The dads we love: 7 famous fathers putting their own spin on parenting
Dads are getting their due this week. Ahead of Father's Day this Sunday (that's your cue to sort out the obligatory World's Best Dad mug, grilling doodad or the same polo shirt you've been gifting 15 years running), we wanted to dig a little deeper into what fatherhood looks like in 2025.
Research finds that, compared to 20 years ago, dads today spend about an hour more per week with their kids. (That's especially significant considering that the weekly total for fathers who share a home with their children is 7.8 hours; for those who live separately, it's just 36 minutes.) And while by and large, moms are still considered the default parent in their families — the ones who make the doctors' appointments, arrange playdates and get a call from school — there's been a small, gradual shift. In the era of intensive parenting, dads, too, are becoming more hands-on.
Using Yahoo's recent polling with YouGov, Yahoo National Correspondent Andrew Romano has a breakdown of how evolving family dynamics are playing out in homes across America. We've also sat down with several well-known fathers (and one skateboarding grandpa, Tony Hawk) to learn more about how they 'dad.' For comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, it's prioritizing firm rules over gentle parenting as he ferries his kids to Little League games and gymnastics practice. Alfonso Ribeiro is taking cues from his TV dad, Uncle Phil, and actor Hill Harper is leaning on his village for support as a single dad. Influencer Jesse Sullivan is showing the world that life as a trans dad is more relatable than people might think. Lastly, newly retired Olympic diver Tom Daley is enjoying having more time to be with his boys, while content creator Strider Patton's determination to braid his daughter's hair has spawned a girl dad movement.
Get to know these dads — our Pop Patrol, if you will — a little better:
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Forbes
15 minutes ago
- Forbes
35 Last-Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas That'll Still Arrive On Time
Father's Day is just days away (Sunday, June 15), so if you're shopping last-minute, our gift editors curated the best Father's Day gift ideas that are thoughtful and unique—and will get to Dad by Sunday. To find meaningful presents for virtually every type of father figure, we considered a variety of interests and looked for fast shipping times. Our top gift ideas include a smokeless fire pit for the outdoorsman, supportive sneakers for the fitness buff and a helpful pocket-sized Bluetooth transmitter for the frequent flyer. We rounded up the best Father's Day gifts that'll get to Dad on time, even if you're shopping last ... More minute. Is your dad more a creature of comfort? We made sure to include cozy essentials too, from comfy, dad-themed socks to our sleep editors' absolute favorite pillow. Plus, we have a range of under-$50 gift ideas that are sure to delight (no-frills breakfast sandwich maker, anyone?). In need of more last-minute Father's Day gift ideas? These subscription boxes for dads can be purchased same-day and will continue to delight him for months. Boarderie If Dad loves nothing more than a savory spread of meat and cheese, this Father's Day-themed charcuterie board will be the way to his heart. Designed, packaged and delivered directly to his front door by Boarderie, the bundle comes packed with artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and more. You can choose between three sizes, starting at $139 for a two- to three-person board. Every order has free overnight delivery, or you can send it as an e-gift (Dad picks the delivery date), which is great if you're short on time. Wayfair Popular among Forbes Vetted editors and readers (and the best overall fire pit, based on our rigorous testing), the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is portable so Dad (and his friends and family) can sit around the fire anytime, anywhere. It's also smokeless for cleaner, more comfortable breathing. Aura If Dad loves to share photos in the family group chat, a digital frame like this one from Aura will be a home run. Simply log onto Wi-Fi to add pictures and videos of the kiddos from holidays, vacations and birthday parties and he'll be grinning from ear to ear when he unwraps it. Aura offers frames in different colors and styles, many of which are available for speedy two-day Prime shipping. Amazon If Dad's favorite pastime is identifying bird calls and songs, this smart bird feeder will delight him. In addition to being able to hold 1.5 pounds of bird food, it's