At 5.8 ABV, Rahr and Sons Pride of Texas Pale Ale is perfect for a summer afternoon. Late afternoon, that is, when the sun is setting, and the Texas heat is already dissipating. Otherwise, you just need water.

But about the beer. It’s good. Grassy and smooth with just a hint of bitterness. There’s yeast and malt and lots of it. The finish doesn’t just disappear, but it doesn’t linger that long, which makes this a perfect session beer.

Don’t expect an IPA or a more full-flavored American Pale Ale or Rye Pale Ale or something like that. Instead, expect a smooth ale with just enough funk to make it interesting.

My only complaint is the lack of citrus. I’m used to more grapefruit or orange in pale ales and this one is lacking there. But that complaint is more about my own frame of reference and what my mind wants a pale ale to be. This one is quality even without the citrus. It amps the malt to make up for it.