The First Nominee, According to Me.

We're only three days into qualifying here at Thirsty Pilgrim Mobile Headquarters, but there's already an early candidate for Perfect American Craft Beer: the Bitter American from San Francisco-based 21st Amendment.

Full of zesty hop flavor and aroma, dry and sessionable, with enough malt backbone for balance but checking in at a svelte 3.6 percent strength. Inspiring, nearly perfect, and handpicked by 1-year-olds everywhere for thirsty dads. Especially those throwing down sausage-and-peppers pies at Pizzeria Paradiso on this sultry DC afternoon.

I get to drink the beer, and the boy gets to eat the pizza crusts. That's the deal, and it's a fair one.

Wow, this city is a swamp. And I submit to you that the work of pushing a baby stroller is nearly identical to that of a lawnmower. Although they each have their on unique challenges.

It really is an outstanding beer. On a list full of really interesting options, I had to order a second one and skip all the rest. One knock against it is that it's summer seasonal only. With luck and sales maybe it will go year-round.