Full Pint: Discussing today’s craft beer scene

By Kevin Patterson and Tres Watson

Buried deep within the dog days of summer, nothing offers such reprieve from heat quite like a refreshing, frosty malted beverage. But if you think that in these 90-degree days you are relegated to bland, mass-produced beers, think again. Today’s craft beer scene delivers a plethora of flavors, full of brightness, zest, summery flavor, and, yes, thirst-quenching relief.

Whether it’s a foreign import or an American-made craft beer, the brewing industry is growing and offering a style and flavor for every person’s tastes.  This column will help to educate beer aficionados, novices, and those just curious about the many styles and varieties of beers that make up the vast universe that is craft brewing.

Kolsch, wheat and farmhouse ales are perfect examples of lighter, summery beer styles the can quench your thirst while still providing lots of great flavor.  To see for yourself, consider these beers for beating the heat:

Reissdorf Kolsch — Jumping from the lawn work and into relaxation mode, your well-deserved reward should include this traditional German Kolsch beer brewed with crisp pilsner malt and the choicest floral hops for exquisite balance and simple light flavor but without the soulless grain flavors that are common in industrial-type lagers. Serve at about 42 degrees for that perfect blend of flavor appreciation and refreshment.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier — Yeah, try sayin’ that three times real fast. But despite the lengthy verbiage, you’ll soon sidle up to the table for that light lunch of summer salads, grilled veggies, poultry or salmon. That means it’s time to pop open a Bavarian wheat ale that’s packed full of citrus fruit flavors, spicy clove, and a refreshing finish of fresh baked breads- a perfect complement to many dishes of lighter fare.

Goose Island Sofie — And as the sun fades and the heat subsides, this farmhouse-style Belgian saison comes through with a zesty ale with sharper notes of apple and lemon pepper and with a zinfandale-like dryness- a perfect after dinner complement to a night out with friends, or the front porch with the furry K-9 companions. Serve in a tulip-style glass to release the bouquet of aromas.

Kevin Patterson is the resident beer guide and manager at the Beer Trappe on Euclid Avenue. He is an Army veteran and formerly worked in the architecture profession before taking his love of craft beer into the occupation ranks. Patterson also is a nationally ranked Beer Judge Certification Program beer judge and a Cicerone Certified Beer Server (Cicerones are to beer what sommeliers are to wine.) Throughout the course of his career, he has reviewed 2,800 different beers, judged in more than 100 competitions and festivals, and co-written many articles on the beer culture. He has lived in Lexington for 17 years.

Tres Watson, a graduate of Centre College, is a senior account representative at Peritus, a public relations firm.  Before moving to Lexington, he created and directed the 2004 Border Beer Bust in Augusta, Ga., which featured nearly 200 beers and drew 5,000 attendees over two days.  Watson is an avid beer drinker and a particular fan of IPAs.  He and his wife Laura live in Lexington, are members of the Lexington Beer Aficionados, and can frequently be found at Pazzo’s or the Beer Trappe.