Readers:

Yes, it’s cheap. Yes, it’s from Mexico. Yes, it’s summer in the DC area, and when dining on Tex-Mex, nothing tastes better than a decent Mexican lager like Dos Equis. While my last review was perhaps one of the most full-flavored ales available year-round, it’s time to head back to basics for the wonderfully drinkable beer–if anything else, it is perfectly paired with chips.

It was a terrible week. On Monday (into Tuesday), while Tiger Woods womped Rocco, the rain here knocked out out power for a couple days, so we lost all our food in the fridge. Then on Wednesday, I got a flat tire. Just driving through Reston at lunch and heard a wump-wump-wump. Doh! All-weather Continentals ain’t cheap. So, my wife and I needed relief–we decided to enjoy a trip to Austin Grill in Old Town Alexandria. Besides their famed El Cheapo margarita, nothing pairs better with their ginormous portions than a large Dos Equis.

Mexican lagers, let’s face it, aren’t known for a ton of character. After all, the new Presidente of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, has a name which can be rearranged to spell phrases like “I feel p*rn-laced” and “Lo! Fecal pie nerd!” This beer does certainly have its place where stouts and porters dare not tread (ever see a Guiness tap in a Tex-Mex joint? Maybe at the end of the universe).

Dos Equis is a wonder lager considering its style. The body and color are two of its more desirable features. The rich, brown color and light-for-its-color body provide a nice drinkability without an overpowering flavor. One thing that’s great is to have a large glass of Dos Equis, distinguishing it from other pale lagers, but despite its physical resemblance to heaviler ales, it has all the drinkability of a light lager, making it perfect for humid evenings. Drink up this summer, and be sure to stay hydrated in the east-and-west coast heat waves.