J.W. Dundee's Amber Lager and Honey Brown Lager?$4.99 each at Hannaford

Growing up in Maine, I have become accustomed to weather that often proves more mercurial than a two-year-old left at home with the babysitter. One second he's humming "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and the next he's screaming bloody murder. So it is, we have seen, with the weather, as we have all just experienced the first Bowdoin College snow day since Woodstock?and the first in April since that Safe Ride down to 'Shua's was pulled by a team of horses.

But don't think that spring isn't still right around the corner. A common Maine axiom states that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Many of you, I would guess, may be saying the same thing about my articles right about now ("Spring Heat my ass!"). I can't say I blame you. Maybe it's just out of spite, but I don't think my heart is in sitting down with a nice springy six-pack as tree-size limbs come crashing down all around me. What I am always game for, however, is my good old friend J.W. Dundee, who offers two of the cheapest six-packs around, coming in at a $5 bill and a quarter each: Amber Lager and Honey Brown. It may not be springtime just yet; but there's always time for good bottled beer that costs less than that Frito-Lay variety pack.

As all of you probably know by now, I would be pretty content with a magic fridge that dispensed only frost-chilled cans of Natty Lite and pepperoni Hot Pockets. But I will be the first to admit that there is a time and a place for the classier bottled beer, and a time and a place where aluminum is the better option. Saturday nights have developed into somewhat of a ritual for my buddies and me. I have lovingly deemed it Beer Can Dodgeball?if you're picturing Ted curled up in the corner pleading for his mother as empty cans rain down from the heavens, then you've got it pretty much nailed. Throw some bottles into this scenario and he will only be wailing for his insurance card. Bottles prove equally problematic when time is of the essence, as the top cannot be torn apart to simulate drinking from a trough.

But there is no denying that beer from a bottle is the classier, more refreshing alternative. Show up at a party with a 12-pack of Miller Lite bottles and people are asking where your tie is. But if you're not in the mood for the Shipyard and just can't justify something "lite," then I have just the thing: top of the line taste at bottom of the gutter prices. J.W. Dundee's Amber Lager and Honey Brown Lager are the (not so) hidden gems of the college world. Everyone knows that you paid for it with spare change, but they do respect you for it.

These two beers are great choices to start your night when you're just not ready for the Milwaukee's Best stashed in the vegetable drawer. Not only will you still have money left over for the Poland Spring Vodka, but you will be amazed at how good this stuff is?and not just for the price. Now I know you're all expecting the half-hearted beer analysis at this point, but since I'm pretty much handing this stuff out here, I don't think it will kill you to just go down and try them both on blind "Beer Fever" faith.

Admittedly, I view the Amber Lager as Honey Brown's estranged, delinquent brother. Everyone pretends they're happy to see him, but really they just feel obligated since he's part of the family. This is not to say that Amber Lager is bad, because on the contrary, it is actually quite tasty. But I think it lacks the complexity of Honey Brown?and by "complexity," I mean it's harder to get through a six-pack and move onto the Natty. Seriously though, both beers prove an excellent choice when you can't decide whether to go classy or remain cheap. At such a bargain price, you can afford to hang out with Mr. Dundee on a nightly basis while still enjoying a great tasting, respectable beer.

I guess my point here is that if you no longer trust me to predict the weather with the beer I choose each week, I don't blame you. This is why I give you two beers that should be on the top of your list every time you head down to make a purchase no matter what weather you drive through to get there. If your night calls for something above and beyond your typical 12-ounce silver bullet but you're also saving up for the Ab Lounge Deluxe, then look no further than J.W. Dundee and his band of trusty Lagers. Besides, if you really don't like the taste, just wait five...more beers.