Billy’s Chilies by Twisted Pine Brewing Co. $9.99 per four-pack
Cinco de Mayo presents a bit of a dilemma for the discriminating beer drinker: specifically, that most Mexican beers lack character and some are downright skunky. However, there’s a local brew that makes a fantastic companion for a Mexican feast. Twisted Pine’s Billy’s Chilies has a wheat-beer base, so it’s a slightly cloudy golden pour with a medium white head. But what sets it apart, even from other chile-infused beers, is its blend of Anaheim, Fresno, serrano, jalapeño and habanero chiles. This piquant mixture dominates the nose, then bathes the tongue in heat and spicy flavor, with the serrano and habanero especially noticeable. The heat keeps kicking in the back of the throat, begging another bite of cheese enchilada. Alcohol by volume of 4.3 percent. Ajuaa!
Twisted Pine Brewing Co., Boulder;
Marcus Chamberland
