Father’s Day is just around the corner and it’s time to up your gift-giving game. That means none of the usual offenders like socks, underpants or braai tongs with a dodgy torch attachment. Rather give dad what he deserves and build him a custom six pack complete with paired snacks with the help of our handy list.
1. Pilsner Urquell
Pilsner Urquell is the original pilsner dating back to 1842 and it’s still one of the most popular beers in the world. It has the perfect balance of caramel malt sweetness and spicy, earthy bitterness from the Saaz hop. It’s one of the most refreshing beers that you’ll ever drink, so while you’re at it, it would be smart to get a few for yourself, too.
Snack pairing: Salted peanuts are toasty and moreish, pairing perfectly with the bitter bite of the pilsner.
2. Cape Brewing Company – Pale Ale
Next up on our guided journey is a pale ale with a hoppy kick. Cape Brewing Company launched this brew a couple of years ago and it has become a fan favourite for good reason. It’s the perfect crossover beer from lager to pale ale, without being overly hoppy. It’s packed with citrus and granadilla flavour and finishes with a snappy bitterness.
Snack pairing: Something spicy. The hops will accentuate the chilli burn before cooling the taste buds and cleansing the palate for the next bite.
3. Jack Black’s – Fresh Hop IPA
Jack Black’s has just released their fourth annual Fresh Hop and it involves using freshly picked hops in the Outeniqua Valley that are then driven back to the brewery as quickly as possible. This year they’ve gone for a lighter, more sessionable brew than previous editions. Fresh hop is all about punchy hop aroma and flavour and 2020’s offering is bursting with gooseberry, passionfruit and stone fruit.
Snack pairing: Blue cheese and fruity hops are best mates. The beer rounds out the sharpness of the cheese while the cheese pumps up the fruity flavours of the hops.
4. Castle – Milk Stout
We’ve crossed over to the winter warmers, so it makes sense to start with a classic. Milk Stout is one of the best dark beers in the country and your dad deserves nothing less. It’s a flavour bomb of coffee, caramel and dark chocolate, but still manages to go down without feeling weighty.
Snack pairing: Good-quality droëwors is the perfect sidekick for this slow sipper. The rich flavour profile of the stout bounces off the umami wors in this evenly weighted pairing.
5. Woodstock Brewery – Mr Brownstone Hazelnut Brown Ale
Mr Brownstone is one of craft beer South Africa’s best-kept secrets. He just keeps on chugging away year after year, amassing a legion of die-hard fans. As the description suggests, it’s all about the roasty, toasty flavours of hazelnut with a touch of biscuit, vanilla and cocoa. Definitely a winner for any occasion.
Snack pairing: Lindt caramel with sea salt chocolate and Mr Brownstone is pure decadence. Just when you think it’s going to be too rich, a grain of salt pops through to balance things out.
6. Drifter Brewery – The Stormy Smoked Porter
Finishing off with the 2019 Africa Beer Cup “Best Beer in Africa” seems fitting for Father’s Day. It’s a dark and complex beer that’s brewed with beechwood smoked malt. The result is dark chocolate and coffee notes with an underlying smokiness that keeps you coming back for more.
Snack pairing: Although a steak on the braai is not technically a snack, it just feels like the right pairing for this epic beer. Grass-fed rump would be a great option.