Where we reside, spring has sprung. We survived a frigid January and February. But now, not a minute too soon, warm weather has descended upon us. We yearn to be outside. We want to bathe in sunshine, inhale fresh air and drink bottles of craft beer on our patio. If you’ve never sampled a Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale, you should. Let this great weather provide your reason why. Southern Pecan claims the title as the first beer made with roasted pecans. No surprise, it tastes a bit nutty. But, it is also smooth and slightly sweet without much taste of hops. Southern Pecan feels like it should be properly enjoyed outside. That might be because it is brewed by Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company in Kiln, Mississippi. You know, Mississippi--where they are not touched by the wretchedness of winter.

With InBev’s takeover of Anheuser-Busch, Boulevard Brewing Co. became Missouri’s largest American-owned brewery. Its promotion has not gone to Boulevard’s head or, more importantly, to its products. Boulevard makes fantastic beer, fact. From its top-selling Unfiltered Wheat to its adventurous Smokestack Series, beer snobs and everyday Joes can unite behind this Midwestern gem. And, you need not reside in the Midwest to enjoy a Boulevard. Its products are available in over 24 states from California to Massachusetts. (Click here). Last summer, Boulevard released its newest year-round beer: 80-Acre Hoppy Wheat Beer. We at G@H lack the enlightened palates to jabber about citrusy notes and potential food pairings. But, we have tried (and retried and tried again) lots of beer, and we enjoy 80-Acre. If Boulevard’s Unfiltered Wheat and Pale Ale had an unplanned yet adored lovechild, 80-Acre is what it...