Celebrate Father’s Day with some craft beer and snacks

We’ve all spent a year in some form of social isolation, and although things are slowly opening up, I’m happy to delay my Father’s Day trip to the driving range or golf course. No doubt, nearly every dad has the same idea for this third Sunday in June – in particular after more than a year of COVID. And I’m not one for lineups.

Instead, I’ll reward my months of working out in the garage with a day of couch-potatoing. This includes Netflix, some reasonably healthy snacks, and a selection of interesting craft beers.

Let’s start with some chips and salsa. I’ve always liked the products from Neal Brothers. They’ve been around longer than you might think – 30 years – and offer a lineup of “better for you” snack options made with high quality ingredients. Most of their items are produced in a peanut-free facility (other than the pretzels), some are non-GMO verified (kettle chips and organic white tortillas) and their popcorn, cheese snacks, tortillas, and salsa are organic.

One of my favourites is their Organic Deep Blue tortillas, which have only a few simple ingredients: organic blue corn, organic sunflower oil, sea salt – and a trace of lime. And they’re superb when dipped in one of their organic salsas, like Red-Hot Habanero, Just Hot Enough, and Mercifully Mild. I prefer the latter, as I’m a “spice wimp” – at least according to my son.

Also nice to dip are Neal Brothers Sweet + Smoky BBQ kettle chips. These are deliciously crispy, with a sweet-smoky hit of BBQ sauce. They’re great on their own, but just about every chip tastes better with salsa.

Ditto that with a nice craft ale. I haven’t yet found one that didn’t pair well with chips: corn, potato, or otherwise. That being said, some of these artisan brews also go nicely with foods that don’t come out of a bag. Second Wedge Brewing Co.’s 3 Rocks IPA is case in point.

IPA, of course, is India Pale Ale, which tends to be a bit hoppy (AKA bitter), but 3 Rocks is also nicely balanced with citrus and floral, along with malt for just a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with wings, pizza, and pasta.

Side Launch Brewing Company’s Aloha Sour is just the ticket for those who enjoy something a little different. It is mildly sweet and fruity – with ample amounts of mango, orange, and pineapple, along with almond. I’m not sure about pairings, but it does go nicely with the blue corn tortillas – and salsa. Aloha Sour is unusual, but it makes a nice summer sipper, served ice cold.

Side Launch’s Northbound Lager is refreshing, light, and has a mild peppery aroma. Slightly grainy and a little sweet, it’s an easy drinking brew that pairs well with spicy foods like chili.

Second Wedge Elgin Blonde Ale is another that is light-bodied and great for summer lunches. It is mildly hoppy with a “biscuity” aroma, along with a little citrus and floral. Try it with aged cheddar or a nice chicken salad sandwich.

So with these thoughts on enjoying a “chill” afternoon with delicious snacks, beverages, and your feet up, I wish all of you a happy Father’s Day. Cheers!

–Neil