With Father’s Day two days away, I celebrate my younger daughter’s third month of life. It’s been an amazing blessing that I’m very much grateful for and I look forward to celebrating the holiday with the three Bs; my babies (yes, preteen of mine you’re still my baby), BBQ and of course beer.

The following is a short list of beers the dad in your life may enjoy this Father’s Day:
1. Speakeasy Ales & Lagers’ Baby Daddy Session IPA- Highly recommended for new dads looking to have a beer. Changing diapers, making bottles and gaga-googooing makes you thirsty, but it’s extremely important that we stay sharp and alert. This Session IPA is loaded with hop aromas and flavor, but comes in at a modest 4.7% ABV. Available in cans at most locations that sell craft beer.

2. HenHouse Brewing Company’s Oyster Stout- also light in alcohol at 4.8%, but flavorful and dark in hue kind of like my new bedtime, midnight wake up call, 2am wake up call….you get the point. It was brewed with local oysters and sea salt. Expect hints of salted chocolate. Available at the source, HenHouse Brewing Company in South Santa Rosa, on tap or in a growler to go.

3. Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder- Respect your elders! Fathers who have diaper changes and late night bottle feedings far in your rear view mirror can feel free to enjoy something a bit stronger. At 8% ABV, a Pliny or two is a great way to reward yourself. This highly rated Double IPA continues to be considered one of the best made and highly sought after beers in the world. It’s slightly bitter with a fresh hop aroma of floral, pine and citrus. Available at the brewpub in Downtown Santa Rosa and at a few selected locations throughout the county.

-Peter Lopez Jr.