Father’s Day is around the corner, and while a new tie or grill gadget might get a smile, nothing says appreciation quite like a good bottle of whiskey. Whether your dad is a seasoned sipper or just getting into bourbon or rye, a thoughtful bottle speaks volumes.
We’ve rounded up six standout whiskeys, all under $100, each one with a distinctive story, flavor profile, and personality. From the outdoorsman to the dad-joke connoisseur, here’s a guide to choosing the right bottle for your old man this year.
New Riff Bourbon – For the Dad Who Likes to Try New Things
If your dad likes to stay ahead of the curve, New Riff Bourbon is a solid pick. This Kentucky-based distillery has only been around since 2014, but its commitment to tradition and quality has quickly earned it respect. This bourbon is bottled-in-bond, non-chill filtered, and made from a high-rye mash bill: 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. It’s aged for at least four years in full-size barrels and bottled at 100 proof.
Dad can expect a full-bodied, spicy sip with notes of caramel, vanilla, clove, and dark berries, finishing with a kick of white pepper. It’s a lively, modern bourbon that still respects the classics. At around $45, it’s also great value for a craft whiskey that holds its own against more established names. If your father likes exploring new distilleries or prides himself on finding “the next big thing,” this one will hit the mark.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – For the Dad with a Sweet Tooth
For dads who enjoy the smoother, richer things in life, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked delivers in spades. This bourbon is matured twice; first in a standard new charred oak barrel, then finished in a second barrel that’s been deeply toasted and lightly charred. The result is a sweeter, more dessert-like bourbon that still carries the classic Woodford backbone.
Made with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, this 90.4 proof bourbon offers up layers of dark caramel, toasted oak, marzipan, and a touch of chocolate. The finish is long, silky, and warming. Priced around $55, it’s the kind of gift that feels just a little more luxurious. Perfect for dads who love a rich pour after dinner or who might be tempted to pair a glass with a cigar.
10th Mountain Bourbon – For the History Buff or Veteran
This small-batch Colorado bourbon honors the 10th Mountain Division, a legendary U.S. Army unit that trained in the Rockies during WWII. Founded in 2014, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. celebrates this heritage with a whiskey that is both bold and respectful.
Distilled from 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, it’s aged in the mountain climate and bottled at 92 proof. Expect a smooth, approachable profile with toasted nuts, vanilla, and a touch of caramelized sugar. It’s easy to sip neat and versatile enough for a classic cocktail. At about $55, this bottle carries more than just flavor. It carries meaning. If your dad has a military background, an interest in history, or a love for the Rockies, this is a thoughtful and symbolic gift.
TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon – For the Outdoorsman
If your dad feels most at home in hiking boots or behind the wheel of a 4×4, TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon is his bottle. Named after a Colorado mining town and capped with an actual tin cup, this bourbon is rugged in branding but smooth in the glass.
It starts life as a high-rye bourbon (from Indiana’s MGP distillery), aged for a full decade, then cut to 84 proof with Rocky Mountain spring water in Colorado. The result is a light, silky whiskey with notes of cinnamon, pine, orange peel, leather, and a biscuit-like finish. Retailing for around $58, it’s ideal for dads who like their whiskey with a sense of place and adventure. Bonus points if you gift it alongside a weekend camping trip.
Blackened Rye The Lightning – For the Dad Who Still Rocks
Made in collaboration with Metallica, this whiskey doesn’t just play music, it uses it in the aging process. Rye The Lightning is a straight rye finished in Madeira and rum casks, then blasted with Metallica’s own music during maturation in a process they call BLACK NOISE. It is said that the vibrations from Metallica’s head-banging tunes draw out additional flavor from the wood during the whiskey’s final aging process. The whiskey was crafted by legendary distiller, Dave Pickerell, whom Metallica considered to be a member of the band. Pickerell sadly passed away in November 2018.
This 92 proof rye is packed with flavor: pear, roasted almonds, muscovado sugar, and baking spice. It’s rich, layered, and just a bit unconventional in the best way. Priced around $70, it’s a standout for the dad who still cranks up the volume, whether he’s driving or grilling. Even if he’s not a die-hard Metallica fan, the craftsmanship and bold character make this rye a fun and memorable gift.
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye – For the Dad Who Loves a Good Pun
Another whisky crafted with the help of Dave Pickerell, WhistlePig PiggyBack is a six-year-old, 100% rye whiskey made for both sipping and mixing. Its name, proof (96.56), and even the pig-in-a-hat label all have backstories, the kind of little details that a dad with a love for wordplay will appreciate.
This is a spicy, full-flavored rye with notes of cinnamon, cocoa, citrus zest, and black pepper. It’s non-chill filtered and bold enough to shine in cocktails like the Manhattan, but smooth enough to enjoy neat. At around $50, it offers pedigree and personality without pretension. If your dad enjoys both great whiskey and a good ‘Dad joke’, this one’s an easy win.
Wrapping Up Your Father’s Day Whiskey
Whether your dad prefers sweet and smooth, bold and spicy, or something totally unexpected, there’s a bottle here to match his taste. These six whiskeys each tell a story, and giving one shows you put some thought into finding something just right. Cheers to Dad, and to great whiskey shared in even better company.
