Oh beer, the one gift that never fails. The hops, the aromas, and the crisp, refreshing notes that quench your thirst like no other liquid. You love it, dad loves it, and if you haven’t gotten the hint yet… Buy your dad a six-pack of beer for Father’s Day! But, it can’t just be any six-pack. It’s got to be a six-pack of the finest beer out there. No, we’re not talking about that batch you made last month from that piece of junk, make-your-own beer kit you bought online. We’re talking about craft beer, the best of the best. The best part about this gift is that it isn’t just a gift. It’s an experience you and your dad can enjoy together. Make it a taste test event and grade each as you go, use it as an opportunity to expand you or your dad’s palates beyond the boring light beers, or set a goal to drink the whole six-pack by the end of the night. But, whichever you choose, there’s no greater experience than enjoying a beer with your dad. When you head to the store to pick up your gift for dad, make yourself a list and keep these six craft beers in mind.
Orange Ave. Wit ~ Coronado Brewing Co.
Style – Witbier
ABV – 5.2%
California isn’t just wine country. This state can also brew some pretty damn good beer. This wheat style ale from Coronado Brewing Co. in Southern California has earned numerous accolades from beer competitions all over the world. The Orange Ave. Wit is brewed with wheat, coriander, and orange blossom honey for a touch of sweetness and freshness. Coronado Brewing Co. calls it, “A little bit of Belgium in SoCal.” If dad likes beers that are more similar to the mainstream Belgian styles, the Orange Ave. Wit might just be his new favorite pint.
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5.2%
According to Fremont Brewing, their Summer Ale tastes like tangerine flowers in a glass. Does that sound like perfection or what? The combination of the citrusy aroma and Amarillo hops makes this one of the most refreshing pints in the seasonal craft beer game. What’s Fremont’s secret to their Summer Ale? Simplicity. It’s brewed with one hop and one grain. Sometimes simplicity is all it takes to create one hell of a beer. It’s simple approach is probably why dad will enjoy this one. If your dad isn’t a craft beer junkie, the crazy styles and flavors might scare him away. Keep it simple, and he won’t ask any questions when you hand him a Fremont Summer Ale.
Park Day Pilsner ~ Mother Earth Brewing
Style – Bohemian Pilsner
ABV – 5%
Mother Earth Brewing in downtown Kinston, North Carolina, is making the most of their days in the park with their Park Day Pilsner. Brewed with 100% German malt and hops, this traditional Bohemian-style pilsner offers a crisp, hoppy malt taste that serves as the perfect complement to a sunny, summer day. Mother Earth mentions that the Park Day pairs well with chicken, salmon, and good old-fashioned bratwurst so if you and pops find yourselves bonding over the charcoal grill this Fathers’ Day, well then the Park Day Pilsner is going to be your beer of choice.
Big Wave Golden Ale ~ Kona Brewing Co.
Style – American Blonde Ale
ABV – 4.4%
If dad’s idea of celebrating his day is out on the water with a beer in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, grab him a 6-pack of Kona’s Big Wave Golden Ale before you board the vessel. Nothing is smoother than a day out on the water and a Big Wave Golden Ale to wash it all down. It’s light, refreshing, and easy drinking. The Big Wave is a lighter golden ale with a tropical hop aroma and flavor that provides a hoppy, quenching finish. Another pro to this beer? If dad catches dinner while out on the boat, the Big Wave pairs especially well with freshly caught seafood.
Breakside India Golden Ale ~ Breakside Brewery
Style – India Pale Ale
ABV – 8.1%
Continuing the golden ale theme, Breakside Brewery in Portland, Oregon, is brewing up a double IPA that packs quite the punch… but, in a good way of course. Breakside Brewery promises it to be the lightest, hoppiest double IPA that you’ll ever taste. This beer made its debut as a collaboration with nearby brewery Ninkasi and was a hit from start. It’s lighter in color and gives off a nice citrus flavor and aroma without being overwhelmingly powerful. Coming in with an alcohol by volume percentage of 8.1, you might want to tell your dad to take it one sip at a time. Or, if you want to see dad blitzed for once in your life, dare him to play a game of quarters.
Brooklyn Summer Ale ~ Brooklyn Brewery
Style – Sunny Pale Ale
ABV – 5%
Who would’ve known that New Yorkers can brew a good beer? Well, apparently, we did because we awarded the Brooklyn Brewery as the Best Local Brew in New York City as a part of our first-ever, The Manual Awards. After you take a sip of their Summer Ale, you’ll understand why. Whether you spend your day soaking up the sun on the beach or enjoying the city views from your favorite rooftop at night, bring along a Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale to all of your summertime adventures. It’s a refreshing sunny pale ale that offers a snappy, clean finish with a bright floral aroma. When the day is almost over and dad is just about to call it a night, throw him a Brooklyn Summer Ale and he’ll be glad you offered him this nightcap.
Related: Exploring NYC’s Craft Beer Scene with the Experts at Torst & Marta