equipped with a high-res camera with night vision and eight-level magnification. Further, its built-in AI algorithm can identify over 6,000 bird species. And not only is it weather-proof; it's solar-powered, too. The best part: Your dad will be able to bird-watch from his phone. Brooks This lightweight and responsive sneaker is bound to be a hit with any dad who loves to run, jog or power walk—or who simply spends a lot of time on his feet. It's designed with a nitrogen-injected midsole for adaptive support and a mesh upper with subtle suede overlays to help ensure both breathability and structure. Choose from 16 colorways, ranging from black and white to bright blue or orange, to suit his style. Oura Ring If Dad is serious about improving his wellness, give him a smart ring that's sleek, modern and helps improve his health. The Ōura Ring is a health, sleep and activity tracker that's packed with sensors to keep him meaningfully informed. Founded on Nordic wellness principles of balance, it collects data on more than 20 biometrics—like heart rate, blood oxygen and activity—and sends insights to an app to help you create a custom sleep schedule, track stress levels and more. hermes Any gift labeled Hermès is going to be a hit on Father's Day; and for the dad who's been thinking about switching up his regular scent, this is a great option. The brand's first major men's fragrance to be released in 15 years, it trades the usual woody notes of a cologne for something a bit lighter. The result is a fresh scent with botanical notes of clary sage, narcissus and rosewood. He'll like it, and just as importantly, so will Mom. Lettuce Grow Dads with green thumbs or those who like cooking with fresh, flavorful produce will love the fact that they can grow non-GMO veggies in the comfort of their own yard or patio. This hydroponic garden is self-fertilizing and self-watering and comes with starter seedlings (you can choose from over 100 varieties), a pH test kit, water pump, timer and plant nutrients. sterling pacific Priced at over $2,000, this is a true luxury gift—but as someone who's had the pleasure of using it co-author Fran Sales can confidently say it's well worth the price (she was gifted a sample from the brand). This carry-on stands out: Features like the full aluminum body (of the kind used in aviation), reinforced corners, stainless steel rivets, Italian full-grain leather details and the ring-spun twill lining will stand out to the dad who appreciates durability and meticulous design. Don't worry, it's practical, too, with two TSA-approved double-spring-loaded combo locks, as well as a high-quality leather care kit. Amazon If your sandwich aficionado dad isn't the family chef, this Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker will be his new best friend. All he has to do is put his favorite bread in the bottom and top layers, followed by an egg and additional toppings to create a mouthwatering meal. It's ready in just five minutes with minimal cleanup needed. Amazon Your Dad's not a regular dad; he's a super dad. And with this gift set from Happy Socks, he can prove it at all times. The three cotton-blend pairs are comfy, colorful and will make him smile every time he slips them on. The set is also blissfully available with two-day Prime shipping. Amazon From the mind of Neil Patrick Harris, Box One is the perfect gift for the father figure that loves nothing more than a good game night. Full of trivia, puzzles, secret codes and more, the brain-teasing board game is designed to play by yourself—or if Dad prefers, the whole family can get in on the fun. Amazon The JBL Clip 5 waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets Dad play his tunes anywhere and everywhere from the beach to the trail to the garage where he's tinkering with his latest project. It has 12 hours of battery life for all-day listening and a clip that makes it easy to attach to a bag or stroller. Amazon Whether he's fully up to date on Real Housewives drama or just catches the occasional episode of Watch What Happens Live, any dad who enjoys a night of Bravo (perhaps more than he cares to admit) will tear through Andy Cohen's book about how fatherhood has changed his life. As its title—The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up—implies, it's witty, candid and heartwarming. Amazon If Dad's signature cap is getting a little worse for wear, replace it with one that's trendy and built to last. This 100% cotton canvas style from Carhartt is available in over 60 colors, so there's sure to be one that suits him perfectly. Even better, it has a built-in band that's fast-drying and will wick away summer