Sierra doesn't pale when put to the test

Your Weekend Starter with Carter: Heavy and tall boys will knock you over

Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale?($6.99 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) This fine brew has become a Maine favorite over recent years, integrating the taste of wild Maine blueberries with a smooth, wheat ale body.

Your Weekend Starter with Carter: It's the time of the seasonal ales

Geary's Autumn Ale?($7.49 for a six-pack, available at Dead River) As the autumn weather shuffles in, beer drinkers everywhere eagerly await whatever fabulous seasonal brews this fall will bring. Luckily, Maine-based Geary's Brewing Company stepped up with its caramel-colored brown ale, the dark horse of all seasonals: the Autumn Ale.

Your Weekend Starter with Carter

Sierra doesn't pale when put to the test

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Carter Thomas

Columnist

September 23, 2005

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($6.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford)

My first experience with this pale ale was just a few months ago on a cool, crisp summer night in northern California (where it is brewed). Widely regarded as a great casual beer, Sierra Nevada did not disappoint?its light texture and subtle flavorings were a delight, delivering a memorable drinking experience from first sip to last gulp. Unlike other high-end beers, it is not a chore to drink an entire six pack of Sierra Nevada. In fact, it is quite common for people to bring this beer to a party, especially one populated by surfers, skiers, and readers of Outside magazine. When asked how it struck him, Spar Patton '06 said, "It's as funky as James Brown on his worst night." This is articulated by the artistic label, a light green base with vibrant browns and memorable vistas. I would recommend this beer to anyone who is into great tasting pale ales and wants to try and be the cool kid at a party. My scores: Taste: 4, Partyability: 4, Cost/Benefit: 5.

Labatt Blue ($5.99 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford)

One time while on the other side of the border, I decided to give this Ontario-based lager a go. Displaying itself in a bright blue label, Labatt is one of Canada's most trusted names, similar to a Budweiser or Coors here in America. The most defining characteristic of this beer is its powerful taste, making it a great choice for drinkers who can't get enough beer in their diet. Ford Barker '06 explained, "You know you're drinking beer when you're drinking Labatt." This full-bodied brew has been making a stab at the American market in recent years, producing ads involving a talking bear or less-than-awesome kids sitting at a bar singing to themselves. Labatt is a good beer when you are just hanging out and looking to drink a few with some friends. My scores: Taste: 3, Partyability: 2.5, Cost/Benefit: 3.

Natural Light, ($3.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannford)

As the cheapest bottom-shelf beer, Natural Light has quickly established itself as the go-to keg on campus. Its patented taste is easily recognized as coming from the rejected brew that flows out the back end of the Missouri Anheuser-Busch plant into silver cans. To its defense, this beer goes down much easier than most of its light counterparts. As Connor Fitzgerald '06 put it, "Hands down, the most chuggable beer is cold, flat Natural Light coming out of a keg." It is good to know that these types of investigative skills are being put to use in a world full of beer-related confusion. Like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Natural Light is also commonly purchased as a 30-pack, which seems to be either permanently on sale or out of stock. I remember when I first got to college and this was the only beer served at parties, I convinced myself how delicious it was. Now I like to drink beer that doesn't taste like water with a hint of dissolved plastic. There is, after all, life after Natural Light. My scores: Taste: 2, Partyability: 5+, Cost/Benefit: 5.

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