Great Divide Hoss Rye Lager
Great Divide Brewing Co., Denver, Colo.
$10.49/ six-pack; also available on draft at select beer bars.

Profile: First released as a fall seasonal in 2009, Hoss Rye Lager became a year-round offering in February. The fact that Hoss won a bronze medal at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival and was named one of the “25 Best New Beers in America” by Maxim magazine likely helped spur that decision.

Whatever the reason, Great Divide has added an interesting niche to its portfolio of big, bold ales with this balanced and flavorful take on an uncommon style. The recipe is based on rich German Märzen/ Oktoberfest lagers. But malted rye gives it a subtle spicy complexity amid the expected bready sweetness. And unlike the average Oktoberfest, there’s a hop presence in the crisp finish.

Pair with: Great Divide recommends pairing Hoss with bratwurst, barbecue chicken, pork tacos, Camembert cheese or German chocolate cake. Somehow, though, a grilled Reuben sandwich seems like the perfect match.