sweat. Uncommon Goods Your dad's not a regular dad; he's a cool dad. And that's why this unique Uncommon Goods mug is the perfect Father's Day gift. The Brooklyn-made color-changing mug will display 'Cool Dad' when the cup is holding a cold beverage and 'Hot Dad' when it contains some steaming hot coffee or tea. He'll get a kick out of it, either way. Amazon Whether he's the go-to handyman around the house or he always has a DIY project or two up his sleeve, Dad probably wouldn't say no to an extra hand. Klein Tools' adjustable magnetic wristband will be just what he needs: It conveniently wraps around the wrist and uses rare-earth magnets strong enough to hold a wide variety of tools. And while the band is durable, it's breathable, too, thanks to the mesh interior. Cratejoy Sometimes it's the simple things that mean the most, and there's nothing more delightful to a dad than a box full of jerky. Each month, he'll get different brands and flavors so he's always trying something new. It's available in one, three, six and twelve-month subscriptions, but no matter which you choose chances are he'll wish it lasted forever. Goldbelly If you're shopping for a foodie who looks forward to cooking new cuisines, you'll hit the gifting jackpot with Goldbelly's Chef Of The Month subscription. Dad will get a monthly curated chef kit of the most sought-after delicacies curated by pros like Michael Symon, David Chang and José Andrés. From the savory to the sweet, it'll be a fun monthly surprise—and maybe he'll even save you a bite. tinned fish club This isn't any old snack subscription box. Having tried Tinned Fisch Club's offerings myself, I was impressed by how thoughtfully the artisanal tins were curated and complemented by gourmet snacks and condiments. Not only that, there was fascinating information included on each product's origins and the makers behind them, as well as recipe ideas if Dad is a little more adventurous in the kitchen. Sample featured artisans include La Barca, Tenorio, ICC Saury and (my favorite) ICC Sanma. Atlas Coffee Club Give Dad the gift of a caffeine pick-me-up with an Atlas Coffee subscription, a top pick in our best coffee subscriptions story. Available in whole bean, ground, Keurig pods or Nespresso pods, you'll be able to customize the recurring shipment to his preferences. Each delivery also comes with postcards that include tasting notes and history about each country's unique coffee growing methods. Cratejoy The Rad Dad Box is the perfect way to celebrate and support new dads on their fatherhood journey. Each themed bundle contains six to seven items designed to encourage bonding and playtime between father and baby, all sourced from small businesses. He'll get a book or toy for his tot, delicious snacks and items for some much-needed dad self-care. The Original Craft Beer Club Take the brewery tour to your dad's doorstep with Original Craft Beer Club's gift subscription of 12 microbrews every month (you can choose from a three-, six- or 12-month subscription). Each shipment features a curation of bestsellers and/or showcase brews from two American small-batch breweries. What's more, each can is freshly brewed to order and is accompanied by a newsletter detailing each beer's background and your personalized note. Amazon If Dad is still using that lumpy, old pillow every night, treat him to a much needed upgrade. The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow was named our best pillow overall after a year of testing, thanks to its plush shredded memory foam that perfectly cradles your neck and head. It's also entirely adjustable, meaning Dad can add or take out fill in order to get the exact level of firmness needed for his favorite nap position. On Named our best overall walking shoe for men, the On Cloud 5 sneaker is crafted with science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material with a cushioned feel that has been described as 'running on clouds.' It features a removable cushioned arch insole, plus a Speedboard running the length of the sneaker that promotes stability when walking to help Dad reach his daily step goal. Amazon Courant's wireless chargers offer a stylish way to stay powered up. The Mag:3 is a multi-device charger that's bound in either leather or linen. It also has a drop tray for stashing trinkets, which means he can juice up his tech and empty his pockets all in one place. Fair Harbor Fair Harbor's popular swim shorts offer various inseam lengths, a drawcord waist and dozens of colors and prints. The suit also has two side pockets that drain easily, a hidden zipper back pocket, four-way stretch and a mesh-free knit liner that's