Father's Day is the 6th of September. Every year, the bottle shop aisle turns into a decision paralysis exercise for anyone who isn't across what their dad actually drinks. So instead of a page of everything, here's four short lists — one per type of dad — each with picks we'd actually stand behind.
The Spirits Dad
He has opinions. He'll tell you if it's peated, sherried, or "fine, but nothing special." These three cover a gin, a cognac, and a whisky — from "solid Tuesday-night pour" to a genuine step up.
Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin Not whisky, but worth leading with if he mixes as much as he sips. Fourteen individually distilled botanicals, half traditional, half distinctly Australian — blood lime, Dorrigo pepperleaf, lemon myrtle, river mint. A Sydney distillery bottle for a dad who likes knowing where things are made.
Hennessy XO Cognac The original XO, created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his own circle and the reason the "Extra Old" category exists at all. Dark chocolate, candied fruit, and a finish that's in no hurry. A step up from the everyday bottle without needing an explanation.
Dalmore 21 Year Old Not a limited release — this is simply the top of Dalmore's standard range, matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in first-fill Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks that previously held 30-year-old sherry. Dark chocolate, orange marmalade, espresso, warming spice on a long finish. The price here reflects age and cask quality, not scarcity — which is honestly the better reason to spend this much.
The Wine Expert Dad
He already has a favourite region and isn't shy about saying so. Don't bring him something generic — bring him something with a reason attached.
Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir Central Otago Pinot with red cherry, raspberry, and a thread of forest floor underneath. Silky rather than jammy — the kind of Pinot that rewards someone who already knows what they're comparing it to.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2015 The 67th vintage from the house, and notable for being the first where the wines were aged in large oak foudres — a genuine shift for a maison built on consistency. Citrus and brioche up front, structure and a toasted edge underneath. A bottle with an actual story to tell over the top of the cork.
Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 2017 (Gift Box) Ninety-eight points from Andrew Caillard MW, and a cooler vintage that trades raw power for perfume — violets, star anise, black pepper, soy. This is the wine-expert equivalent of a genuine cellar addition: a gift that says you take his palate seriously.
The BBQ / Backyard Dad
He's judged entirely by what's in the esky. Easy to pour, hard to get wrong, built for a warm afternoon rather than a tasting note.
La Chouffe Blonde 750ml A Belgian golden ale from the Ardennes — citrus peel, pear, soft spice, a clean dry finish. More character than a standard lager without asking him to think too hard about it.
Fournier Brut Cidre de Normandie Three generations of the Fournier family, working only with traditional bittersweet and bittersharp Normandy cider apples rather than dessert varieties. Dry, tannic, genuinely food-friendly — closer to a sparkling wine than a servo cider.
Fournier Doux Cidre de Normandie Same estate, same traditional method, tuned sweet instead of dry. For the dad who'll take convincing that cider can be a "proper" drink — this is the easier entry point of the pair.
The "Not Fussy" Dad
He says he doesn't want anything. He's lying, or at least under-selling himself. Two low-risk, well-made options that don't require him to have a strong opinion first.
Grosset Alea Riesling 2025 Clare Valley Riesling from a producer that's been doing this since 1981 — white stone fruit, citrus zest, precise acidity. Nothing to dislike, plenty to notice if he's paying attention.
Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Gift Pack with Glassware The Original, matured in bourbon casks for twelve years, with two branded glasses included so there's nothing left to organise. Citrus, honey, vanilla, orchard fruit — an easy, well-regarded whisky that doesn't require him to already be a whisky guy.
Still stuck?
Get in touch and tell us three things about him. We'll tell you what to buy.