Summer melonbeer

It doesn't take any slide toward room temp to taste the watermelon in the Strange Brewing Company's Watermelon Hefe. The initial sniff of the 400+ pounds of organic watermelons used in this beer is subtle, yet unmistakably that sweet and musky summer watermelon smell.  Thankfully the taste follows the smell, flip-flopping with the wheat through the whole drink to stay light, unsweet, and just melon enough. The finish and slight aftertaste are lovely and dissipate just as they should. It would be ideal on a hot hot hot day, although I could drink gallons of the stuff even on the rare rainy day in Denver. 

The Watermelon Hefe is Strange's most popular seasonal brew (5.9% ABV and 20 IBUs) and as one of the meisters here put it: "The name practically sells it." The first time, maybe, but not the 3rd, 15th, or 28th. This, along with GoodJuju from Left Hand Brewing Company and any cold Czech Pilsner (sorry, New World), has just become my go-to summer beer. 

Brewery art.  Strange Brewing Company --- 1330 Zuni, Unit M, Denver, Colorado 80204

The brewery, which opened in May 2010 after the two owners lost their jobs, hides in an industrial strip mall under the highway, next to a shop selling neon signs, and just across the train tracks from a restaurant supply store. The requisite food trucks replace any need for a food kitchen (today it is crepes) and the only thing missing is outdoor seating. 

Interestingly, the brewery is currently being sued by Strange Brew Beer and Winemaking Supplies in Marlboro, Mass. for allegations of trademark infringement. (Even though if you Google "Strange Brew" you also find  a tavern in Manchester, New Hampshire, and a coffee shop in Austin using the phrase in their names.) As a result, Strange Brewing (in Denver, Colorado) appears on Facebook as "That Brewery on Zuni."  Bottom-Side Up Brewing Co in Vernon, Conn., and 21st Amendment in San Fran also appear to do watermelon hefeweizens. You don't see THEM suing, do you?

Rating 4.8 out of 5.