The best beer to beat that heat is the Sling Shot Extra Pale Ale from MacTarnahan's Brewing Company of Portland.

MacTarnahan's, founded in 1986 and best known for its amber ale, bills itself as Portland's oldest microbrewery. That's nothing to scoff at in a city frequently dubbed "Beer-vana."

Fans of full-flavored beers often cast a wary eye at the lighter summer seasonals, which they consider flavorless.

They needn't worry about the Sling Shot. Brewed with Cascade and Nugget hops, the beer is crisp with a golden color and a rich, unexpectedly hoppy taste.

Even more unexpected is the extra pale ale's 6.2 percent alcohol by volume, but the taste masks that bite well.

It's sold in 22-ounce bottles and six packs, and should be available through the end of summer.

I haven't seen it cost more than $2.50 for a 22-ounce bottle, which makes it a great deal in this age of higher beer prices.

WHAT'S ON TAP

After an eight-year hiatus, the Blonde Bombshell Wheatwine is back at the North Fork Brewery in Deming.

It's 10.4 alcohol by volume and is sold by the wine glasses. Eric Jorgensen, who's in charge of brewing at the North Fork, put it on tap two weeks ago and said there's enough to last six months.

The brew is another result of the global hops shortage. Jorgensen said he didn't have enough hops to make a barleywine, so he went with the wheatwine instead.

He said it tastes similar to a wheat beer, but with a sweeter, floral finish and more bite from the added alcohol content.