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THERE ARE TWO types of whisky-loving dads in the world. One is wildly adventurous, with a palette that seeks out unorthodox flavour combinations that defy expectations. The other favours the classics; he’ll opt for something elegant and smooth that can be enjoyed no matter the occasion, whether neat, on ice or in a cocktail. Of course, any number of whiskies could satisfy either type of guy. But Father’s Day only comes around once a year, and simply ‘satisfying’ seems like settling for less. If he’s anything like ours, the father figure in your life deserves the best of the best.
Over the years, our taste buds have encountered their fair share of drams. But when considering these two types of whisky drinkers — the unconventional, and the traditional — there are two whiskies that we would recommend ahead of the rest. Here, we take a look at the process, notes and storytelling behind them, so you can give your dad all of the details when you share a drink with him come Sunday September 1.
For the adventurous spirit: Ardbeg Anthology 14yo The Unicorn’s Tale
Capturing the “untamed spirit of Islay” — the Scottish island where Ardbeg is brewed — the second addition to the Ardbeg Anthology collection is perfect for the whisky drinker who thirsts for something different. The most complex of all the Islay malts, it’s peaty, sweet, smoky and deep, while also remaining supremely balanced. According to the brand, the name is inspired by the myth of the enigmatic Islay Unicorn, which locals claim to have spotted on a few occasions over the years.
So, how did Ardbeg strike such a balance between these flavours? The answer is in the ageing process — and the peating level of 50 ppm. Matured for 14 years in aromatic Madeira wine and classic bourbon casks, it is this flavour combination — and the time spent on them — that achieves such a complex profile. Not only does it make a good first impression, but the Unicorn’s Tale evolves as it rolls through your palette, beginning with a light and inviting character before revealing a darker twist. It’s no wonder The Unicorn’s Tale won a double gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as two Gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 and the International Wine and Spirits Competition. You can’t argue with that.
If your dad is into Scottish whiskies that toe the line between rugged and refined, he’ll be elated to crack open a bottle of this special edition dram.
Why Esquire loves it: “The Unicorn’s Tale embodies the quality and depth that Ardbeg is famous for, with an added twist of drama.”
For the admirer of elegance: Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old
As the cornerstone of one of the world’s most respected single malts, you can only go right with the Glenmorangie Original. Aged for 10 years, it’s produced by marrying the elegant spirit of Scotland’s tallest stills with first and second fill American and white oak ex bourbon casks. The outcome? A whisky that is unbelievably easy to drink, and enjoyable to savour.
But a true original doesn’t come about without an obsessive commitment to craft. And indeed, at Glenmorangie, this is precisely how every malt is approached. Those original bourbon casks are only ever used twice, while the house even tends to an entire forest that surrounds and protects its Tarlogie spring. It’s from this spring that the distiller draws its hard water from; it’s one of the only Scottish distilleries to use hard water over soft.
The Glenmorangie Original 10-Year-Old is a famously light, fragrant yet complex whisky. It’s the ultimate gift for a father with a reverence for tradition. Hopefully, he’s generous enough to share.
Why Esquire loves it: “The Original 10-Year-Old single malt embodies the Glenmorangie ethos of ‘Delicious by design’. It is, quite frankly, meticulously designed to be downright delicious.“
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