Here's how to pair your dad's favourite hobby with his new favourite drink.
If there was one unintended consequence from Patrick Swayze's 1990 film Ghost, it was turning a generation of men onto pottery. And though the minority have continued with the hobby – no doubt after realising they don't quite match Swayze in the looks department – there are still plenty of dads who prefer to be behind a pottery wheel than the wheel of a car.
Like any artist, these dads will appreciate the delicate production process behind wines like pinot noir and Champagne. Pinot noir is a notoriously fickle grape and winemakers must be at the top of their game to capture its potential in a bottle, so pick up a bottle of Rabbit Ranch Central Otago Pinot Noir for an affordable example of what's possible. After something special? Then keep the bubbles in the glass instead of clay (that's a structural hazard) with the Lanson Le Vintage Brut Champagne. It's made in the 'methode traditionelle', an intensive process that's an art in itself and sure to impress your creative dad.
James Joyce, Mark Twain, William Faulkner – you don't have to look far to find literary superstars that were partial to a nip of whiskey. It's only fitting, then, that you pick out a nice bottle of whisk(e)y – be in Scotch, bourbon, rye or otherwise – and gift it to your bookworm father this Dad's Day.
Our picks? Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve for the dad who loves his classic UK literature, like Jane Austen or Charles Dickens, and Bulleit Rye Whiskey or Basil Hayden's Straight Bourbon for fans of anything Americana like Steinbeck, Twain or Hunter S Thompson. Serve them neat, or on the rocks, and give your dad some space to sit back and enjoy himself.
It's been 30 years since Home Improvement graced the world's television screens, but the stereotype of the do-it-yourself dad still rings true. If your dad considers Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor to be his spirit animal, then there's no doubt he's partial to an ice-cold beer at the end of the day, whether it's to reduce his thirst or the swelling after hammering his finger instead of a nail for what must be the hundredth time.
Choosing the best beer for your dad can be difficult, which is why we like to separate the DIY dads into categories. Budding landscapers will love the refreshing fruitiness of Stone & Wood Pacific Ale after a long day working under the sun, while those tinkering around in the cooler climes of the garage are more suited to the smooth, malt-driven flavours of White Rabbit Dark Ale, often referred to as one of Australia's best dark beers. And for the dad who claims not to like craft beer? Brick Lane Draught is an honest, modern take on the classic Aussie draught beer.
Does your dad consider himself a bit of a wizard in the kitchen? Is he always behind the stove, throwing together unique dishes with varying levels of success? Then a left-of-field spirit is just the thing to pair with the funky flavours he's dealing with in the kitchen, or as an aperitif while cooking or a rewarding digestif.
We're all about gifting the culinary-inclined dads something like Patron Reposado Tequila, which can be easily mixed into a margarita and served up alongside a Mexican feast. Alternatively, a Curatif Spiced Negroni is the perfect accompaniment to the preparation stage, making chopping, shredding and marinating a classy experience. And for dessert? A De Luze XO Fine Champagne Cognac is a worthy digestif, with notes of ripe fig, candied orange, warm brioche and toasted oak. Dad will be well rewarded thanks to its rich, elegant and long finish.
Got a dad who decants? Then we've got a wine that he'll love. Wine geeks are simultaneously the easiest and most difficult people to buy for, with the choice of gift – wine – being obvious, but the details – which wine – much harder to decide on. Unless your dad is a vocal fan of whites, it's generally safe to go with a bolder style of red that will cellar well.
When it comes to choosing the perfect wine, knowing your target audience is key. Fortunately your target audience, in this case, is your dad, so that shouldn't be an issue. The most important question to ask – what kind of food does he like? If he's a fan of anything Italian, then a Barolo – known in Italy as the 'king of wines' – is a fantastic choice as they taste incredible, cellar for years and are relatively uncommon in Australia outside of wine circles.
Closer to home, Katnook Estate's '10 Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon is a top-tier wine from the much-loved Coonawarra region, perfect for pouring with lamb hot off the barbecue or roasted in the oven. And if your dad loves nothing more than a traditional Barossa shiraz, well, look no further than St Hallett, an iconic producer that loves shiraz so much they decided to focus exclusively on the Barossa's favourite grape. The 2012 Blackwell Shiraz was made in an excellent vintage and is drinking beautifully now, though it has plenty of years left in the cellar if your dad desires.