supportive but breathable. Even better, it's made using recycled water bottles. Leatherman For the handy, outdoorsy dad, what better gift is there than a Leatherman gadget, one of the most trusted names in multi-tools? We recommend Signal, which our gear experts Steven John and Cam Vigliotta crowned the best multi-tool for camping 'thanks to its rugged tools that include a large blade, a tough saw and a hammer, its ferrocerium rod (which can create showers of hot sparks) and its loud safety whistle that can be heard for miles in the right condition,' they say. WANDRD Gear Whether he's a frequent traveler, has a photography hobby or spends a lot of his days commuting, dads can always use a sturdy (and thoughtfully designed) backpack. Wandrd's Prvke backpack comes in three sizes, is built with weather-resistant materials and—what makes it one of the best dad gifts—is jam-packed with thoughtful features. For starters, it has a breathable back and comfortable contoured straps, a luggage pass-through strap, a hidden passport pocket and an easy-access clamshell-opening design. Its interior storage is also impressive, with plenty of pockets and compartments to organize Dad's essentials. Bespoke Post Whether Dad likes to watch baseball games or blockbusters, the CouchConsole Drink & Snack Tray will make sure he has everything at his fingertips. The console includes a self-balancing cupholder, snack container, phone stand, charging plug, remote tray, storage area and padded armrest all in one handy and compact unit. Amazon If Dad loves to travel, spare him the airline-provided headphones with AirFly's wireless headphone adapter. Now, he can watch all of his favorite movies, shows or games with the comfort of his own (likely noise-canceling) headphones. history by mail My dad is a history buff, so I couldn't pass up the chance to gift him this unique gift collection of historical cartoons. It is, by far, the most unique gift I've ever given him. Designed by a historian and artist, this 50-card set includes incendiary and funny cartoons from the colonial times to the civil rights era. Not only are the illustrations drawn on high-quality card stock, but they're also presented in a sturdy bamboo keepsake box. Amazon If he loves grilling in the backyard as much as he does hitting the green, the Poligo Golf Club Grilling Set is a thoughtful last-minute father's day gift that combines two of his favorite pastimes. The seven-piece stainless steel barbecue set includes tongs, a spatula, a fork and a basting brush—each with a handle designed to resemble a golf grip—plus a pair of golf ball salt and pepper shakers and a storage bag. Naturally, it's a hole-in-one gift. Mark & Graham If Dad is a frequent traveler he probably already has his favorite suitcase, custom luggage tags and plenty of packing cubes, but you can still level up his flying game with this zippered tie case from Mark & Graham that fits up to three ties, cufflinks, collar stays and handkerchiefs. Personalize it with his monogram for an additional $12. Uncommon Goods 'One of my dad's favorite gifts I've ever gotten him is this custom viewfinder,' says Forbes Vetted updates writer Claire Epting. 'It's delightfully nostalgic, and the personalization process was straightforward and fun.' The Create Your Own Reel Viewer comes with a unique code to redeem your customized photo reel online. Epting advises ordering it in advance to ensure the viewfinder and the photo reel arrive in time for Father's Day. When Is Father's Day This Year? Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June. This year, it's June 15. What Do Dads Love For Father's Day? When it comes to celebrating Father's Day, it truly is the thought that counts. In addition to having some quality time to do what he enjoys—relaxing with a beer, playing a round of golf or spending time with family (likely his top choice)—dads love to feel appreciated. In terms of gift-giving, presents that cater to his interests are a sweet way to show how much you care. This can mean a splurge-worthy surprise, like a quality outdoor fire pit, or something thoughtful, like an Atlas Coffee Club subscription or digital photo frame. What Can I Do For Father's Day On A Budget? You don't have to spent a small fortune to spoil Dad on Father's Day. Spending quality time with family is one of the best ways to celebrate the day, whether it's a brunch gathering, an adventure outdoors or a few rounds of a favorite game. Presents don't have to cost a lot, either; this list includes several under-$50 gifts, from a nifty breakfast sandwich maker to a portable (and waterproof) Bluetooth speaker. Need more shopping inspiration? We have several gift guides to help you find the right present for every dad in your life.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Fat Joe, Jadakiss, REFORM Alliance, And Sei Less Host Father's Day Lunch For Families Impacted By Criminal Justice System
