There are Father’s Day gifts and then there are gifts that say something. That he’s more than just the family taxi service, the barbecue king or the man who can inexplicably fid the Wi-Fi by simply turning it off and on again.
This year, ditch the gimmicks and gift your father a bottle that reflects the character he’s spent years refining – bold, complex and entirely his own. From boutique distilleries and visionary winemakers to craft brews with cult status, here are five Australian produces creating liquid craftsmanship worthy of celebration.
JANCE Distillery — Minimalism Meets Mastery
Best For: The design-forward dad who prefers his spirits clean, considered and quietly confident.
Let’s start with a distillery that’s quietly redefining Australian luxury spirits. JANCE isn’t just a producer—it’s an aesthetic philosophy. With an architect’s eye for balance and a distiller’s nose for nuance, this Melbourne-based outfit is crafting premium, additive-free spirits with a strikingly minimalist sensibility.
Each bottle feels like a design object, but the liquid inside is anything but minimalist. JANCE’s Signature Dry Gin, for instance, is a layered, aromatic pour—featuring wild-foraged botanicals, Australian citrus and native spice that builds complexity without ever shouting. It’s subtle. Sophisticated. A gin you want to sip slowly, not mix aggressively.
For whisky lovers, keep an eye on their upcoming small-batch releases, distilled with the same ethos of purity, patience and precision. This is a gift that’ll elevate his bar cart—and his expectations.
Gift Pick: JANCE Signature Dry Gin — smooth, citrus-led, with a herbaceous backbone that rewards slow sipping.
Pooley Wines — A Masterclass in Cool-Climate Elegance
Best For: The wine-savvy dad who appreciates detail, terroir, and a well-aged Pinot Noir.
For the dad who swirls before sipping and lectures guests on "mouthfeel"—gift him a bottle that actually deserves his attention. Pooley Wines, nestled in Tasmania’s pristine Coal River Valley, is arguably one of the finest producers of cool-climate wines in the Southern Hemisphere.
This third-generation, family-run estate combines old-world tradition with cutting-edge viticulture. The result? Wines of balance, depth, and astounding clarity. Their Cooinda Vale Pinot Noir is a standout: perfumed with red cherry and subtle spice, underpinned by minerality and tension that speaks directly to its site.
This isn’t just a bottle. It’s a moment—best shared over roast lamb, a slow Sunday, and a second glass. If Dad appreciates craftsmanship in every facet of life, this will strike a deep chord.
Gift Pick: Pooley Cooinda Vale Pinot Noir 2023 — ethereal red fruit, fine tannins, haunting finish.
Eureka Distilling Co. — Rebellion, Bottled
Best For: The whisky traditionalist with a fiercely independent streak.
Whisky isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. And for the kind of father who takes his drams seriously, Eureka Distilling Co. delivers the kind of bottle that doesn’t beg for approval—it earns it.
Eureka draws inspiration from Australia’s most iconic act of defiance: the Eureka Stockade. That spirit of rebellion courses through everything they produce, especially their flagship Australian Single Malt. It’s aged in ex-wine casks for added depth and complexity, delivering notes of toffee, spice, dried fruit, and toasted oak, with a dry, structured finish.
It’s bold, yes. But it’s also balanced. And like any great whisky, it invites reflection—on the nose, on the palate, and perhaps even on life.
Gift Pick: Eureka Subourbon Whisky — assertive yet refined, with a long, contemplative finish.
Dad & Dave’s Brewing — Family-Crafted, Flavour-Forward
Best For: The approachable dad who just wants a bloody good beer, but won’t settle for average.
Not every dad wants a smoky single malt or a cryptic Burgundy. Some just want a beer that tastes like... well, beer. Enter Dad & Dave’s Brewing, a father-son operation that’s quietly become a cornerstone of the craft beer community.
Unpretentious, balanced, and always drinkable, their range is built around fresh, independent brewing—no shortcuts, no contracts, just beer made the way it should be. Their Pale Ale is a crowd-pleaser: tropical fruit on the nose, a light malt backbone and a dry finish that keeps you coming back.
It’s a beer that wears a flannel shirt and still talks about flavour profiles. And we’re here for it.
Gift Pick: Pale Ale — tropical, refreshing and fridge-friendly without being forgettable.
Boxer Brewing Co. — The Knockout Can That’s Anything But Basic
Best For: The bold dad with a taste for modern hops and beachside pours.
There’s something unapologetically Aussie about Boxer Brewing Co.—equal parts laid-back and loud, serious about quality but never too serious in tone. This Queensland brewery is fast becoming a go-to for the new wave of craft beer lovers who want flavour-first, attitude-heavy brews that still go down smooth.
Their Lazy Ale is a perfect example: a mellow, low-bitterness golden ale with soft citrus notes and a crisp, dry finish. It’s unfussy, incredibly sessionable, and made for those afternoons that somehow turn into evenings. If your dad thinks he’s tasted every beer under the sun, this will knock his socks off. (Then give him a new pair.)
Gift Pick: Boxer Brewing Cerveza — crisp, clean and effortlessly drinkable. A 4-pack that’s made for backyard catch-ups and long lunches with Dad.
This Father’s Day, move beyond the predictable and choose a gift with soul, provenance, and flavour. A gift that speaks to who your dad is—and maybe even who he’s becoming. These are not just bottles; they’re conversations, rituals, and shared moments waiting to happen.
If you’re lucky, he’ll pour you a glass too.
Cheers, Dad. You’re top shelf.
