It’s my first Fathers Day without my dad who passed away from cancer at 67 years old only four months ago. He’s the reason I’m into beer today and among countless other life-lessons he taught me, I owe him a thank you that can never be big enough.
As early as I can remember my Dad enjoyed cold beers on hot days out on the patio in the sun, sitting on the front porch, or by the warm glow of a backyard bonfire. My earliest memory was of Heineken which I always hated the taste of growing up. I couldn’t understand why he drank beer when it tasted so gross. When I turned the legal age I finally started to appreciate beer. Like most starting out, I started with Miller Lite. Sprecher and Lakefront soon became staples in my diet and I finally gained that “Freshman 15” years ago during my senior year of college. Around then I joined my Dad in the love for Heineken and then with one of his favorites, Central Waters’ Coffee Stout, still possibly the best coffee beer I’ve ever had.
One of my favorite memories though was when I drew the line at one of his other favorites I can remember; Tyranena’s Bitter Woman IPA. Back then it was mouth-wrenchingly bitter and despite my love of this new “micro-brew” stuff as everyone called it, I couldn’t take the hops, as if I even knew what hops were. Now I GROW hops on the side of our house, homebrew beer, and love bitter beer. Since then I’ve grown away from Heineken but I still cherish the taste every now and again as it reminds me of summers with him. He still remains a direct contributor to my cellar though, as it’s stocked with Central Waters Coffee Stout and Tyranena Bitter Woman.
If your father is still with you today, treasure the time spent together and savor every sip of pints shared. Join me in a toast and raise one for my dad who’s smiling down on us with the freshest tap beer. Cheers Dad! We’ll share a pint again soon!
-Andy
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My father didn’t have prostate cancer, but if you know someone that does, and even if you don’t, check out this link to help! Anything that can be done to help in any sort of way would be great.