With Father’s Day on the horizon, we’ve joined with Canberra Centre to take a look at the some of the quintessential elements that makes a man of style. They’re not complicated, and they’re not expensive… Put simply, it’s about accenting simplicity with a few sophisticated flourishes.

Simple Spirits
Take, for example, the casual act of relaxing with a drink. These days, thanks to Mad Men and the increasing presence of speakeasy-style bars throughout the city, there is no better option than a glass of whiskey. With a price range from $40.00 to $40,000, there’s something for everyone and endless adventures across regions, woods and ages.

The fanatics can argue about the source of your tipple, or whether to add ice, water, or taking it ‘neat’ is the appropriate way to enjoy your tipple, but the key is to kick back, sniff and sip with the minimum of fuss – exuding casual cool and confidence that have James Bond swapping his martini for your bottle of Balvenie.

Crafty Brews
Meanwhile, the increasing popularity of craft beers means that the days of arguing over whether to go with a ‘heavy’ or a light’ are long gone. True beer trainspotters are now arguing the finer point of Indian Pale Ales while referencing emerging breweries with increasingly cryptic names.

This seems almost completely the opposite of ‘straight-forward’ whiskey, but the simplicity comes through the removal of chemicals and use of natural additives to bring beer back to what it should be. Sound too complicated for your old man? Well, help is at hand.

Masterclasses
Master brewer and resident beer-nerd at Kingston’s Durham & Castle Arms, Dan Rayner, is here to guide you (or your dad!) through the murky waters of worts and yeasts, at Canberra Centre’s Beers & Burgers evening. With a selection of tasty treats from Burger Edge, dad will be set for an evening of delicious delights. Dan’s knowledge may be encyclopaedic, but his delivery style is engaging and hilarious.

Click here to read out interview with Dan.

There’s also a night for those looking to take a journey through the wonderful world of whiskies, with Nathanael Kennedy (whiskey lover and general bon vivant) on hand to host Whiskey Culture – and an evening of whiskey appreciation. Nathanael will explain his love for the honeyed liquid and to give you the finer points of five examples from around the world – including Starward, a tasty version from Victoria.

Click here to read out interview with Nathanael.

Tickets either night are $60.00, but you can pick up the pair for $100.00. As a bonus, the first 60 tickets sold will also receive a buy-one-get-one free pass for Dendy (and we won’t tell Dad if you keep it!). Click here for further information.

As always, there are plenty of other wonderful gifts for your dad throughout Canberra Centre’s 260 retailers. So get organised, grab your tickets and check out all the offerings for dad today.

For more activities, check out our Guide to Father’s Day, brought to you by Canberra Centre.