Early this morning, I’ll be harvesting potatoes from my garden. It is has been hot and dry, so I plan to water as well. Later, I’ll hide away in the A/C and watch a little World Cup soccer: it’s France vs. Argentina, then Uruguay vs. Portugal. Around 5:00 PM, I plan to drive into Baltimore for the Checkerspot Brewing’s Grand Opening. It’s open from 12 PM – 12 AM today.

I’ve discovered a few “beer reads” for your amusement on this 90° plus weekend. Enjoy.

One of my favorites, Bell’s Two Hearted IPA, is named America’s best beer in The Homebrewers Have Spoken: This Is America’s Best Beer. This informative list of beers, based on homebrewers’ polls is a terrific compilation of impressive beers.

In addition to  Checkerspot, another brewery opens locally this summer. The Baltimore Sun reports, Guinness brewery in Baltimore County to open Aug. 3.

Eric, this one is for you, it explains your hatred of anything with Cascade hops. In Hate IPAs? You Can Blame Your Genetics, the Huffington Post reports your dislike is innate but you can learn to like just about anything.

More summer fun with Vinepair’s 25 Best Summer Beers. I was surprised to see one of my faves, Cigar City Maduro, on the list.  Also, Vinepair introduces us to a new spin on India Pale Ales, Bubbly, Bone-dry Brut IPAs. This intriguing new beer style is apparently all the rage but new to me.

Warren