The Taste

The food world has its Naked Chef, and now the beer community welcomes Point Nude Beach summer wheat ale. Stevens Point, a 150-year-old Wisconsin brewery, has wowed the pants off brew fans and the nudist community with the beer they're serving at the American Association for Nude Recreation August 2008 annual event.

Here are the bare facts: Point Nude Beach pours a cloudy golden color (not quite tan) with a tightly laced head. It smells of citrus, but reveals wheat, grass and malt flavors. Unlike other wheat beers (German-style Weizens or Weissbiers), there are comparatively few spice notes (no clove or coriander) or fruit finishes (no banana or orange). It's smooth; it's creamy; it's really got a nice body.

And yes, you can find this beer in stores. The label art tastefully obscures the private parts of the illustrated men and women depicted with strategically placed towels, volleyballs, beer coolers and surfboards. If your life's a beach, this beer's for you.

-- James Oliver Cury