Beer buzz: Rahr's Pride of Texas pale ale is smooth and hoppy

Pride of Texas Pale Ale

BREWERY: Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Fort Worth

STYLE: American Pale Ale; this style is credited with launching the American craft beer movement. Brewed with American hops, these beers are typically aromatic with a bit more bitter hop character and softer malts than British pale ales show. Their alcohol content by volume ranges anywhere from 4 percent to 7 percent.

THE PITCH: This tasty pale ale has a good dose of hops, but the bitterness is nicely balanced by malty and fruity notes. It's lightly carbonated, smooth and refreshing, with prominent grapefruit zest and grassy hops flavors that straddle IPA territory. The alcohol content is 5.8 percent, but it's easy to drink on a hot summer day.

SERVE IT: Great on its own or with burgers, grilled foods, fish, Mexican food and salty snacks.

GET SOME: Widely available in six-packs of 12-ounce cans for about $7.99.

Tina Danze