Local brews for summer sipping

Four made-in-Oklahoma beers to get you through the dog days

Oklahoma is home to makers and lovers of fine craft beer, for which I have a special place in my heart, especially in the summer months. Supporting local businesses is important but, in this case, it’s extra-easy to do because the beers that are MIO are award-winning. For your barbecue, stock your cooler with these: 

Prairie Birra
This session-able farmhouse ale is perfect for a summer evening outside. With notes of orange and black pepper and an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4.5 percent, it’s a crowd pleaser. 

Roughtail IPA
This piney IPA is aggressive, but it finishes quite soft and it’s a great match for spicy ribs and the bold flavors you might feature on your July 4th menu. Your foodie friends will love this beer—in fact, they probably already do. At 7 percent ABV, don’t let them love it too much; they might need a ride home, and they’ll be looking at you.

COOP Horny Toad
This full-flavor blonde ale has a hint of hoppy bitterness with an ABV of 5.3 percent—the perfect beer for a hot day. Known as Coop’s “gateway” beer, it’s good for those who have yet to discover the joys and complexities of craft beers gets ‘em hooked.

Marshall Old Pavillion Pilsner
This German pilsner is arguably the best beer brewmaster Eric Marshall makes. It’s crisp, clean, and classic in form and flavor with a 5-percent ABV. This might be the star of your festivities, unless you make the best brisket in town.