A true champion of Beer Flavored Beer, I give you Farm Hand, made with love by Brewery Vivant. 

Fourth of July weekend is here!

After July 4, the summer season just speeds up. Those beautiful sunny summer days just seem to breeze by.

It’s time to make the most of every single sun-dretched second of summer.

It’s time to treat yourself. My favorite way to do that is with a delicious beverage. So let's get started. 

Kris and Jason Spaulding own Brewery Vivant and Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits.

I wanted to pick a beer for you that meets this moment. I immediately thought of Brewery Vivant, owned and operated by former Midlander Jason Spaulding and his wife, Kris. Brewery Vivant is one of the gems of Michigan beer culture. According to their website, a lot of the inspiration their brews comes from the southern part of Belgium, called Wallonia. Traveling the countryside, visiting small farmhouse breweries and collecting ideas, their brought all that knowledge back to Grand Rapids and set up shop in a former funeral home.

How can you not love that story? Take a road trip this summer and check them out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Perusing the aisles of Cork N’ Ale on Waldo Road, I was impressed by the wide array of Michigan beers and some great imports.

I grabbed that beer I was looking for and headed home.

Toast of the Town is a weekly column that explores craft beer and cocktail culture in the Midland area.

I settled on Brewery Vivant’s Verdun – a Bière de Garde ("beer for keeping"), which is a French beer style brewed to be malt forward. The beer is named after the city of Verdun, France. It’s delicious. It’s a little more boozy at 7% ABV. It’s a medium bodied-brew with a forward malt taste with tones of spice, green apple and pear. It’s just a little dry on the back end.

It’s a GREAT beer. A perfect summer beer.

So, why was I wishing I had something else in my glass?

After a great session with Verdun, I was craving my favorite Brewery Vivant brew – a go-to at any time of the year. A yummy, crushable, reliable standby that is as perfect as a summer day. I went to the fridge and grabbed a “Farm Hand," the gorgeous, bright farmhouse ale that Brewery Vivant calls its flagship beer.

It’s easy to see why.

I don’t know if this is a perfect beer but has to be close. When I talk about preferring Beer Flavored Beer, this is what I’m talking about. It’s a perfect specimen – it's simple, even classic, but produced with incredible craft. That goes for all of Brewery Vivant's offerings. Its light, buttery flavors include tones of banana and clove with a bit or citrus. 

Even when I've had one of the Spaulding's beers that didn't quite hit the spot – rare that it is – I always admire the skill with which it was made. 

As if there aren't already enough reasons to love this company, the Spaulding's brewery is the first Silver LEED-certified commercial microbrewery worldwide. Brewery Vivant might be one of the most environmentally friendly, sustainable breweries in the world. Serving up great beer, and food, all while taking care of the Earth. 

Talk about an American – and Michigan – success story!

And a perfect story to leave you with on a July 4 weekend. 

Have fun, be good and drink up!

Join us Aug. 20 at Dow Diamond!

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, make sure you are ready to roll with us Aug. 20 at the Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond. More than 60 breweries will be showing of their best brews. Get your tickets at www.greatlakesbeerfestival.com

Brewer: Brewery Vivant Style: Farmhouse Ale, made in the tradition of Wallonian saison ales ABV: 5.5% Appearance: Bright, clear and yellow.   Aroma: Light, and a little funky. There is a pleasant sour note. Like wet hay, but in a good way? Mouthfeel: Thin and bubbly. Very drinkable.   Taste: Bright, tart. There are tones of honey, banana. This is the kind of beer I sometimes refer to as "Adult Pop." It's not particularly challenging, but it is delicious.  Price: $12.99 for a six pack Summary: The brewery describes it as "slight in body, mildly sweet, and has a slight cloudiness from the simple un-malted grains similar to the period." That's pretty much spot on. It is a thirst-quencher. This is a beer you can spend all afternoon (or evening) with and not regret it the next morning. It isn't the most exciting beer you will ever have - it's not supposed to be - but it is satisfying, consistent and won't disappoint.  Pairs With: This beer can be friends with lots of food options. For starters, think about a cheese plate with an aged cheddar, gouda, munster or havarti and some meat and crackers. Next, try crispy grilled chicken or any kind of fish or seafood. Shrimp skewers on the grill would make a good partner. Since it's the July 4 weekend, put on your favorite classic rock playlist which should contain at least half of the Van Halen's debut record.