The Best Beers to Enjoy on a Rainy Day

Ben Franklin famously said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Well, technically, he said that about wine, but let’s not get hung up on history and facts. It’s so profound that it’s definitely something he could have said. We would argue that dogs and campfires are even further proof. Thankfully, Anheuser-Busch just announced the perfect way to enjoy all three together.

Billed as “the nectar of the DOGS,” Busch’s all-new Dog Brew is the healthiest way for your dog to enjoy a cold one with you by the campfire. Since both beer and hops are toxic to dogs, the non-alcoholic brew is actually a bone broth made from just a few all-natural ingredients, including pork butt, corn, basil, celery, mint, turmeric, ginger, and water. Not only is it safe for dogs, but it’s healthy in promoting their digestive system. Plus, if your pup struggles with eating solid foods, it’s a more accessible way to get the nutrients they need. But, let’s be honest, it’s really just a clever marketing ploy that we’re happy to buy into. Who doesn’t love the idea of drinking a campfire beer with their pooch? You too can drink Dog Brew with your dog, although it tastes nothing like beer, and Busch admits it’s pretty bland by human standards.

Mustard and beer is a great combination, but usually we're talking mustard used as a condiment on a sausage or pretzel alongside a pint. Colorado's Oskar Blues Brewery has taken this pairing to a whole new level with a new collaboration with French's Mustard, appropriately called French’s Mustard Beer. It's a tropical wheat beer that is literally brewed with French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, along with an infusion of fruit and citrus flavors including key lime, lemon, tangerine, and passion fruit. “We’re stoked on bold flavors at Oskar Blues Brewery and we never shy away from a challenge,” said Oskar Blues head brewer, Juice Drapeau, in a prepared statement. “With French’s Mustard Beer we elevated the Classic Yellow Mustard flavor with tangy lemon and lime to create a tropical wheat ale I’d pair with a loaded hot dog on the hottest day of the year.”

This isn't the first food crossover for French's, known for its bright yellow mustard that is ubiquitous at backyard barbecues around the country. Last year, the brand collaborated with Coolhaus to release a mustard ice cream that was available in New York and California for a limited time alongside a pretzel cookie. And Oskar Blues is no stranger to brewing uniquely flavored beer, as indicated by its "Death By" series of brews with such flavors as king cake, coconut, and even affogato.

Learning to brew your own beer doesn’t have to be hard. For a basic brew, I liken it to making boxed macaroni and cheese. If you can measure ingredients, add in items at specific times, and maintain a relatively steady temperature, you can make beer. However, it can be expensive to buy (and inevitably to upgrade) the equipment and homebrewing is a large time investment. An all-grain brew day can easily take up an entire Saturday — and that’s not including all the clean-up.

For those with small spaces, limited time, and some cash to spend, counter-top appliances and straightforward, beginner craft brew kits are all the rage. These homebrewing kits fit right in beside toasters and microwaves but promise to make brewing beer as simple brewing as a pot of coffee. Or maybe even microwavable mac n’ cheese.
Pico
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