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Those who know me well will tell you that I partake of the grapevine on a regular basis. And it’s true – it’s what I do for a living. I have a passion for the intricacies that wine has to offer, and it is healthy for you, right? With that said, I admit that I am also a big fan of just about anything else that, after a biological and chemical process, turns itself into alcohol. Once again, this is my job! With all the different products available in the imbibing world, my second soft spot is dedicated solely to the suds. For you rookies, this is beer, cold and frothy.
In the winter, I dedicate my closet beer drinking to hearty brews like stouts and porters. I do this because I need a beer that my spoon will stand up in and will kick a bowl of chili in the teeth. Summertime is different. With the heat and humidity, I need something that is going to go down fast and leave me with a feeling of having just been quenched. I’ve run across many beers that fit the bill for my summer suds, but with all the new brew coming to the market, here is what I’m drinking this summer after I roll in from mowing my yard in a sweaty wife beater.
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy- Wisconsin
Shandy is a drink made of beer and lemonade. Free State Brewery in Lawrence, Kan., serves a beer like this called The Cyclist. Mountain bikers cruising in from the trail would stop at Free State for a quick refreshment and wind down. The combination of beer and lemonade was a hit. The Leine Summer Shandy is a perfect throwback to those days of summer sippin’ on the front patio at Free State after a ride. It has a nice wheat tone, zesty lemon hints and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Fort Collins Brewery Major Toms Pomegranate Wheat- Colorado
This brewmaster had cojones to try this blend, and guess what, it worked. Not sweet, but all wheat with just a hint of refreshing pomegranate. Don’t feel like a puss if you like a beer with some fruit in it. I look at it as a way to get a little fruit from the pyramid in your diet!
Lakefront Brewer Cherry Lager- Wisconsin
There is much to love about this beer, but the biggest draw is how well it goes with barbecue and smoked meats. It throws a frothy pink head when poured in a glass and has some of the color from the infused cherries. Door County Wisconsin is proud of their cherries and they make for a nice compliment to this lager, which is crisp and clean.
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