One of the first rules I learned as a bartender was there are three things you never discuss in a bar: religion, sport and politics.

Being American and a beer lover, it was a proud moment to see President Obama discussing race relations over a couple of cold ones in the White House Rose Garden. Wouldn't it be great if all the uptight world leaders sat down over a brew and worked out the woes of the world? It could be like a big beer tasting, each leader could bring a brew native to their own country. From Europe, Germany could bring an Edelweiss Hefetrüb Radler, yes it's true, Monteiths didn't invent the radler, or a good Hefeweizen, Fullers London Porter from England, Chimay Trappist from Belgium; leave the Stella at home, we have enough watered down lagers.
From Australasia, how about Singha from Thailand or Kingfisher from India. Japan could bring a Steinlager or Lion Red (Yep, they are now owned by Kirin of Japan) and we could bring a real good Kiwi brew like Invercargill Brewery Smokin Bishop or Three Boys Oyster Stout.
Since we started with it, let's finish with some brews from the USA. These are a few patriotic beers available in NZ from www.thebeerstore.co.nz for all you ex-pats and adventurous beer folk. Let's start with Liberty Ale from Anchor Steam Brewery, a classic style American Ale with a distinctive bouquet and a delicate, natural carbonation. Next, we have Sam Adams Boston Lager offering a full, rich flavour that is both balanced and complex. Bear Republic's Big Bear Black Stout is a Russian Imperial-style stout with a rich, caramel sweetness and robust, deep-roasted heartiness you can sink your teeth into. To finish, who could pass up a good ol' Pabst Blue Ribbon for an easy drinking thirst quencher!