Tasters Guild Orlando: Father's Day

Marcy's Corner Summertime Father's Day 5 de Mayo St. Patrick's Day Marcy's Archives

Sip Into Something More Comfortable

With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands

I was once asked to name my favorite whisky drinking occasion. I’d have to say it is when I first started with Johnnie Walker & The Classic Malts and was preparing to give my first tasting seminar. I was very nervous, so I decided to have a practice run. I sat my father down in his dining room, placed the full line of Johnnie Walker & The Classic Malts in front of him and proceeded with my presentation. Nine years later, my Dad is still my best guy to share a dram with. Fortunately for me, Dad is always willing to try something new whether a fine single malt, bourbon or his reliable Johnnie Walker. So with Father’s Day just around the corner, I’d like to share my favorite selection of Whiskies to honor our fathers.

My father is a long-time Johnnie Walker man and Johnnie Walker Blue Label has joined us on several special occasions. Nothing says exclusive, honor and valued, as the rare whiskies brought together to create the rich vanilla, touch of sandalwood and malty flavors’ of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

I’ve recently introduced Dad to another rare whisky, Crown Royal XR. This fine Canadian Whisky is a phenomenal blend of the last remaining whiskies from the Waterloo Distillery that succumbed to flames in 1992. Crown Royal XR starts with notes of fruit, vanilla and spicy wood. The blend boasts a creamy smoothness and a long finish. Truly a whisky that will never be repeated, there is only enough stock to supply a few thousand cases. So experience it now, and enjoy it while you can. Crown Royal XR is definitely one to have behind the whisky connoisseur’s bar.

When my parents first moved to the United States from Bolivia, Dad tells me he was introduced to bourbon. When I brought home a bottle of Bulleit bourbon, you can imagine his excitement. As Bulleit Bourbon was quite different to his customary scotch, we did a little taste comparison and enjoyed the differences in flavors. The sweetness of rye in this whisky makes the spicy notes stand out. We found Bulleit to make a perfect cocktail. Our favorite is Bulleit Bourbon and tonic with a lemon squeeze; this is a very refreshing pleasant cocktail for every occasion.

This Father’s Day, my Pop will enjoy a fine Irish Single malt. Since he is well versed in Scotch Single Malts, I decided to make this year a Bushmill’s 16 year old Single malt Irish whiskey holiday. With ”Three Wood“ maturation and finishing, a malt of distinction emerges, with a fullness of depth and flavor rarely found. This whiskey is first matured 50/50 in a combination of American bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks for 16 years and upwards. In these barrels, mild toasted wood, vanilla and sweet nutty flavors develop gently in the spirit. The malt whiskey is then vatted and married for many months in large old port wine pipes. A nice finishing touch of sweet wine character is acquired, and all these various flavor elements mature and mellow together mysteriously.

When you think of how to honor your Dad this Father’s Day aside from cooking him a great meal and making him king for the day, he’ll enjoy a little something just for him. A fine whisky would be a fabulous choice. So bring your Dad his slippers, wash his car, tell him you love him several times through out the day and join him as you both sip into something more comfortable responsibly, he deserves it.

Slainte! Salud! Cheers!