Father’s Day is but a few days away with Sunday 2nd September coming up fast. Got a gift for dad yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you with a few last minute gift ideas for Aussies to get across, from one of the most beautiful whiskies of the year to a pure shot of adrenaline. We’ve kept it to five this year so you’re head isn’t spinning with decisions, with options to suit all budgets and proclivities. Happy Father’s Day indeed!
Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition
The world’s number one blended Scotch Whisky has truly been on a roll with their limited edition releases over the past few years. Johnnie Walker have successfully tapped into a creative golden age which has given whisky enthusiasts some very interesting limited edition blends, the latest of which is their beautiful Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition. Yeah, you read that right: a Sherry Edition.
Coming from blender Chris Clark, part of the blend in this limited edition bottling has been matured in former Sherry casks, framing this whisky’s profile with a richer fruitiness than usual. Add malts including Blair Athol, Cardhu and Strathmill, all given great influence through expert blending, and you have yourself a very dynamic profile, defined by complex fresh fruit with orchard character, sweet vanilla, and gentle smoke.
It’s proven to be an incredible iteration on what is already recognised as a true icon of Scotland, with Johnnie Walker Black Label often referred to as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends being that it is created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from all four corners of the country. Exploring and elevating Johnnie Walker Black Label’s unmistakably smooth, deep and complex character with the Sherry Edition brings a new dimension to the classic, and makes the most obvious gift for the whisky-loving dad in 2018.
You’ll get extra points if you follow along with their suggested serves of the expression on Father’s Day. Either enjoy Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition in a highball glass topped with ice, soda and orange slices, or go for an Old Fashioned style by serving it over ice with a dash of bitters and an orange citrus twist.
Tasting Notes are as follows:
Colour: Deep amber.
Palate: Complex rich fruit with fresh orchard fruitiness, sweet vanilla and measured smoke.
Nose: Rich dried fruits, aromatic vanilla and distinct smokiness.
Finish: Warm, long and lingering. Sweet, creamy vanilla giving way to gentle smoke.
The limited-edition Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition (ABV 40%) is available now from all good liquor stores nationally for an RRP of $60 per 700ml bottle. To purchase online click here.
Adrenaline
Millennials aren’t the only ones valuing experiences over products now. Giving dad the gift of a thrill rather than some plain old socks is most definitely the right way to celebrate Father’s Day this year, which is why picking up an online voucher at adrenaline.com.au should be on your to-do list before 2nd September rolls around. The website, which lists over 2,500 bookable experiences has curated the ultimate unique experiences to “gift dad a life”, whether that means sending him off to learn a new skill like pilot training, or having him participate in a once in a lifetime thrill like jet pack flying.
There’s an enormous range of “mild to wild” experiences to pick from with examples being airborne adventure programs like indoor skydiving, helicopter rides, or flights in ex-military jet fighters starting from $69, or – for those looking for something even cheaper – pulse-raising driving experiences like driving a European Supercar or F1-style Formula Ford Racing Car on a race track starting from $39. You can even take the path to dad’s heart through his stomach with a range of food and drink experiences around the country, or even his mind with cultural experiences starting from $40.
You can also send him Skydiving from $199, give him a V8 Experience if a lifetime from $179, take him Jet Boating from $49 or on an unforgettable Helicopter Ride from $69. If that’s not enough, Flyboard Adventures, European Supercars, Quad bike tours and even Jet Fighter Flights go on to help make up just a small selection of the wide array of gifts the website offers.
If you’re heading on over to browse the options on Adrenaline, make sure you use their current promo code EXTRA15 which will net you $15 off all Father’s Day experiences over $79. All Father’s Day experiences are listed here
adidas PureBOOST Go
For the trendy and athletic dad, luck would have it that adidas have put out a new silhouette just in time for Father’s Day. Designed for street runners, the PureBOOST Go has been carefully shaped by the sneaker giant to offer a highly adaptive, all-new expanded Landing Zone for extra versatility and a better running experience. Breathable fabric has been used for the deconstructed circular knit upper with a custom design that improves flexibility and freedom of movement constantly so dad can run to work and rest easy knowing he’ll be in comfort all day.
Adidas’ trademark BOOST midsole has also been included here, which means dad should easily get a nice energy return throughout the day from this performance-driven silhouette that ain’t too badly priced either. At an RRP of $160, the sneaker can be found in three colourways (including a limited release black & white) online at or in stores from August 29th.
The Ideal Speaker
Audiophiles have been spoiled for choice this year, and for the music-loving dad there will be no gift greater than a new-gen Bluetooth speaker seeing as some of them have really hit the mark this year. First off, you’ve got the Sonos One, which has consistently proven to be one of the greatest and most valuable to date. Even if dad’s already got one, now is the perfect time to get him that necessary second so he can connect both and have a truly powerful listening experience. If you want to go a bit bigger, the Google Home Max was just released and has been receiving rave reviews, justifying its high price tag with both brains and brawn plus what is likely the best smart assistant experience around. Last but certainly not least is the Beoplay P6 from the always on-point Bang & Olufsen. The high-end Danish company have struck a very fine balance between retro and modern design with this one, and for it’s size its one of the smoothest and most powerful Bluetooth speakers on the market right now.
Young Henry’s Gift Pack
Young Henry’s is no longer just a ubiquitous team of Sydney heroes, the dominate craft beer purveyors have become national stars with their releases like the Newtowner and rare collaborations with the likes of Foo Fighters and Dune Rats. If you’re dad loves beer, chances are that he’s a fan of this Newtown-born brewery. Luckily for him, the crew have put together a sweet $45 gift pack for Father’s Day this year, featuring a 4-pack of their delicious Motorcycle Oil brew, a Darrel Lea Dad’s cooler bag, some Liquorice Bullets (because why not), one Batch 37 Fresh Liquorice, one Liquorice Allsorts, and of course one of those stylish YH trucker hats. Sound good? Go get it online here.
