Last year, I recall my daughter rolling her eyes at the thought of me getting my own day – not just a hand-crafted card and breakfast in bed, but an entire 24-hour unit where I could do what I wanted, when I wanted.
Perhaps hit a bucket of balls, go to the gym, or otherwise spend a few hours doing something that isn’t on my “honey do” list.
She then asked why there isn’t a “kid’s day” on the calendar. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.
This year will be different for a lot of dads – not so much for the active set, but for those who choose a few hours of “couch potatoing.” This weekend, and the next few, will feature FIFA World Cup soccer.
I won’t offer any predictions, as my brush with the sport doesn’t extend much beyond my daughter’s U13 houseleague team. But I do appreciate how this event connects us globally, perhaps as we hoist a pint or two while watching the world-class play – and world-class dives for which soccer is known.
If you’re interested in carrying on that international theme while choosing your brew, Vince’s beer specialist Darryl Knight offers a few suggestions for the Father’s Day weekend.
Beer Suggestions for Father’s Day Weekend
Walkerville Stout
Taking its cues from traditional English stout beers, this offering from Windsor’s Walkerville Brewery is a winner in all seasons. “It showcases a deep, almost opaque brown/black colour,” noted Darryl, “along with aromas of coffee, roasted malt, toasted nuts and molasses. Rich and round on the palate, with malty sweetness and smoky, dried fruit and chocolate flavours.”
Okay Mr. Knight, you’ve sold me on the stout…
Ace Hill Radler
Radler originated in Germany, taking its name from the German word for cyclist.
With Germany a favourite to win the World Cup (Darryl’s prediction, not mine), this refreshing new offering from Toronto’s Ace Hill Beer Company is sure to score at your next gathering.
Ace Hill Radler mixes their popular pilsner with organic citrus juice and low alcohol to create a refreshing brew that is light in colour with subtle aromas of malt, orange, Meyer lemon and a touch of peach and apricots – along with a clean finish.
Bench Ball’s Falls Session IPA
“This one’s perfect for pairing with any number of zesty dishes like nachos, curry or even Buffalo wings,” said Darryl. Bench Ball’s Falls Session IPA is named after the historic waterfall in the Twenty Valley, and has a juicy hop aroma of peaches and citrus. “It’s highly sessionable,” he added, “with a low bitterness, and finishes dry with a hint of cedar.”
Glutenberg Blonde (a Great Gluten Free Option)
“World Cup is all about bringing nations together,” he continued, “which is showcased to perfection in this offering that joins traditional beer craftsmanship from Central Europe with the modern needs of Canadians with gluten intolerance.”
This Montreal-based brewery has pioneered some superb gluten-free beer, which he describes as “airy and lemony, revealing floral and lightly herbal notes, making room for a dry and tasty finale.”
All that being said, the language of the beer connoisseur appears to add another layer to the many spoken at this month-long global event. But it’s one that may be worth further study…
Cheers!
— Neil
