http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/08/09/921280

Published: 12:00 AM, Sun Aug 09, 2009
Try one of these refreshing summer ales
By Jessica De Vault
Staff writer

There's nothing like having a frothy beer in an icy, cold mug at a summer cookout.

And now is the perfect time to skip the Miller Light or Budweiser to try a few brews that taste the best during this time of year.

Julie Baggett, who is the brewmaster at Huske Hardware House, says it's best to keep beers light in the summer.

"You want it to be easy drinking," said Baggett, who has 16 years of brewing experience under her belt. "Heavy beer will weigh on you in the heat. That's why people prefer the lighter beers."

Huske Hardware House offers a 6-beer sampler for $6 for patrons wanting to try something new. You can't go wrong with a Belgian white or the restaurant's Consecration Grand Cru.

"It's a golden ale flavored with bitter and sweet orange peel, lemon grass, candy ginger, coriander and grains of paradise seed," she said. "It's extremely light and good for the summer."

Specialty wine and beer shops such as Grapes & Hops on Ramsey Street have an extensive stock of beers, said Phyllis Whyte, the co-owner of the beer and wine supplies portion of the store.

"Most of the stuff we get are specialty brews or foreign beers, because our military here have selective palates," she said.

Danielle Dix, who has worked at the shop for two years, said some of the best-sellers are Franziskaner and Linenkugel's Sunset Wheat beers. Each are sold in six packs at the store.

Baggett and Dix suggested five popular selling beers that are sure to please.

BEERS
Blue Moon Belgian White: "These are good because they are very light," Dix said. $8.31 for a 6-pack, Grapes & Hops, Harris Teeter and other grocery stores.

German Hefeweizen: "This is extremely light and very good for the summer time," Baggett said. $4 for a 20-ounce glass, Huske Hardware.

SweetWater Blue Ale: "This is great for the summer, because its like a blueberry wine," said Dix. $9.35 for a 6-pack, Grapes & Hops.

The Level-headed Blonde Ale: "This is great year-round and is a No. 1 seller here," Baggett said. $4 for a 20-ounce glass. Huske Hardware.

Samuel Adams Summer Ale: "Its title is pretty self-explanatory," Dix said. $9.35 for a 6-pack. Grapes & Hops, Harris Teeter and other grocery stores.
Staff Writer Jessica De Vault can be reached at devaultj@fayobserver.com or 609-0649.