Drinking Gadgets For Dad
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Gadgetry is pretty standard as far as Father's Day gifting goes. The latest smartphone-ready toy for the tech-savvy dad. A new game-changing club for the father that loves to golf. A rib rack or a beer can chicken roaster for the bonafide grill master.
And, of course, for the drinks-minded dad there is no shortage of options — and we're not just talking about goofy novelty items here either. Whether your pop is a connoisseur of fine wines (the super-sleek Vinturi Wine Aerator might be right up his alley) or more of a coffee geek (the AeroPress has his name written all over it), we have ideas for cool gadget gifts to give him this Father's Day.
Cocktails & Spirits
Woodinville Whiskey-Aging Kit. If your dad is a whiskey-drinking do-it-yourselfer, this whiskey-aging kit from Woodinville ($150) is the way to go. The set comes complete with two 750-mililiter bottles of 110-proof un-aged whiskey, a reusable 2-liter aging barrel, a pouring funnel, and two tasting glasses. Or, if he's really on top of his trends, he can even use the barrel to age a batch of his own signature cocktail.
Macallan Ice Ball Machine. For dads down on the craft ice craze, there is perhaps no cooler gift than this tool from Macallan (available online for about $200) which transforms chunks of ice into cocktail showpiece spheres. If that's a little out of your price range, there's always the silicone King Cube trays from Williams-Sonoma. (Photo courtesy Flickr/tzutzanu)
Whiskey Stones. Does dad prefer to take his drinks neat? If so, you might consider getting him these whiskey stones ($19.95 for a set of nine). The small cubes, made with Vermont soapstone, will chill a drink without affecting the flavor and have the obvious advantage of not watering a drink down like ice would.
Wine
Skybar One Preservation & Serving System. Maybe your dad is more of a one glass of wine a night kind of a guy. If that's the case, consider splurging on this luxury item ($399.99) which preserves wines according to their ideal storing conditions — there are settings for 15 different varietals, as well as a DIY option.
Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator. Wines need to breathe, yes, but sometimes you don't want to have to wait. This sleek tool — available for both red and white wines — is specially designed to speed up the natural aeration process ($39.95-$69.95).
Clef du Vin Pocket Wine Tasting Tool. This clever tool ($99.95) has a patented metal alloy on the tip that replicates the aging process to improve the taste of young wines. What's more, it can help determine the ideal length of time specific wines should be cellared. Pretty impressive for a gadget that fits in the palm of your hand.
Beer
Northern Brew Homebrew Starter Kits. Ranging from basic to ultimate ($79.99-$409.99), these homebrew starter kits are a must-have for the card-carrying craft beer geek. And if you really want to go above and beyond this year, consider throwing in a beer tasting and hops appreciation kit ($39.95) to help dad create a truly prize-worthy brew.
iBottleopener. Chances are if dad already has the BeerCloud app downloaded to his iPhone he'll like this fun little accessory which will have him prepared to crack open a brew at a moment's notice.
RC Cooler. For the beer-drinking dad that's a bit of a kid at heart, why not give him this remote controlled rolling beverage cooler ($69.95) so that a refill of his favorite beer is never out of arm's reach.
Coffee & More
Aerobie AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker. This hot ticket item among coffee nerds uses a combination of ideal water temperature and gentle air pressure to brew either a top-notch espresso or quality cup of coffee.
Classic Soda Siphon. For health-conscious dads who stay away from sodas, there's this fun gadget ($70) that carbonates water or flavored drinks in mere seconds. And for the cocktail-minded dad, it's a great tool to have on-hand to make your own mixers (homemade ginger beer for Dark 'n' Stormys, anyone?).