Looking for a cool Father’s Day gift?

Recommendation 1: Move past neckties and power tools.

Recommendation 2: Think spirits, smoke and spice to make an impression on Dad’s special day. Here are some hints to get your shopping engines humming.

SPIRITS

Colorado is a leader in the increasing number of artisan distilleries, according to the American Distilling Institute. And we have a major contender right here: Distillery 291. Michael Myers is the mastermind behind this business, which is located in a tiny space at Bristol Brewing Company.

Most of Myers’ production is clear whiskey, which is a growing trend in the liquor segment. He makes it to compete with other clear spirits in cocktails, like vodka.

Clear whiskey is often thought of as “unfinished” whiskey since it ages only a short time. As a matter of fact, it can be in a barrel as little as a minute to be called whiskey.

“By definition, whiskey must meet a barrel at some point,” says Myers.

When whiskey is left in a barrel longer it starts to pick up the caramel coloring and flavors added by the wood. However, his clear whiskey is very drinkable and it allows him to get some product on store shelves while he ages some other batches.

His favorite way of imbibing whiskey is neat: a single, unmixed liquor served without being chilled and without any water, ice or other mixer.

Myers produces Colorado White Dog Rye, Colorado Fresh (un-aged, corn whiskey) and Colorado Aged Whiskey. You can find it at Coaltrain Wine & Spirits, 330 W. Uintah St., Cheers Liquor Mart, 1105 N. Circle Drive, and Sovereignty Wines, 1785 S. 8th St.

Another way to treat dad to some interesting spirits is at The Black Bear Restaurant, 10375 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls, where owner Victor Matthews will be preparing a five-course dad-centric dinner paried with bourbon and beer, Friday and Saturday evenings. The cost is $50 per person. Call 684-9648. Visit www.blackbearrestaurant.com.

SMOKE

There are several places that specialize in all-things-outdoor cooking and there you can put together a nice guy gift. How about a collection of barbecue sauces? Or a gift package with several types of wood chips to toss on hot coals for extra flavor? Of course, you could surprise your fella with a new smoker or grill that would be sure to please. When you get ready to go shopping check out these stores:

SPICE

Savory Spice Shop, 110 N. Tejon St., has several barbecue spice blends all boxed and ready for you to attach your Father’s Day card. Prices range from $23-$48. Call 633-8803. Visit www.savoryspiceshop.com.

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Contact Teresa J. Farney
at 636-0271
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