Beer pick

Lagunitas 2009 Correction Ale

Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma, Calif.

$3.99/22-ounce limited-edition bottle at metro beverage stores

Profile: Correction Ale, the latest limited-edition brew from Lagunitas, was made to lampoon the current economic crisis. The label quotes a recording, “We’re All Bozos on This Bus,” by comedy troupe Firesign Theater, and features more humorous ruminations from Lagunitas founder Tony Magee about clownish characters, such as “Made-Off.” But the pale gold beer inside is, as the label also proclaims, just a good American ale. At 6.3 percent alcohol by volume, it’s very drinkable —- with the bright, hop presence of fresh citrus and pine in the nose, and even more citrus on the palate, all balanced by a solid maltiness and a gently bittersweet finish.

Pair with: Correction Ale recently took a trip out Buford Highway to Delicious Kabob, where it played very nicely with several numbingly hot Sichuan dishes. The lively citrus flavors would also make a good match for other styles of Asian cuisine, including Thai and Vietnamese, or spicy Caribbean, Cajun or Mexican foods.

Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly beer publication distributed throughout the Southeast.