Alright BA, i'm looking for help, wanna get my dad a 6 pack to introduce him to craft beer. Normally he drinks high life and spotted cow. Any suggestions? Needs to be something easily accessible in wisconsin area and probably lower on IBU level Thanks in advance
I personally do not like the evangelization of craft beer. If he wants to get more into craft, he'll do it on his own. If you are dead set on getting him other than what he enjoys drinking, keep it close to the styles he likes (pilsners/cream ales). If Great Lakes distributes in WI, get him some Dortmunder Gold.
Sounds like Spotted Cow would be a good choice for Dad's Day. Is that so ubiquitous in Wisconsin that you don't consider it "craft?" Or is it the corn?
Depends. Ask your dad if he'd be interested in trying some, then take him to your local store and try a pick six, or get him some of his old standbys. Ask him what he'd want for Father's Day. He might just enjoy you spending time with him, rather than you getting him craft beers that he probably won't like. My dad doesn't like most craft beer, so it's not something he'd want. He doesn't drink hardly at all, but when he does, he wants an Orion or a wheat beer. Orion is okay, but I'll drink whatever my dad wants, as long as I'm spending time with him, especially on his day.
Completely agree with this. If there is a store that you can make a mix and match 6-pack, take him there, grab various styles. Then you and him can split each beer and talk about them, find out what he likes/doesn't like
Last night was cream ale learning night at our homebrew club. We had Spotted Cow, Newburgh Cream Ale, and Sixpoint Sweet Action while we learned about the style. I'm with your Dad, man, give him some Spotted Cow, delicious beer. Maybe the Sixpoint too if he hasn't tried it? Wish my (grown) children would get me some.
Get him a nice 6 pack of an easy drinking beer, and crack one open with him (or call him if he's not close by). Have a good conversation, and I'm sure the beer will taste that much better. My Dad is in Florida and I plan on doing that (having my Father in law over Sunday and I will open a nice bottle for us to share). I wish I could share a good craft pint with my grandfather, who really would have enjoyed the variety of good beer out there. Point being; if you take the time to pick something you think he will like it will be a good choice. Cheers!
I think calling it evangelism is a little bit of an exaggeration. I think most parents would want their child to share something with them, that is meaningful to their child. Akin to making a mix of music that you really like and giving it to your parents. Is that the evangelism of music? Far from it. It is a moment of bonding and sharing. One the other side of the coin, Fathers day should be about buying something that is meaningful to your father. I view a mix 6pk as something you do on a different day if your father is not into craft beer. The day should be about him.
I see what you are saying, but then reserve that for your own birthday. Say "for my birthday, dad, I'd like to pick up a six pack for us to share together and I'll tell you why I like these beers. I just want to share something I'm passionate about with you and spend time with you on my bday." Father's day should be about him. Buy him the beer he likes on his day and share those.
If he is local take him to a bar that has accessible craft brews i.e. pilsners and such and get him a sampler and let him try, what he doesn't like you can take. Not sure if you're located near a Whole Foods, if you are they probably have a good selection. If he doesn't like it grab him what he wants out of the cooler and you can continue on. Other option, take him to a local brewery and let him sample there. Any of these don't come across as per say try this so much as lets go hang out. As a dad, I am into lets go hang out. Good Luck. FYI my dad is a big gin drinker, Seagram's Extra Dry, for years I would always get him a large bottle of Tanqueray, Bombay,<insert high end gin name here> and my mom finally told me "He doesn't like that shit, just get him the Seagram's, he has drank it all his life and he isn't changing".
Try some of NGs other smoother beers. It might be easier for him to adapt with a brand that he's already comfortable with.
I'd suggest the Sierra Nevada variety 12 pack (different gradations of IBUs and flavors). Gives him a chance to try 4 new different beers and you can join with him to drink those he doesn't like.