Xtra Pale Ale
Laurelwood Brewing Co.

It's just too easy to review that first beer you sit down to after a 100-mile drive on a summer's day. You're so keyed in at that point to the enjoyment of a cool refreshing beverage that a chilled glass of pond water would easily do the trick.

Of course, Laurelwood's most recent summer seasonal would satisfy regardless. It is a light golden ale of clear copper with a cheery, fresh-leaf hop aroma and simple, effective bittering built on a platform of casual appreciation. The assertive hop aroma caught me off guard, as it really wasn't necessary. But who'll complain about a fresh hop aroma? Not me.

Easy drinkin' for the novice and veteran beer geek alike.