Top of the Town 2012

The key word here is balance. Colorado Kind has just enough hops to keep it interesting while smoothing out any bitterness with subtle caramel notes from the malts. This equilibrium lets you pair it nicely with a brat, or with a crisp, citrusy salad. The best part? You can’t buy it at the liquor store. You have to visit one of Mountain Sun’s three locations, which means it’s more than just a beer—it’s an outing. Vine Street Pub, 1700 Vine St., 303-388-2337; Mountain Sun, 1535 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-546-0886; Southern Sun, 627 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303-543-0886; mountainsunpub.com