Father's Day, for many dads, means getting a new pair of socks or thoughtful text messages from family members. Fat Joe and Jadakiss partnered with REFORM Alliance and popular New York City restaurant Sei Less this week to provide an unforgettable experience for those paternal figures who needed love and appreciation the most. Seventy fathers, along with their spouses and kids, gathered in a private room at the restaurant on Wednesday afternoon (June 11) to be treated to the exquisite asian fusion menu that has made Sei Less a must-go for New Yorkers and beyond. These particular dads, though, were those who had been adversely impacted by the criminal justice system and were in the process of reconnecting with their families and society. Joe and Jada shared opening words of encouragement, greeted everyone in the room, took selfies, and even checked out some of the attendees' music. It was good vibes all around — with fantastic food to match. 'Working with Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and REFORM to celebrate these fathers at Sei Less was truly special,' Sei Less owner Dara Mirjahangiry said of the occasion. 'Ahead of Father's Day, we really wanted to shine a light on these fathers who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and support their re-entry journey with compassion. It was a powerful way to bond through culture, community and cuisine.' Fat Joe and Jadakiss spoke with invited media members before the event about the importance of hosting these fathers, based on what they see happening in the world and their individual experiences with their fathers. Though the two have long committed to impacting their community, they know the work is far from done. 'My father showed me the importance of family,' Joe said. 'Supporting our brothers, supporting our sisters. He never gave up on nobody in our family. The guy always had a party. He always brought my stepbrothers, my stepsisters. He always made us one unit and made sure nobody left out nobody.' Jada advised fathers in the room, and beyond, to focus on readjusting and not trying to make up for time they missed while in jail. 'I would say just give yourself some time,' he began. 'Being a family member and a friend of a lot of dudes that did bids, [whether] federal, state, or what have you, sometimes you want to rush to get the time back. Just take it easy and let the game come to you, as far as your kids, as far as getting back to the bag, as far as finding your niche in society. Just take your time so you don't end up rewinding the time the wrong way.' It's been an exciting time for the two rappers as they recently launched their podcast Joe And Jada, which The LOX member told us had been in the works long before they finally got behind the microphones. While the show covers a myriad of topics within entertainment, they equally value the power their voices hold in inspiring those who feel hopeless based on the current political climate of the United States, even at the expense of business opportunities. 'I think we motivate people, and we try to affect as much change as we can, but politics itself, I went all the way to standing next to Kamala Harris,' Fat Joe said. 'I lost money. I don't want to turn this into a controversial thing. When I did that, when I went out there like that, I lost million dollar deals from people who's like, 'Yo Joe, we ain't know you felt like that. I can't do business with you no more.' This is a f**king fact. 'That's why the importance of events like today is that you got guys like us co-signing these dads and letting them know that we with them, and we stand with them because they need that moral support. A lot of times in life, men, children, whatever they need people that they respect [got] to co-sign what they're doing in a positive way because it's just so much negative out there to get involved with.' Jadakiss echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the work must begin on a much smaller scale than people often think. 'It starts with self,' he said. 'We come from a society that blames and points fingers. It's not too many full-parent homes. There's a lot of single-parent households. But if you got some good people or you got some good will and belief, start with yourself and try to start to trickle down after that. We ain't going to do nothing as a people until individually we start living correctly.' More from The LOX Are "The Wildest" In Red Bull Freestyle Ahead Of New Project Mario And Jadakiss To Headline All About Us Festival This Juneteenth In N.J. Jadakiss Reflects On The Lox, Dipset 'Verzuz' Battle: "I Was Out Of My Mind"
