Think a blended scotch is a half-assed Father’s Day gift? Not if it involves more than 82 whiskys and is 50 years old! The Last Drop is easily the world’s most unique whiskey.
Before you get excited that you’ve found the perfect whisky for Father’s Day, let me break your spirit. You will not be buying this for dear old dad. Why? Because you’re reading Guyism. While that doesn’t immediately disqualify you, it suggests you probably aren’t dropping $4,000 on a bottle of scotch, and that’s what this will cost you.
“Enjoy the very best if you’re able to have it, but don’t be carried away and think it’s important. Just appreciate that it’s unique and special.” – James Espey
Those are words of wisdom from the man who created The Last Drop, James Espey. Why should you listen to some guy who’s hocking $4k whiskey? Because he’s more legendary than Barney Stinson. Familiar with Jonnie Walker Blue? He invented it. Ever heard of Malibu Rum? He created it. Like Bailey’s in your coffee so you can get drunk in the morning? You’re welcome. Espey knows what he’s talking about. The Last Drop is his latest product, which we’ll all just have to admire from afar.
As a brand, The Last Drop is exactly what it sounds like. Espey goes out and finds the very last, often forgotten, barrels of spirits. He’s been in the industry so long that he knows where to find amazing spirits just lying around with no purpose. No, that isn’t actually one of them picture above. That’s what happens when you google, “lonely barrel.”
Most distillers don’t have the bandwidth to fire off a single barrel bottling that’s unrelated to their core products. Sure it’d make some money, but the hassle and muddying of the brand identity would do more harm than good. Espey is now capitalizing on that in a big way.
More than 82 whiskies went into the original marrying vat, 50 years ago, many from distilleries long ago closed and forgotten. For 12 years the blend matured, and then most was bottled and sold as a fine 12-year old whisky. However, the company forgot just three casks; they lay at the back of the warehouse, unnoticed, evaporating, and developing an unequaled richness of nose and taste. It is from the very last of these barrels that The Last Drop 50 year old comes.
That’s certainly not your ordinary blended scotch. Only 388 bottles were produced, making it about as rare as it comes. You obvious won’t find it down at the Bargain Booze Basement, but there are still a few floating around out there. If you’re rolling around in a pile of gold like Scrooge McDuck, treat your dad to something nice. Don’t worry if you can’t though, like Espey says, it’s not important.
Why not try these 8 affordable whiskeys for Father’s Day.