HOUSTON, Texas—A flight at Saint Arnold (2000 Lyons Ave.) fits the Lone Star State. The pours are Texas-large, at 8 ounces a pop. These are best served at the main bar, which is located across the tasting room from the entry kiosk on the second floor. Don’t be fooled by the less-crowded back counter immediately adjacent to stairs—the selection is only of limited year-round offerings. Once you elbow your way to the bar, $10 gets you four golden tokens and a souvenir glass. Pours are served one at a time. –Bo McMillan
*Boiler Room
3.6% | Berliner-Style Weisse
A semi-hazy and straw-colored beer with a head that verges on mousselike. It’s lactic and bready up front, like a mixture between tart lassi and light toast with hints of lemonade. It leaves a slight tingle in the back of the throat but is light and easy-drinking. Perfect for those hot, humid Houston days.
Art Car IPA
7.1% | India Pale Ale
Tangerines, mandarins and other tropical fruits dominate the aroma and taste—and with barely any bitterness. Caramel malt gives this beer its bronze color and slightly syrupy body. Very clean finish. Altogether a balanced, juicy IPA.
Santo
4.9% | Black Kölsch-Style Beer
It’s caramelly and effervescent like a crisp, less-heavy and slightly sweet dunkel and almost ink black. The aftertaste carries a hint of dark roast coffee. It pairs beautifully with a stack of moist brisket slices doused in tangy barbecue sauce.
Icon Blue / Coffee Porter
6.2% | Porter w/ Java Pura Coffee
More sweet than roasty, with a nose of coffee, toffee and vanilla that matches the taste. The mouthfeel is surprisingly bubbly, though the beer produces little head. In the middle is a slight vegetal flavor, similar to coffee beans akin to a breakfast blend or light roast variety.
*Order the full pint