CraftBeer.com has talked about the best styles for beginners, as well as mistakes we all make when we’re introducing people to America’s small and independent brewery scene. But how do you approach the subject with someone who is probably a little more set in his ways — especially when that person is your dad?
Before we get to which beers may work best for dad, let’s talk about your approach. First, as CraftBeer.com contributor John Mitchell suggests, don’t “over geek” it. IBU, mouthfeel, SRM, fretting over the right serving glass, yeast strains … it can all be overwhelming for a first timer. Education is essential to the process, but help dad discover and acquire new tastes first, and then ease into the characteristics of why he’s enjoying that beer.
(READ: These 7 Dark Lagers are Easy on the Palate)
The key to successfully introducing dad to craft beers will be the flavor profiles you bring to the table. While IPAs are America’s most popular craft beer style, it’s definitely not the beer we suggest you first give to dad.
Craft brewers put a lot of thought into creating gateway beers that will get people in the door.
“There are so many extreme styles out there, but a lot of them are not a great starting point into the world of craft beer,” says Micah Niebauer, CEO and co-founder of Southern Pines Brewing in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Southern Pines’ most popular beer in the taproom is Duck Hook Cream Ale, and that’s not by mistake. Niebauer and his co-founders wanted a flagship beer that could win over people who have been drinking mass produced lagers for decades.
“We wanted to brew a light, refreshing beer that was similar in flavor to the domestic lagers that the majority of people drink,” explains Niebauer. “We liked the concept of a cream ale, not only because of its historical significance as an American beer style, but also because it is similar enough to what people are used to drinking, but with a bit more flavor.”
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Keep that approach top of mind as you consider those introductory craft beers for dad. Here are a few beer styles to add to your shopping list.
Pilsener
Mama’s Little Yella Pils | Oskar Blues Brewery | Longmont, CO
Here’s a Bohemian-style Pilsener that’ll show dad what he’s been missing. OB’s easy-drinking spin is made of 100 percent pale malt, German specialty malts and Saaz hops. OB’s beers also come in cans, which makes them totally totable to the golf course, lake or wherever your dad plans to spend time this Father’s Day.
Other Pilseners to try:
- STS Pils | Russian River Brewing Co. | Santa Rosa, CA
- Rocket 100 | Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. | Austin, TX
Cream Ale
Farmer Ted’s Cream Ale | Catawba Brewing Co. | Asheville, NC
Farmer Ted’s Cream Ale makes this list as a product of personal experience. I pulled dad around Asheville on my birthday. He was an amiable sport all day, sipping beers I knew he wasn’t totally sold on. We got to Catawba’s South Slope location long after the sun fell. Maybe it was the band playing 50s/60s that helped, but after one sip of Farmer Ted’s, dad turned to me and said, “Now THIS is a beer!”
Other cream ales to try:
- Duck Hook Cream Ale | Southern Pines Brewing Co. | Southern Pines, NC
- Spotted Cow | New Glarus Brewing Co. | New Glarus, WI
Belgian-Style Witbier
Allagash White | Allagash Brewing Co. | Portland, ME
If dad already has an appreciation for a shandy or a big beer Belgian wit, the coriander, orange peel and spices of the Allagash White would be a great next step bringing him into the world of fuller flavored beer.
Other witbiers to try:
- White Rascal | Avery Brewing | Boulder, CO
- Optimal Wit | Port City Brewing Co. | Alexandria, VA
Schwarzbier (Black Lager)
Baba Black Lager | Uinta Brewing Co. | Salt Lake City, UT
Yes, you’ll probably hear the line, “I don’t like dark beers,” as you pour Baba Black Lager for dad, but once he tries it, he’ll realize what he’s been missing in well-crafted black lagers. This award-winning German-style schwarzbier is full of flavor, but not at all heavy like he’ll be expecting.
Other black lagers to try:
- Full Sail Black | Full Sail Brewing Co. | Hood River, OR
- Dark Helmet | Westbrook Brewing Co. | Mt. Pleasant, SC
An Approachable IPA
Fresh Squeezed IPA | Deschutes Brewery | Bend, OR
If you’re a renegade and come hell or high water you’re going to get dad to like an IPA, then start here. Fresh Squeezed IPA is what Deschutes Brewery describes as their most “approachable” IPA, and one that people who swear they don’t like IPAs realize “Oh….” The blend of Citra and Mosaic hops gives Fresh Squeezed such a juicy profile, maybe you can talk dad into swapping it in for the morning OJ with his bacon and eggs.
CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.
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