When times get rough, things seem hopeless and you don’t have many other options. Mirror Pond can take you to a far away land that will help you reflect on life and make the proper decisions.

Ok, this beer doesn’t work miracles and neither do I. Let’s not fool ourselves; alcohol never solved anyone’s problems. To drink your problems away is destructive to yourself and others.

It’s just in recent weeks I’ve been in some tough situations and when I drank Mirror Pond again for the first time in about a year, I felt a calm come over me, as if I had been whisked away to beer paradise.

Just one Mirror Pond from the highly-reveled Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Ore. can really improve your day. It did mine.

The aromatic and rich flavor of Mirror Pond comes from the blend of malted barley with hops. It is somewhat sweet, while at the same time having a kick and a pungent, yet pleasant aftertaste.

Mirror Pond is a pale-ale, at 5 percent alcohol content. It is an ideal match of strength and flavor that is never weak, but not too strong. It is flawless in the sense that when it is poured it creates a perfect balance of head, robust flavor and easy drinking smoothness.

According to the Deschutes Brewery website there is an actual Mirror Pond. It is located just a short walk from the Deschutes Brewery and Public House in downtown Bend and reflects the Three Sisters Mountains. It also is right next to the Deschutes River and is the locals’ choice for summer festivals and concerts.

I can’t think of anything better or more relaxing on a warm sunny afternoon than listening to music and drinking a Mirror Pond. Drinking the beer is like meditating. I get lost in its flavor and unique texture. Whatever it is about Mirror Pond that makes it so good, I wish there would be more of it on tap. There aren’t many bars that serve Mirror Pond.

Mirror Pond can be expensive. A six-pack generally costs $8 to $9. If it wasn’t so expensive I could be satisfied drinking Mirror Pond whenever. It tastes incredibly clean, its logo is really cool and it tastes so good it can make a grown man cry. What more could you want from a respectable West Coast beer?

Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected]