Beers for Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend…the last official weekend of summer and the official start of college football.  Whether you are outside enjoying time with friends and family or are firmly planted on your couch, this is a weekend that calls for a nice, easy drinking beer.  You could very easily run to your local grocery store and pick up a case or two of Bud/Miller/Coors.  The big three make a very consistent, lower alcohol, smooth American Lager beer, but I urge you to venture out and try something new this Labor Day. 

• The New Belgium Brewing Company offers a summer seasonal called Skinny Dip (4.2%ABV).  NB has officially released their Fall seasonal, but you still should be able to find 6 packs of this beer in any store that carries the flagship beer, Fat Tire.  The beer has seen mixed reviews among customers, but I happen to like it.  The aroma reveals both Cascade hops and malt without either being too overpowering.  The beer starts with a mild bitterness from the hops and finishes with a toasted bread or biscuit like flavor.  This is definitely more complex than B/M/C, but the flavor of the beer does not linger for a long time like some other craft style brews.  I think this is a good starter for those looking to try different beers outside of their standard American Lager.  

• My second recommendation for the weekend is an American Lager made in the tradition of beers brewed before the worst political decision of all time, Prohibition.  Session (5.2% ABV) is brewed by Full Sail Brewing Company without any corn, rice, or other adjuncts…just malt.  It also comes in a cool 11 ounce, stubby bottle that is sure to be noticed by others.  This tastes similar to import lagers you may have tried, but without that distinct Heineken flavor many people do not like.  Session is brewed right here in the US so drinking this beer is a great way to celebrate labor here in America.  Plus I think you will find it very enjoyable and easy to drink.