Dearborn Press & Guide

Who are your heroes? How do you define them? Success, money, power, bravery in battle. For me, there is no question it was my father, but not in the way one would expect. Basically, he was a hard-working, ethical retailer with a religious core of dedication to family and community. He was not spectacular at anything in the business world except for his unwaivering belief in his values. His greatness was his humility. He led quietly by example, by patience.

I remember clearly at age 12 the first day he took me to work. He put me behind the drug register and told me to stay there until he returned with his morning coffee. Within minutes my first customer, gruffly and in a hurry, demanded five packs of Days Mule chewing tobacco. Well, I had no idea how to ring up an order or what price to charge. I froze, bewildered and nervous. I made up the most reasonable price that came to mind and began pounding on the keys of the now ancient NCR cash register. It just wouldn't open. Finally out of frustration I smashed on the biggest key I could find and was rewarded smartly with a pounding on the solar plexes from the cash drawer springing open. It hit me with the finesse of a Joe Louis jab. I fumbled through the sale, handed "Mr. Spit" his change and said thank you, relieved and proud of my first sale.

When my father finally arrived, I screamed "Dad, you were supposed to teach me how to ring, you were supposed to help me." He smiled and lit up those half moon eyes, "I was teaching you" he replied. For the rest of my life I knew he was always there behind the scenes, nudging me along the way, confident that if there was any real trouble he would be there. He never let a single day go by without talking with me about something, whatever was on my mind or his. He was and is, my most important hero.

What do you buy for heroes on Father's Day? Most importantly you talk with them and why not over a very good beer? Here are some suggestions from my personal favorites. If you and your Dad have what I had, you will love them too.

Unibroue 10: To celebrate their 10th anniversary beer, this Canadian brewery created a beer of 10% alcohol with a fruity and spicy aroma. It is light-bodied but full flavored with a complex and warming finish. A 10 on our scale!

Delerium Tremens: This strong Belgian golden is sweet and fruity with coriander leading an entrage of intense spice and banana flavor. By far, one of the most distinctive Belgian ales. 8.5% alcohol.

Wittekerke: With mouth watering orange flavors and coriander spice again, this Classic Belgian white ale is a great refreshing summer beer that's also very versatile with food.

La Trappe Dubbel: A traditional Trappist-style brewery, the Dubbel is deep reddish-brown in color with a caramel and chocolate malt character and banana-plum fruit aromas.

Albert Le Coq Imperial Stout: A revival of one of the original Russian Imperial stouts, this massive strong stout (9% alcohol) has intense coffee and toffee malt flavors, subtle fruit and hop aromas and a long tart roasty finish. (England)

J.W. Lees Harvest Ale 1997: Brewed once a year in the fall to celebrate the new harvest of hops and malts, this vintage full-bodied strong ale is packed with bittersweet caramel malt and peppery hop flavors. Rich and complex yet elegant, this beer has a long and satisfying finish. 11.5% alcohol (England)

Samcihlaus 2000: One of the strongest beers in the world (14% alcohol) this vintage dated brown colored Austrian Dopplebock is jam packed with rich, malty flavors and a smooth, well-balanced finish.