Beer Pick: Sweetwater Waterkeeper Hefeweizen

Profile: It takes a lot of water to brew beer. It’s no surprise then that Atlanta’s Sweetwater has long been involved with organizations that promote clean water and protect rivers and coastlines. Waterkeeper Hefeweizen is the newest release for the cause and will help benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance.

The German-style unfiltered wheat beer is made with a half-and-half blend of wheat and two-row barley malt and Sterling and Hallertau hops. The result is fresh and refreshing yeast-forward brew with juicy notes of citrus, clove and banana.

Pair with: Waterkeeper Hefeweizen is a perfect beer for the hot days of summer. Try it with salads, goat cheese, fresh sausages or a slice of orange and an omelet at brunch.

Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly beer publication distributed throughout the Southeast: www.brewingnews.com/southernbrew