Fathers Day … If you Can’t Get Him Cohibas … May We Suggest

Father’s day is rapidly approaching and the question comes up: what do we get for DOD (Dear Old Dad)? Unfortunately, the penultimate gift would be a box of Cohibas cigars from Cuba, but the trade deals with that country have not yet been finalized so as the old Brooklyn Dodgers said every time they failed to make the world series, “wait ‘till next year.”

Another choice, rather than something to smoke, would be something to drink and since DOD does deserve the best we would like to introduce (or reintroduce) him to the pleasure of some really fascinating and perhaps even little known products that will definitely please him and make you number one in his eye, if you are not already there.

Sempé V.S.O.P. Armagnac ($54.99). We all know about Cognac and the basic fact that they are usually rather costly. There is another beverage that, in the opinion of some, blows Cognac out of the cask; Armagnac. The Sempé V.S.O.P. Armagnac epitomizes all of the qualities one seeks in a fine and elegant brandy. The subtle aroma of the plums and violets, which are also grown in the Armagnac region of France, are easily detected in its distinctive bouquet. On the palate, this brandy is extraordinarily smooth, with absolutely no sharpness or rough edges. It is a brandy that DOD will cherish and remember for a long time.

Calvados Boulard ($45). Calvados Boulard is a little known but elegant French apple brandy that resembles a fine cognac in its appearance, smoothness, and elegance. The apple flavor is understated but none the less there as it mingles with a hint of plum and apricot. Since Calvados is aged in wood, there is also the unmistakable oak and vanilla element in the background. What perks the interest is the amazing depth of this brandy. It almost seems sweet but it is in reality, it is dry. Calvados Boulard is a refreshing and novel turn away from the traditional gift of Cognac.

Old St. Andrews Clubhouse Blended Scotch Whisky ($37.99). Which came first, the famed St. Andrews’s golf course or the whisky? To compound that question even further, the Old St. Andrews Blended Scotch Whisky is presented in a large golf ball shaped bottle, dimples and all. Old St. Andrews represents the marrying of some of the finest Scottish malt and grain whiskies available, producing a whisky that is spectacular. This is a regal Scotch that displays the typical highland malt‘s telltale peat aroma and flavor but in elegant and refined amounts and is a Scotch that is worth considerable more than its price indicates

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Venezuelan Rum ($40). Since the Cohibas are out of the question and since DOD my be a cigar lover, nothing that accompanies a fine cigar better than rum and no rum goes better with a good cigar than the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Venezuelan Rum. Why Venezuelan Rum rather than a Caribbean Rum? The Venezuelan rums have a greater depth and richer flavor than many of the Caribbean rums and, in truth, don’t you want to present DOD with something different, and really elegant on “his” day.

Portón Pisco ($39.99). Rarely, in our years of writing about wine and spirits, have we experienced such a delightful and delicious beverage, which is sure to please DOD. The first aroma sensation is spring flowers and white fruits followed by hints of herbs and spice. The flavor takes off in a completely different direction displaying cinnamon and citrus with hints of grass and orange blossom. The finish is fruity, fresh, and extraordinarily long lasting. Portón Pisco is a beverage that is often used in mixed drinks but our preference is to enjoy the beverage neat and uncluttered with other flavors. We usually do not hang our necks out too far on the subject of alcoholic beverages but Portón Pisco is in a world, no, make that a galaxy by itself and has found a permanent place in our library of alcoholic beverages.