By Nick Anderson, The Beermonger
The fourth of July is upon us once again, bringing barbecue, potato salads, fireworks, friends and beer. Plenty of beer. Now, if you want to spend your fourth with a glass of wine or some cocktails or even a few bottles of your favorite import beer, go for it. It is Independence Day, after all. This column, though, is dedicated to the American Craft Brewery. What should you be drinking this fourth? Well, I can’t order you to try any of these, but here are some of my recommendations:
When you’re getting into grilled steaks or spicy pulled pork, hoppier Pale Ales and IPA’s are a great match and a good way to beat the heat. For a larger group possibly containing the hop-uninitiated, look for beers like Clipper City’s Loose Cannon, Victory Hop Devil or New Holland Mad Hatter. These IPA’s are balanced and appeal to a broader spectrum of drinkers. They have substantial hop flavor without being overwhelming and make for great food pairing.
If you’re having some fellow Beer Geeks over for a few pints and firework watching, bring it with Rogue American Amber, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA or Green Flash Hop Head Red. These hop bombs are strong, flavorful and sure to start a good time. For a nightcap, perhaps a salute to the author of the Declaration of Independence with Bluegrass Brewery’s Jefferson Reserve Stout, which is aged in bourbon barrels. A cold glass of this smooth, rich stout is a great way to end the evening.
As for me, there’s only one beer for my fourth celebration this year. A beer that over the past year has become an all-time favorite and my ‘everyday’ drinker. A Pale Ale that’s smooth enough for everyone, yet hoppy enough for those of us that love hops. A beer that wears its pride on its red, white and blue can. That’s right, its can. I’m talking about the excellent Dale’s Pale Ale from Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, Colorado. Oskar Blues is a brewpub/Cajun style barbecue that started canning its beer in 2002. The joy packed into each of these little aluminum wonders is amazing. With the days of metallic-tasting canned beer a thing of the past, pick up a six (or twelve) pack for the weekend and enjoy them by the grill, in front of the TV, at your local fireworks display or even by the pool (no glass? No problem).
That’s what I call independence. Have a great holiday.
Cheers,
Nick Anderson, The Beermonger
Nick Anderson is the Beer Buyer (Beermonger) for Rick’s Wine & Gourmet in Alexandria Virginia. He writes a blog at www.beermonger.net
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