit the Urban Bourbon Trail if you’re staying in Louisville and most definitely stop at the distilleries on the Craft Tour– the ones that aren’t on the main trail, including Willett. You won’t regret it, I promise! And although the Buffalo Trace Distillery isn’t technically on either, it’s a must-go for anyone who loves whiskey. Home to E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Sazerac, Stagg, Weller, Blanton’s, the Antique Collection and so much more, they offer tours daily on the hour– I think ours was at 9am and it was awesome! TRAVEL TIP: the distilleries are not all close to each other. Some are an hour and a half away in other towns, so be sure to plan accordingly! Do your research, get a driver if needed and have fun! It will definitely be a trip to remember!