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Best scotches for Father's Day, from bargains to stupidly expensive
Best scotches for Father's Day, from bargains to stupidly expensive There's a certain classic vibe that emanates from an open bottle of Scotch whisky. One whiff, and suddenly you're standing behind Sean Connery in line at the bar of a wedding that seems far too fancy to have you on the guest list. That's an acquired taste, certainly, but a rewarding one. For a small sovereign nation, Scotland produces a tremendous amount of whisky with a wide spectrum of flavors. An Islay malt and a Speyside one will taste very different -- in a good way. Whether you're looking for something smoky and spicy or smooth and mellow, there's a Scotch out there for you (or, since this is a Father's Day guide, your pops). MORE WHISKEY LISTS FOR FATHER'S DAY: -- Best flavored whiskeys -- Best and most affordable bourbons -- Best spicy ryes Let's talk about the Scotches I've been lucky enough to review this year and see if we can't find you something nice -- whether you're paying $40 per bottle or, deep sigh, $2,000. Smokehead Let's begin with a disclaimer; smoky, peaty Islay malts are my thing. The closer my dram tastes to a campfire between the ocean and a bog, the better. Cracking a bottle of Smokehead reminds you exactly where it's from. A malty, smoky essence fills the room once poured. It promises you a complex, slightly tough to drink whisky that will, hopefully, reward you for diving into an Islay-born sipper. Digging your nose into the glass unleashes a whole world of flavor. Salt, oak, smoke, peat, licorice and maybe even a little bit of leather. It's very nice. The first sip begins gently, with a bit of a buttery feel. The spirit itself is a little denser than I'd anticipated, which leaves it to coat your tongue. Soon after, the smoke rolls in. It brings flavors like honey, oak and even a little citrus sweetness. For a bottle that promises a smoke bomb, it brings campfire vibes without being especially strong or acrid. Since it's tempered down to 80 proof you're losing some of the bolder flavors you might get from a Laphroaig or Ardbeg. That means you're left with the smoky peat from start to finish while digging for the minor notes throughout. It's not a problem for me -- I love a good smoky dram -- but if you're mostly a Speyside or Highlands whisky drinker this may not be the kind of smoothness for which you're searching. Still, at about $40 per bottle it clocks in at about half the price of better known Islay neighbors. It won't deliver the complex flavor and deep reflection that come with those bottles, but it will get you halfway there. It's an easy sell and a whiskey you won't feel too badly about mixing with soda or thinning out with a little bit of ice. Tamhdu 12-year The presentation here is lovely. The box has an unique open center (seen here framing bobblehead Christian Yelich. I did not think this photo through). The bottle itself is segmented like Suntory's Hibiki, and I love a good tactile bottle. It pours a modest caramel. It smells similarly light, but there's enough to make you believe the sherry cask that ushered the spirit to near teenage years is still playing a role. There's some minor, gritty fruit -- a little citrus, a little... plum? Something with a pit, certainly. That fruit is evident throughout the sip. It's a lighter scotch and true to the Speyside form, smooth and a little thinner on your tongue than some of the beefier malts. The sherry influence comes through in a way that reminds me of Great Lakes' Christmas Ale; a little cinnamon, maybe some clove and nutmeg and some warm fruit flavors. The finish hits you with a little oak, which lingers pleasantly after it clears your lips. Tamdhu isn't a flavor knot that begs you to sip softly over the course of an hour to untangle it. You understand what the goal is right away, and the spirit hits it consistently and cleanly. This makes it a proper sip, though one a more experienced Scotch drinker may find a little easy. Still, it's smooth and flavorful, making it a nice dram to sit with. Octomore Let's talk about three of the latest Octomore expressions -- a whisky that brings some of the smokiest, peatiest flavors in the world to each bottle. Octomore 15.1 True to its five-year age, this pours a pale golden color. Imagine someone left a lager out overnight and all the bubbles disappeared. It's got notable stickiness, leaving a ring of liquid slowly clamoring down the sides of a tulip glass when swirled. It smells great and a little harsh at the same time. The roasted malt is there under a dense layer of peaty smoke. The first sip is, siblings, strong as hell. The peat is as advertised, unmistakable from the second it hits your lips to long after it's settled in your stomach. While there's heat involved here, there's surprisingly little burn from a whisky that clocks in at 59.