Beer to meet you, I’m dad.
Dads can be hard to buy a gift for sometimes (most times) (all the time). He knows what he wants, or wants to be the one to make that decision, or just simply does not want to make that decision. His interests may range from new power tools, golf clubs, top end meat and cheese, but it can still be hard to make the right decision for what he wants. The one thing your dad probably wants more than anything, is just a nice cold one to enjoy on his Sunday.
That is where we at France 44 come in. We have scoured the store in Air Monarchs, a health insurance sponsored golf outing polo from 5 years ago, and cut a mullet like he did back in the 80’s to find the perfect Father’s day libations. Between wine, beer, and liquor, we have found the perfect pairings for a lazy or eventful Sunday, whatever dad is feeling like that day.
WINE
Piaggia Wines
Maurio Vannuci runs Piaggia with his daughter Silvia in Carmignano, a tiny region located just north of Tuscany. Maurio founded Piaggia in the 1970s, grew his production and holdings throughout the 1990s, and has now passed ownership of the winery to his daughter.
Piaggia has continually topped our list as one of our favorite Italian wineries for many reasons. They focus on quality and are committed to championing their small appellation of Carmignano that tends to sit in the shadow of the more popular Tuscany. Each time we come back to Silvia and Maurio’s wines, we’re met with balance, depth, and incredible length that can only come from hands that truly care about their craft. Check out their 100% Sangiovese
Pietranera, their Il Sasso Carmignano blend, or the rare 100% Cabernet Franc Poggio de’ Colli. Each one is full-bodied with incredible flavor, and will stand up to any hearty Italian dish or a Tuscan-inspired meal on the grill.
This winery is a standout example of a father’s vision and hard work, of raising a daughter with the same passion and zeal for wine, and of passing along the dream to the next generation.
Old Westminster Winery Take it Easy Rosé
Take it easy with this funky, sour beer-esque rosé from one of the most obscure states for wine in our store: Maryland! This fresh, unfiltered and unfined pink wine comes from Old Westminster Winery, owned and operated by the Baker family.
The family focuses on minimal-intervention winemaking, choosing not to add or subtract anything from the wines and letting the wines speak about the land they come from. “Take It Easy” Rosé is a blend of cold climate grapes like Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid grape known for being a hardy cold weather variety.
For the cool, hip dad (do those exist?) who’s up for trying anything twice, this bottle is a refreshing and unique addition to any picnic, grill-out, or patio hang. Drinks best out of a cracked “#1 Dad” coffee mug.
BEER
Steel Toe Split-Point Pilsner – $4.99/22oz
For the dads who enjoy the simpler things in life such as a finely mowed lawn, a fresh haircut, or a crisp refreshing lager. Brewed in traditional fashion with all German pils malt and noble hops. With its clean, cracker-y malt, delicate floral hop aroma and brisk, cleansing bitterness it checks every box of a top-grade pilsner.
Black Stack Double Dry-Hopped Dad Jokes Double IPA – $17.99/4pk
For the dads who always find a way to lighten the mood. Black Stack’s Dad Jokes makes its return with double the dry hop and double the pun. Jam packed with juicy Citra, Mosaic, Cashmere and Vic Secret hops and 8.6% alcohol by volume, this mighty brew will have dad cracking jokes in no time.
Pryes Course Correct Citra Pale Ale – $9.99/4pk
For the hop-lovin’ dads that never ask for directions. Course Correct always keeps dad on the right track. Bold, dank hop aromas and tons of juicy hop flavor from all Citra hop additions. Notes of tropical fruits and citrus peel lead to a gripping but pleasantly bitter finish.
Humble Forager Gypsy Outpost Imperial Porter – $15.99/2pk
For the adventurous, outdoorsy dads that willingly trek into unknown territory. This Imperial Pastry Porter tastes like a big, delicious Samoa® Cookie from your local Girl Scout troop. Humble Forager takes an unctuous, cake-like base brew and conditions it on toasted coconut, vanilla beans, cocoa nibs and cinnamon to elevate it to the next level. A great treat for an evening by the campfire.
SPIRITS: WHISKEY + CIGAR PAIRINGS
Woodford Wheat Whiskey – A new spin on the classic Woodford Reserve at 52% wheat in the mash bill. This sweet, light, and balanced whiskey brings forward fruit and floral notes. We paired this with the Undercrown Conneticut Shade Tubo 6*50. Light, creamy, and caramel, this bouncy smoke will work perfectly as you “tidy up around the place” or whatever you call putzing in the garage in peace and quiet.
Glendronach 15 year Revival was recently brought back into their lineup, this full body scotch expounds the Oloroso sherry casks it slept in for 15-18 years. Smooth, fig, cherry, this is a perfect pour while hitting the links with family or the boys. To pair, we went with one of the best selling Dominincan cigars, Romeo y Julieta Bully 5*50. A smooth and mellow body with prominent notes of herb and cedar, this hour long smoke should last you until the 19th hole when you go out on the course.
Sagamore Cask Strength Rye – Maryland style rye is coming back into vogue. This rye sits between fruit and spice, bold and bouncy, with a corn added to bring it a slight sweetness. Sagamore is one of the best in this style, and their cask strength brings leather, bright red fruits, and baked goods. To go with this high proof rye, we went with a versatile and matured cigar, the Gurkha Platinum 12 Robusto. Earthy, pepper, and chocolate notes make this cigar perfect with almost any medium or full bodied whiskey, but should go great with something as complex as maryland rye from Sagamore.
Maker’s Mark F44 Private Select – Our pick from Maker’s Mark, this bourbon was aged with three American staves and four French Mocha staves. Notes of vanilla and cocoa on the nose, and a big body full of caramel and dark fruit. This is best matched with the Rocky Patel Sungrown Maduro, a full bodied cigar of Nicaraguan tobacco. Sweet, full, and intense, this is a perfect smoke for prepping the porterhouse on the grill. You know what, actually, throw a second on there. You deserve it.
