Get something brewing for Dad
By CHRIS SHERMAN
Published June 13, 2007
Father's Day comes a month after Mom's celebration for good reason. June is hotter, a cruel time to give anyone a necktie, but just right for a cold one. We like to give fathers booze because it's easy (the stores are open late) and we don't really know what else they like. This year, make him feel special by mixing up a six-pack (or a case) of new stuff he might like to try. Here are some suggestions, though the choices won't matter as much as a promise to come by for a bottle sometime before June is gone.
Chris Sherman, Times staff writer
BISON IPA, Berkeley, Calif.
6.8 PERCENT ALCOHOL
Even if he never joined a foreign legion, he may enjoy an India pale ale, brewed for the troops in steamy climes, and now a Yankee favorite. From the Left Coast, Bison is organic and unfiltered if you (or Dad) care. It has dark gold color, bright hints of cinnamon and orange, a sharp hoppy edge with a mix of sweet and bitter edges. Goes great with curry - or instead of.
PILSNER URQUELL, PLZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC
4.4 PERCENT ALCOHOL
This is the historic and classic lager that inspired his favorite mainstream beer. Shining gold with crystal clarity and fine head, yet nothing light. Herbal, grassy hops in the aroma and crisp clean taste. Have another.
Fuller's ESB, Chiswick, London
5.9 PERCENT ALCOHOL
The original extra-special bitter, which is not truly bitter, but a grandly rich dink. The color of polished old copper with a two-finger head that won't quit. Nutty and fruity at first whiff and taste; crisp drinking with a slightly sweet finish.
La Fin du Monde, Unibroue, Chambly, Quebec, Canada
9 PERCENT ALCOHOL
Man, I love you . . . to the end of the world, which from this label is around James Bay on the other side of the Laurentian mountains in southern Quebec. A Belgian beer brewed in Canada with triple fermentation, aged on lees, and clouds of yeast to impress geeks, yet any Dad deserves one of the world's best beers. Knife-and-fork foam, plus a dinner's worth of flavors from herb garden to bananas and monster alcohol. Plan on a long night.
SHIPYARD SUMMER ALE, PORTLAND, MAINE
5.1 PERCENT ALCOHOL
Smells like beer at the ballpark 40 years ago. Light copper in color, with good head and modest lacing. Many micro-breweries make summer brews and this is a good one. More hops than malt, but balanced as a sturdy wheat beer with a bit more punch and a crisp finish.
Yuengling's Black & Tan, Pottsville, Pa., and Tampa
4.2 PERCENT ALCOHOL
Consider this porter lite. It's an old mix of half lager and half the dark stuff, plus it's a hometown brew. Big head and chocolate color, but the nose and taste mix coffee and caramel and it drinks mighty easy. Take him for a tour someday.