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). This is, undoubtedly, a slow sipper. But it's also not an unpleasant one. There's a tremendous feeling after that sip clears your throat. You exhale and feel like you're breathing pure delicious and beautiful smoke. This sounds unappealing, I'm aware, but it feels like a superpower; like I'm exhaling magic. Like the best parts of Scotland have been distilled into a glass and processed in my body, which is churning out exhaust as I spring to life. Too dramatic, perhaps, but hot damn. This is A LOT in all the best ways. It's exactly as advertised, and while it lacks the cache of an 18-year Scotch it never feels unfinished or underdone. It just tastes great in a very specific way that will be WAY TOO MUCH for some people but right in the wheelhouse of a celebratory drink for me. Octomore 15.2 Again, it pours much lighter than you'd expect for a dram as expensive as it is. But what it lacks in oak influence it makes up for in smoke and peat. That much is clear as soon as you stick your nose in the glass. It's like a salted caramel bonfire and, friends, that rules. There's a roasted malty sweetness up front. Then comes the smoke, weaving through vanilla and grain and a little salty stone fruit. You hit that exhale I loved so much in the 15.1 -- for me, the best part of drinking Octomore. It's strong, certainly, but there's no burn even for a Scotch less than half the age of most of its peers. The difference for me between 15.1 and 15.2 is that sweet, nearly fruity start. It's milder in that regard and that smokiness, while still light years ahead of other malts, is a little less notable. This doesn't make it a tame whisky. It just makes it a little more accessible for a drink most people will have to ramp up to (me. That's me. If i tried to drink this in my 20s I would have tried to keep it together in front of my friends while my eyes slowly boiled behind this facade). Octomore 15.3 This pour is slightly deeper in color than the other two. It smells salty and smoky but not boozy despite the 61 percent ABV inside. OK, maybe it's a little boozy, but not as much as you'd expect. The first sip is gentle and sweet up front but a monster on the back end. It's warm and smoky and a little harsh. Which, again, we're dealing with a 122 proof spirit so that makes sense. It's much drier than the 15.2. and slightly more than the 15.1, snapping off each sip with a crisp, smoky and slightly spicy finish. The end result is a complex spirit that works the way good hot sauces do -- adding flavor without letting the heat entirely take over. There's a whole journey here, and while it's not as enjoyable as the other 15-series Octomores it's still very nice. For something with triple the peat of the other malts it's not quite as smoky as I'd expect, but that extra PPM does seem to mute the swirling flavors that make the others so special. It's strong and lives up to the Octomore reputation. It's not my favorite, but it's still pretty dang good. Ardbeg Wee Beastie I will go to bat for the Wee Beastie whenever possible because it packs so many big bold flavors into a five-year Scotch. For a fraction of the price of the Octomore you get many of the same vibes, albeit with rougher edges. Don't get me wrong, Wee Beastie is not for beginners. It's smoke and peat and big spicy flavors up front, which can be a turnoff. If you stick around you're rewarded. There are nice little moments of vanilla and caramel underneath that campfire vibe. It's not especially smooth, and it's gonna take you a while to get through it. Still, you get that post-sip exhale where I breathe smoke and try to figure out exactly what I just tasted. It's always a positive thing -- and, again, it's only gonna run you about $50 compared to the $125-plus of the Octomore above. Ardbeg Smokiverse "Ooooohhhh ohhh OOOOH ooooh OOOOOOOH." That was my expression after just sniffing this pour. The Smokiverse delivers exactly what it promises; big smoky flavor against the backdrop of a gentle salty canvas. So while it's lighter in color than you may expect, it still brings all the hallmarks you'd expect from Ardbeg. That salt and