Coming from Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery, the Mirror Pond Pale Ale is a gem.  Even ask our friend Ericka, who confirmed the monthly choice with rave reviews.  This American style pale ale is great for all different kinds of foods and drink great just by itself.  But try it with pizza, bruschetta, or pears and goat cheese.  There is a little sweetness that just makes it a great, easy drinking ale.  Try the 2009 silver medal winner at the American beer festival and let us know what you think.

This month’s installment of the beer of the month comes from Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York.  Since the weather is getting more comfortable and outside activities more plentiful, why not find a beer that pairs well with the outdoors.  Hennepin, the  Belgian Farmhouse Saison style beer, is the perfect choice and one of our favorite beers ever!  This is a super smooth beer with ginger and coriander that gives it a kick of spice.  And at 7.7% alcohol, a 22 oz. is all you need.  This beer is great with spicy eastern dishes, chicken, sushi, and other fish.

This month we have been reminded by our friends Katy and John of how good Belgian beer is and especially when you get stuck in Europe because a volcano will not let you return to the states, and thus, you have to venture to Gent, Belgium to visit the Huyghe Brewery.  Here you try the mother of all Belgian beers – Delerium Tremens.  This my friends is Adam’s favorite unfiltered Belgian Strong Ale and at 9% alcohol a little goes a long way.  However, it is still very drinkable and full of clove and citrus flavors.  Goes well with most foods and great alone at your favorite local bar. Also, the Delrium Tremens name and pink elephant logo are meaningful and very clever.

Ohhh, do we have a treat this month.  A long time favorite, Sierra Nevada Brewery has branched out a bit and has gone to the German Bock style beer.  The Sierra Nevada Glissade might be the perfect spring time beer with the seasonal hops and freshness that simply shout out “spring time.”  Drink by itself, pair with some sandwiches or salads, or even give it a run with a thin crust, vegetable-loaded pizza.  And at a nice 6.4% alcohol content, this still delivers a bit of a punch without sacrificing a refreshing taste.

If you have ever drank with us, you know how much we like New Belgium Brewery.  Known mostly for their Fat Tire Amber Ale and many other quality beers, they are also leaders in environmental awareness and sustainability for microbreweries.  Great beer and environmental consciousness is an awesome combination.  Well, they have come up with another quality beer and introduced their Ranger IPA as apart of their Explorer Series.  Although not a Belgian style beer, the Ranger IPA is a solid first exploration for New Belgium in American Hoppy IPAs.  Great stuff and a pretty bitchen’ label.

After a lot of testing on several occasions (just making sure we are recommending a solid brew), we are proud to announce that Stone Brewery’s Cali-Belgique is the beer of the month.  We love Stone Brewery for there insanely good beers, their epic brewery here in San Diego, and their commitment to the  ideals of the Slow Food Movement (we are also members).  The Cali-Belgique is a year ’round limited release that combines the qualities of a California Style IPA with Belgian influences.  Try this great beer with artisan cheeses or simply drink on its own.