What's on tap in the craft beer scene
BEER OF THE MONTH
THIS is the first Beer of the Month, an ongoing column spotlighting the best, most notable brews we're finding in Southern California. Beer has always been the drink of sociability, but it's a lot more than that now. Many beer lovers, of course, are aware of the possibilities of pairing beer and food, and craft brewers are emphasizing this affinity with each new release.
Not only are pubs and lounges featuring an ever-wider variety of fresh beers on tap, but many fine-dining restaurants put together beer lists as thoughtfully as they choose their wine lists. A growing number of more casual food-forward cafes offer sophisticated selections too. And fine liquor stores and wine shops pride themselves on having a well-chosen array of distinguished imported and craft beers.
Although the news lately has been about the increase in the price of beer (among other reasons, there's a temporary hops shortage), it's still a bargain among fine beverages. More and more, you'll find that you can drink better on a budget by ordering a lager, an ale (pale or otherwise), a wheat beer, bock, porter, stout, trippel -- or one of the many other styles of beer on the market.
Look for Beer of the Month on the last Wednesday of each month.
food@latimes.com
