Let's face it, for some Dads, gifting a tie, a bottle of aftershave or a pair of slippers for Father’s Day just won’t do. And a “fallback” gift card from a drugstore carousel reeks of desperation—or utter laziness. For many men, life is all about experiences…and beer, lots and lots of beer. Luckily, San Diego boasts an inspired service, Brew Hop Tours, that’ll make Dad truly “hoppy” this holiday. Whether he’s a hardened beer connoisseur or just likes to have a good time over a cold brew, this gift idea is for you!
San Diego has evolved into a hotbed region rife with micro and craft breweries catering to folks who favor the hoppy, yeasty goodness of a painstakingly formulated, expertly-executed beer. Brew Hop Tours lets beer lovers get up close and personal with San Diego’s burgeoning craft brew culture at its source, providing a far more sophisticated version of a bar hopping experience.
All of this company’s tours are private and customized especially for each guest’s particular tastes and desires. Will it be just you and Dad on the tour, a small group, or a dozen (or more) of his closest friends or family members? Would he like to be picked up at home, a hotel or a trolley stop? They can organize a plush VIP luxury SUV or a limo transport, can arrange for a couple of hours of tastings or whole days’ worth of events…anything he wants, he can have.
All tours do include a private vehicle with a driver who doubles as a VIP host and will guide Dad and his guests through the tasting experience. When making the arrangements, you may choose from over 60 local breweries, including Stone Brewing Company, The Lost Abbey and, my personal favorite, Ballast Point where the craft beer ingenuity is matched by an elevated culinary program and all is served up in a super cool and relaxing atmosphere.
Gift-givers may opt for a two-and-half hour tour featuring one or two breweries (starting at $75 per person), or a full five-hour excursion featuring three or four breweries (starting around $119 per person). The experience includes guided tours at each brewery (when available), copious sample-size beer tastings and gratuities for all bar staff. Any additional tip for the driver isn’t included but is certainly appropriate. While food isn’t part of the tour, guests can choose to order eats at any of the locations that offer a menu and pay for it separately.
This tour experience is a truly thoughtful, unique and super-fun way to say "thanks" to Dad this Father's Day. Go ahead, arrange a day for him to Brew Hop on down to some of San Diego’s best and brightest craft beer houses where he’s certain to raise a frosty glass in your honor.