smoke are front and center, but it makes for a remarkably smooth and interesting dram. The salt keeps things dry, while the smoke lends cover to the rich well of flavor lying underneath. There's a gentle touch of licorice and a little light citrus -- not much, but just enough to reward you if you keep coming back. And the Smokiverse has some tremendous replay value. It's dry and has those tiny notes of leather and vanilla and pepper that all operate under that cover of classic Islay flavors. Ardbeg's special releases come out on a regular basis, and it's reasonable not to collect them all. But if you're looking for something slightly difference, they're always worth a splurge -- and, my sample bottle aside, typically come in the kind of lovely bottle that suggests, yep, you're treating your guests to something niiiiiice. Ardbeg doesn't miss, and this is another beautiful example of it. Glenfiddich Grand Chateau 22 My sample bottle isn't nearly as ornate as the real thing, which comes in a lovely shoebox-sized case. The bottle itself is Glenfiddich's signature triangular mold, which you can see here but not in my own photos because, understandably, the company didn't want to mail an $1,800 bottle to a random journalist. Fair play, Glenfiddich. Understandably, that's going to make it a niche purchase -- a dram that's more of a conversation piece than a functional whisky. Here's where I level with you and say, no, I'd never buy a bottle of this myself. Tragically, I was raised with an incurable case of poor brain. But I could be tempted to buy a pour on a special night, and maybe that's what you've got in mind for Father's Day. Or, hell, maybe you've got the kind of cash to drop two grand on Scotch. So, you know, good for you. That rules. Anyway, this Speyside whisky is greatly affected by the Bordeaux red wine casks it spends the final nine years of its 31-year aging cycle inside. The smell from the top brings the undeniable aged grape/young brandy vibe of a nice bottle of wine. Underneath that is a little salt, leather, chocolate and oak. While it's going to be smooth -- 31 years! -- it's also going to have a lot going on below the surface. That wine influence creates a sweet and soft landing spot up front. You get lots of rich fruit flavor and a little honey sweetness the moment it hits your lips. Then comes a little pepper, swirling with that fruit and oak and just a little bit of salt to keep things dry. There's more than just grape here, as you get some orange and cherry in each dense sip. That applies to the texture as well, as this brings a little heft to your tongue. If *feels* expensive, which is great because, you know, it is. There's a little bit of a "creme brulee at a fancy restaurant" vibe given the lush fruit flavor, vanilla and hints of caramel that linger through each sip. It really is quite nice. $1,800 nice? Maaaaan, I dunno. But it's still extremely good whisky. Longmorn 30 Once more, we venture into the world of the stupidly expensive. There's nothing ostentatious about the sample bottle Longmorn mailed for review. But that's about $250 worth of whisky in that small bottle labeled so lightly you can hardly see. The actual bottle is much nicer and, at around $2,000 USD per fifth, it damn well better be. Longmorn may not look it, but it certainly smells expensive. This is clearly a spirit that's taken its time getting to us. It pours a rich deep copper. The smell off the top is imbued with the oak it's spent three decades sitting in. You get vanilla, cinnamon, caramel and a little pepper. There's a steady current of mashed fruit underneath -- spreadables like marmalade and grape jelly (you know, but fancy). All in all it gives off the impression of a fancy, complex dessert at a place you had to make reservations at three months ago. The first sip is, as you'd expect, remarkably smooth. There's a gentle sweetness that carries each pull along, acting like a slow-moving river of honey and brown sugar. You get hints of that fruit influence along with the vanilla you'd expect. Things aren't overly sweet, but that's undoubtedly core to Longmorn's flavor profile. Soft, sugary fruit, honey and vanilla before just a little bit of roasted almond and cinnamon remind you of its roots. It's delightful to drink; complex, sweet and incredibly easy to come back to. Is it worth the money? Personally, I'm not going to drop two grand on whiskey, even if it's so old Leonardo DiCaprio would ignore it. But there's no questioning the smoothness and quality at play. If you're looking for a gift that serves as a status symbol but backs it up with more than just empty displays, Longmorn's your huckleberry.
