When temperatures breach triple digits, ditch the Natty and head out to The Local 44 Bottle Shop. They’ve got over 500 beers to choose from, so we had to scope it out first. Here’s how we’d pick ‘em. P.S.: “Good people drink good beer,” is the Shop’s motto — we like that, and we think you’re great.
If you’re penny pinching: pick Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. At just $24 for a 12 pack, it’s light, refreshing, and the best bang for your buck. If you want a perfect summer brew: pick a HooDoo Kolsch. No fuss, no muss, this is a crisp golden ale with vibrant hoppy flavor. ($2.50 for 12 oz bottle) If you’re craving an IPA (and feeling adventurous): pick the Uinta Dubhe (pronounced DOO-BEE). While a regular IPA usually hits 80 IBUs (International Bitterness Units — how hops are measured), the Dubhe clocks in at a whopping 109. ($3.25 for a 12 oz bottle) If you just want an IPA: pick the Southern Tier India Pale Ale, it never disappoints hop lovers, who enjoy the bitter and tangy character that characterize IPA’s.. ($2.50 for a 12 oz bottle) If you’re fearless: Pick the ‘t Smisje Wostyntje. It’s unpronounceable. It’s made with mustard seeds. It’s delicious. ($7.25 for a 25 oz bottle) If you wanna go local: Pick a Dogfish Head Festina Peche. It’s light with bold peach flavors, a perfect fit for summer. ($2.95 for a 12 oz bottle) If you’ve gone gluten free: pick Green’s Quest Tripel Ale. This drink proves you don’t need gluten to have great beer flavor. ($8.25 for a 16.9 oz bottle). If it’s your birthday: pick a bottle of Xyauyú, the most expensive beer in the shop. This strong artisanal Italian barely wine (a fancy name for a strong ale) is not for cowards, but a single bottle will last you up to a week. ($62)
