A little something for Father's Day.

Newport, Oregon's Rogue Ales won't be the only brewer to tie Father's Day to beer, but they've certainly done it in an unusual way:

Acclaimed brewmaster John Maier has whipped up a malt liquor, using 40 percent corn, which usually is verboten in craft brewing. But then, most craft brewers don't make malt liquor, either.

As Rogue spokesman (and Morgantown native) Scott Gallagher points out, some malt liquors get their "bad rep" and high octane from added alcohol, but this one comes by its 7.5-percent-by-volume alcohol naturally. The brew hopped with Oregon crystal hops and lagered at warmer-than-usual temperatures "to help bring out the sweet, crisp flavors of the corn."

The news release goes on to note that the new beer honors Sonora Smart Dodd who organized the first Father's Day celebration on June 19, 1910. The 22-ounce bottles it comes in depict a father wearing several ugly ties.

But the best part is the name:

"Dad's Little Helper."

-- Bob Batz Jr.