Much of the news of the past week has been dominated by the story of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates being arrested at his home by Cambridge police officer James Crowley. At a press conference last week, President Obama addressed this issue and eventually suggested that Gates and Crowley join Obama at the White House to discuss things over a beer. While most talk surrounding this story has been about questions of race and law, I'd like to address the beer question. Specifically, what beer would be appropriate for Obama to serve?

Let me first preface my recommendations by stating that I hope and pray that Obama will eschew the typical American offerings of Bud/Miller/Michelob/Coors. Would Obama serve boxed wine or jug wine at a meeting at the White House? I don't think so; therefore he shouldn't serve the beer equivalent.

Additionally, while it is often recognized that Belgium makes the best beer in the world along with Germany and England, I think we can assume that Obama is going to serve American beer.

So Mr. President, if you are reading this...try one of these world-class American beers.

Allagash White - This Belgian-style witbier (wheat beer) from Maine craft brewery Allagash is an excellent summer beer. This is a very smooth beer with a hint of spiciness. This beer is well-suited over dinner or relaxing on a porch outside.

Todd Alstrom of BeerAdvocate.com says: "A very traditional Belgian Style Wit beer. All the flavours and characteristics are pretty damn spot on for a US made brew. One of New England's greats ..."

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA - Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is one of the top craft breweries in America. In my estimation, their 90 Minute IPA (India Pale Ale) is the best example of that style. This beer is definitely for hop-heads who love that bitter flavor of hops. While some hoppy beers are overwhelming and poorly balanced, 90 Minute IPA is well balanced with a bit of a sweet finish. I'm guessing Obama could convince Dogfish Head owner Sam Calagione to make the drive over from Delaware to serve this outstanding American microbrew. Here is Sam talking about 90 Minute IPA:

Stone Double Bastard Ale - Stone Brewery in San Diego, CA has long been a pioneer in craft brewing. Their Double Bastard Ale is an American Strong Ale and one of their best offerings. This is not a beer to pound - it is a beer to sip and enjoy the subtleties. The label on the bottle can much better describe it than I can:

This is one lacerative muther of a beer. It is unequivocally assured that your feeble palate is far too simple to justify your imbibement of this liquid glory. Instead, stick to what you know, which should be easy as it is certainly not much. [Gaping Gobemouche!] Go away - far away - and have one of those pedestrian proletariat products that lure agog the unwashed hoi polloi with their baiting broadcast propaganda.[Loser!] Or stick to one of those products thunk up by ethically deprived marketing exec types that contract mega facilities to make "original recipes" (yeah, right!) and market them as if they are made with even the slightest degree of care or attention, all the while going further to insult us by suggesting that they are produced in places where they are not. This Double Bastard Ale will no doubt put supporters of the aforementioned atrocities in a state of befuddlement and harrowing overload at our supercilious remarks, perhaps not that different than that which we experience when we witness the outrageously conniving, intentionally misleading, brazenly masturbatory and fallacious ad campaigns by those pathetically blathering peddlers of snake oil.
Warning: If you have an hesitation, DO NOT buy this bottle. Instead, leave it for a Worthy soul who has already matriculated to the sublime ectasy of what those in the know call "Liquid Arrogance". Make no mistake, this Double Bastard Ale is not to be wasted on the weak or tentative. If you purchase this bottle in a fit of foolish abandon, you will surely regret the decision. Only the Worth are invited, and then only at your own risk.

Victory Storm King Stout - Imperial Stouts are quite the treat and this offering from Pennsylvania microbrewery Victory is no exception. Jason Alstrom of BeerAdvocate.com describes it far better than I can:

"Thick and creamy with a full and flexed body, smooth with minimal carbonation from the hard pouring ... even with a normal pouring there probably would be, at most, a moderate carbonation level. Roasted bitterness flavour draws long as well as the demanding hop character. Heavy hand of sweetness from front to middle with sweetened espresso and a black berry fruitiness. Hops kick in hard and flail around flavours of citrus, earth and leaf ... as soon as it peaks the roasted gives a one two punch of charcoal and dark chocolate. Roasted flavours intensify in the finish with a hitchhiking hop bitterness that just won't let go. After taste is endless."

Yeah, what he said. This is a great after-dinner beer that will put you in a contemplative mood. Beware of the high alcohol content (9.6% ABV); Obama, Gates, and Crowly just might create some new problems with a bit too much of this outstanding beer.

Great Divide Old Ruffian Barleywine - While barleywines are often better suited for winter, they also make for great dessert beers. This offering from Denver, Colorado microbrewery Great Divide is one of the best American barleywines. Once again, Jason Alstrom:

"Big lush mouth feel with a long drawn-out smoothness. Juicy palate of malt and hops. Suggestions of caramel drizzled shortbread and toasted whole wheat potato bread from the malt. Fruity middle with a one two punch of hop bitterness and hop flavor which are very expressive yet not overwhelming. The bitterness comes at the same time the warming alcohol leaves a numbing sting on the tongue. Finishes with a sweet maltiness and a long lingering hop character."

As an aside, I am available to assist in this beer tasting, President Obama. Cheers!