I had a chance to visit my mother over vacation down at the New Jersey shore. On a wonderful summer afternoon, after beaching it for the day, we all sat down for a late afternoon lunch of deli sandwiches on fresh rolls from the bakery and fresh Jersey fruit. My mother doesn’t have a beer often, but it was vacation and this was the perfect time to enjoy one.

I had a special beer reserved for her in the cooler. It is a talent of mine to study what people like and dislike, in beers, wines and foods, and try to find and match the perfect beer to the person and situation. For this occasion, for my mom, I chose a Phin and Matt’s Extraordinary Ale. Its light but crisp hop bite and sweet background, along with a modest alcohol content seemed ideal.

How’d I do? She loved it! Very much so, she said so many times. I explained that it was a local New York beer, from Southern Tier, and that it is very popular in upstate New York.

I’ve had success with my father as well. I had him try a Victory Prima Pils because of how the aroma reminded me of stealing sips of beer from my grandfather’s mug when I was about 10 years old. My dad’s reaction? “Wow, this tastes like Dad’s beer!”

So just the other night I was talking to Mom on the phone and making arrangements for another trip to New Jersey for a visit later this Fall and she asked if I could bring her some of that beer I had gave her over the summer. Of course! I’d love to! I pat myself on the back for another successful hook up. Then she tells me she wants a case of it… a case! Major success!

p.s. That will last her for a long time.