They say that beer was made by man, and wine was made by God. Whatever the case, the month of August, with its when-will-it-ever-end heat, humidity and harshness, is the proper time to reflect on our contribution, for nothing goes down better than an ice-cold, almost-hurts-to-grab-it frosty one. The crisp effervescence and low alcohol (compared to wine and cocktails) make it the perennial complement to the foods of summer. And now, with hundreds of beers available locally, there's no reason to keep tapping the same old barrel. Here are some of my current favorites.
Schlafly Summer Kölsch
St. Louis, Mo.
$7.99/ six-pack
This refreshing ale is light in color and body, but full of flavor. Lemony with a hint of spice and balanced bitterness. It's my "go-to" choice for a light-style summer beer.
New Belgium Skinny Dip
Fort Collins, Colo.
$7.49/ six-pack
Fairly new in the New Belgium line of beers, this one offers you a full-bodied taste with "light beer" weight and body. Fresh hops and lime leaf round out a beer that is extremely drinkable … one after the other.
Buffalo Bill's Orange Blossom Cream Ale
Hayward, Calif.
$7.49/ six-pack
Light and fruity with delicate and sublime orange flavors that don't weigh you down like other "too sweet and girly" fruit beers. Bright and refreshing, with an aroma of a freshly peeled Valencia orange.
Bell's Oberon Ale
Galesburg, Mich.
$9.49/ six-pack
Spicy and fruity with crisp flavors of citrus, banana and cloves. Goes down smooth, with an increasingly hoppy bitterness. Bell's Brewery crafts many seasonal beers and ales, most of which are of excellent quality.
All beers are available at Lukas Liquor (15921 Manchester, 636-227-4543, lukasliquor.com) or the newly opened Friar Tuck in Crestwood (9053 Watson, 314-918-9230, friartuckonline.com).
