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I know it isn’t the most creative thing, buying your dad a bottle of booze. It’s somewhere in the mix with ties, golf balls, and power tools. Yep, it’s been done. But there is something to be said about getting him what he likes. Lucky for you, Surdyk’s isn’t just the same-old, same-old kind of place. It’s products to take the usual to exciting. With precious little time between Father’s Day, make it easy on yourself and stop in. Here are some of my ideas to help the ol’ man celebrate in style.

Our single-bottle microbrews paired with artisanal cheeses are the perfect gift to take to a Father’s Day family gathering, and have a celebratory, “let’s break it out now!” feeling. The pairing possibilities are practically infinite. My favorite idea is keeping it local. (It says, “Dad, I’m proud of where I came from/live!”) Try our latest arrival from local brewery Lucid: CAMMO. It’s a double pale ale with a combination of hop varieties, giving it an intense hop and citrusy profile, while staying refreshing and drinkable. It would be great with an equally powerful local cheese (and a personal cheese shop fav) Big Woods Blue from Shepherd’s Way. Just be sure to bring enough for everyone!

If he is a wine lover, be sure to check out our new offerings from a boutique Washington winery Sparkman Cellars. Named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 2011 Wineries of the Year, we are all raving about the wines from this family-owned winery. Winemaker Chris Sparkman has even named his signature red blends after his daughters. Ruby Leigh is a richly concentrated Merlot blend and Stella Mae is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, and has layers upon layers of nose and flavor.

For my own dad, it’s all about the bourbon. This year, his bottle will come with Whisky Stones. Taking “on the rocks” quite literally, these are made in Vermont from natural soapstone. The stones chill your spirits without imparting odor or flavor, and most importantly, without diluting the spirit. We have an outstanding selection of bourbons (many of which I could rave on about). But it wouldn’t be right on Father’s Day if I didn’t plug my dad’s hometown hero: Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon. Made in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (you guessed it, where I’m from). This is no-small town moonshine; it has received major props from the New York Times and won a gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. I find it to be exceptionally smooth and a bit sweeter than other bourbons on the finish, making it great choice for sipping. Lucky for my dad, the apple didn’t fall far from the bourbon-loving tree, and isn’t sharing something you love with someone you love what Father’s Day is all about? So raise a glass to your dad, grandpa, or whatever guy in your life that is worth celebrating. Cheers! – Lindsey Coleman