Beer purists may scoff when they find out that Boston Beer Works’ new Boston Tea Party Ale is served over ice. Hell, it even came with a straw when I ordered it, and a lemon slice is optional. Beer Works doesn’t seem to be pandering to micro-brew-loving snobs with this one — except that anyone who loves beer ought to love innovation and experimentation as well. As with its previous daring concoctions, such as peanut-butter porter, Beer Works has created a unique, compelling taste in defiance of all logic.

Boston Tea Party Ale is brewed with real tea and lemon essence, resulting in a refreshing yet invigorating beer. From sip to sip, the flavor evolves with the melting ice. What starts as a bracing ale with sweet-tea undertones eventually becomes a fizzy iced tea with a kick. It’s remarkably drinkable, and just about the perfect antidote to rising temperatures. If only you could take it outside.

Available, for a limited time, for $4.25 for a 16-ounce glass, $5 for a 22-ounce glass, and $14 to $16 for a 64-ounce growler at Boston Beer Works, 61 Brookline Avenue, in Boston. Call (617) 536-BEER.