Beer Bites

Ommegang Witte Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, N.Y.5.10 percent alcohol/volume$3.00/draft @ Faegan’s2.5 out of 4 mugs

Just like the slightly warmer weather due this weekend, this beer is a refreshing change-up from the winter ales and chocolate stouts. Ommegang’s Witte (white) beer is hazy yellow in color and truly reserved for those hot days during the summer. However, you will not be disappointed in the citrus zest and clean-mouth feel after each gulp. Some beers (*cough* Milwaukee’s Best *cough*) leave that nasty, ‘just drank cat piss’ feel all around the taste buds. Not so here. Try this as a local alternative to Blue Moon or Howgaarden.

Red Seal AleNorth Coast Brewing Company, Calif.5.5 percent alcohol/volume$10.99/6-pack3.5 out of 4 mugs

Bring this beer to any occasion. Seriously, you can’t go wrong. Classy and delicious, Red Seal pours an amber hue and smells/tastes of sweet, sweet hops and spices. Drinkability is key here. No, not that Bud Light b.s. – I’m talking the ability to socialize, watch TV and eat a meal with this beer without: a) getting ‘surprised drunk,’ where you swear you only had three as you doze off in a booze coma or b) having an overwhelming bad taste in your mouth. I’d like to think the only issue with this beer is the way in which you decide who gets the last one.

Landmark India Pale AleLandmark Brewing Company, Syracuse, N.Y.Brewed and Bottled by Flying Bison Brewing Company, Buffalo, N.Y.6.8 percent alcohol/volume $1.79/bottle at Party Source on Erie Boulevard 2 out of 4 mugs

The name India Pale Ale refers to the brewing style that uses lots and lots of hops to flavor the beer. This beer, however, is hopped up on hops. Its intense floral aroma wafts from the deep copper/orange pour. Taste-wise, you’re looking at hoppy, flowery bitterness and notes of alcohol. Landmark is locally owned by Kiernan May, who creates his own beer and then has it brewed and bottled by Flying Bison in Buffalo. Support your local brewers!

Will Halsey is a senior photography major and the Beer Bytes columnist. His columns appear in print and on The Daily Orange feature blog site every Thursday. He can be reached at wlhalsey@syr.edu

Published on February 4, 2009 at 12:00 pm