Reason Beer
Reason Beer is not affiliated with this magazine in any way, but it's good nonetheless.
A microbrewery in Charlottesville, Virginia, set out to make balanced suds and named itself accordingly. The company's products feature reasonable alcohol by volume (between 4 and 5 percent) and reasonable flavor profiles; there are no trendy palate-wrecking triple IPAs or super-sour experimentals in the bunch. The most complex offering, Reason's black ale, starts with unexpected tropical hops before offering a malty, Guinness-esque finish. Try it with your favorite grilled food.
The hazy yellow saison is another standout. Less funky than many saisons due to a colder-than-average brewing temperature, the wheat and oat flavors come through crystal clear for a highly drinkable beer.
Reason is a welcome addition to the bounty of choices that have been available to beer lovers since deregulation in the '80s allowed the craft brew scene to blow up.
This article originally appeared in print under the headline "Reason Beer."