Ithaca Cascazilla

Because of an advantageous microclimate, New York’s Finger Lakes region is well-known for producing world-class wines. However, in the sleepy college town of Ithaca, wine isn’t always the first beverage of choice.Ask people on the street and they’ll tell you that Ithaca Beer Co. is where it’s at. The brewery opened in 1998 and its beer is now available in seven states, and recently was awarded two medals at the Great American Beer Fest. One of its highest rated beers is the hopped-up red ale, appropriately named Cascazilla.

Cascazilla pours a medium ruby color with a moderate white head. Aromas are of tropical fruits, caramel, forest and bread. The predominant flavors are of grapefruit, orange, spruce and fresh-cut grass. Cascazilla finishes both bitter and sweet thanks to herbaceous Cascade hop character and malt sweetness. It’s very versatile as a “food beer,” but it would best match-up with braised short ribs, spicy jambalaya or gorgonzola cheese. It is available in six packs and retails for around $11.