Review: Woodbury’s Best Beers

Beer tastes best in the summertime. That’s probably because you earn those ice-cold brewskis while milling about in that oppressive heat. Maybe you were giving the ol’ lawn a sensible buzz cut with the mower, or perhaps weeding the garden’s unruly snarls under the sun’s merciless rays. Though your rosy-red sunburn may be tender, you don’t need to be asked twice to skedaddle in search of a cold one. Lucky for you, Woodbury has a bevy of local bars that are ready and rarin’ to serve you a frosty mug of your favorite golden elixir. Whether you’re in the market for a tall glass brimming with a heady India pale ale (IPA), a pint of a citrus-kissed on-tap classic like Blue Moon, or a seasonal craft beer in a bottle, this lineup of establishments has something for every palate. So, drink up these summertime beer recommendations put forth by neighborhood bartenders. They’ll have you chilled out and imbibing something delicious in no time.   Sierra Nevada TorpedoChampps Americana The sprawling patio at Champps is reason enough to sprint to this eatery in the summertime. But it’s nice to know that the bar is well-stocked with some tasty brews, too. The bartender recommends trying a bottle of Sierra Nevada Torpedo ($5.25). This craft beer is a bold domestic IPA, deep orange in hue with a refreshing array of flavor notes including grapefruit and sweet malt. The Sierra Nevada hails from California, and so does the Anchor Steam ($5.25), another bottled craft beer that’s delicious in the summer. Anchor Steam is deep amber in color, and it offers a complex, bittersweet flavor profile. Another beer to consider isn’t really a beer per se—but it sure hits the spot and cuts the humidity in the summer: Angry Orchard Cider ($5 for a 16 oz.; $6.75 for a 25 oz.). Made from fermented apple juice, hard cider is light, sweet and tastes divine over ice. 8418 Tamarack Village; 651.735.5050; champpsmn.com   Summit EPADanny’s Bar & Grill If you’re a golfer who’s played a round in the summertime heat, then you know the croon of an ice-cold beer’s siren song. Danny’s has served cold ones to many a golfer after they’ve hiked the Stoneridge course. But golf or no, Danny’s is an ideal place to relax with a beer on the patio. Try a chilled bottle of a classic Minnesota brew: Summit Extra Pale Ale ($4.75/16 oz.). It’s golden and refreshing with a tickle of carbonation that’s not overkill. Another bottle worth trying is the Longboard Lager ($5.50)—smooth and delicious, this Hawaiian beer is fermented and aged for weeks in cold temperatures to yield the richest flavor possible. Lastly, the Woodchuck Cider ($5.50) is just lovely. Served over a handful of ice cubes, this semi-sweet cider will make you feel cool as a cucumber. 13600 N. Hudson Blvd., Stillwater; 651.436.2144; dannysbarandgrille.com   Dig Summer Pale AleGreen Mill In the summertime, Green Mill has been known to offer beer tastings, making this eatery a favorite destination for thirsty patrons. Last year, the beer that had tasters swooning was the Lucette Farmer’s Daughter, no longer available at the Mill. If you’re more in the market for a classic go-to brew, order a tall glass of Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss ($4.75 for 16 oz.; $5.75 for 25 oz.). Medium-bodied with notes of citrus with a clean, straw-colored hue, this beer is what some might call a “no-thinker beer,” a beer that you can drink and enjoy with minimal mental effort. A last recommendation from the bartender is New Belgium Brewing’s Dig Summer Pale Ale, a seasonal blonde ale with a medium body, notes of apricot and light-hearted quality that shouts “summer.” 6025 Hudson Road; 651.735.1000; greenmill.com   Curious Traveler Summer ShandyLakes Tavern & Grill There are lots of things to love about Lakes Tavern & Grill, from the occasional live music to the swallow-you-whole plush booths to the oh-so-delish food. Summer is the perfect time to gather some friends, congregate at Lakes, order a tasty appetizer and imbibe some luscious beers. The bartender recommends the Curious Traveler Summer Shandy ($5.25 for 16 oz.; $7.25 for 25 oz.) It’s a light and refreshing brew that offers strong notes of lemon and lime. Hazy amber in the glass with not-so-subtle hints of lemonade, this seasonal beer transports you to a summery nirvana. Another beverage that’s sure to quench your thirst is a frosty glass bottle of Crispin Cider ($5.95). Lucid and crisp with apple-kissed sweetness, this cider is all the rage when the weather is hot. 9240 Hudson Road; 651.287.2000; lakestavernandgrill.com   Blue MoonTavern Grill You won’t have to twist any arms when convincing friends to meet on Tavern Grill’s outdoor patio for some froth-capped, cold libations. Nor will you have to work hard to sell them on joining you as you order a pint of Blue Moon ($4.25 for 16 oz.; $6.50 for 25 oz.) to sip as you malinger in the pleasant weather. You’ve probably enjoyed many Blue Moons before, complete with a juicy orange wedge perched on the rim of the glass, but there’s something special about this citrus-sweet, honey-colored beer that meets summer with an ear-to-ear smile. You gotta have at least a few “Moons” this summer. Then there’s the pale lager that everyone loves: Stella Artois ($4.25 for 16 oz.; $6.50 for 25 oz.). Without being overpowering, yet offering a light, subtly fruity taste, you can always count on Stella to be smooth and refreshing, and it pairs well with most foods, too. 772 Bielenberg Drive; 651.578.3000; thetaverngrill.com   Dos EquisChili’s If you’re looking for a simple, beer-me kind of bar, make tracks to Chili’s. Here, you’ll find all the usual suspects as far as beer goes, but that’s not to say you won’t be handed a glass of something crisp and delicious. The bartender notes that Dos Equis ($4.29) is a solid choice for a clean, refreshing summertime beer. This lager will hand you lots of froth and lace with a light and sweet malt flavor. Another brewski that’s recommended for the summer folks is the classic Corona ($4.29). Served with a lime wedge tucked in the neck of the bottle, this no-frills, clean-tasting, light-bodied lager is perfect for a hot, sticky summer afternoon. 9945 Hudson Place; 651.739.8177; chilis.com  Irish ShandyO’Malley’s Pub Celebrate summer in Irish fashion with an Irish Shandy ($6) from O’Malley’s Pub. Served in a traditional tulip glass, this beverage comprises Harp (a light and crisp Dublin-made lager) plus tart lemonade. In Ireland, an Irish shandy means lager mixed with soda and citrus, but O’Malley’s noted that Americans like their shandies a little sweeter. It’s divine in the summer. If you’re looking for a tasty craft beer, grab a chilled bottle of Fulton’s Lonely Blonde ($4.50). Showcasing soft hops and a light, malty flavor, this locally made ale has a nice citrus kick to it and is highly drinkable. The bartender also points to Finnegans Blonde Ale ($4.50). A bottle of this scrumptious brew offers creamy, copper-colored suds that sooths and satisfies. 1775 Radio Drive; 651.578.7007; omalleys-pub.com