The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the perfect refreshment beckons. Summer is prime time to explore the vibrant world of craft beers, with breweries releasing seasonal delights designed to tantalize your taste buds and keep you cool. Here’s your comprehensive guide to some of the top summer craft beers, along with tips for maximizing your enjoyment.
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What Makes a Summer Beer Special?
Summer craft beers are an addition to add excitement to your warm-weather plans. Naturally refreshing and easy to drink, these are explicitly brewed to provide the most entire quenching experience for the long sunny days of your summer season. The following are some reasons why summer craft beers are unique :
- Lower Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
- Summer beers generally have a lower ABV, on average 3-5%. This much lower alcohol content makes it possible to drink many beers without feeling too drunk, heavy or weighed down. Excellent for social situations, spending a day at the beach, or sitting around in your backyard, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about getting too buzzed.
- The Benefit: You can savor the flavor and enjoy the refreshing qualities of the beer while maintaining a light and lively feeling. It’s about enjoying the moment and the company, minus the weight that can come from higher-alcohol beers.
- Light Body:
- Summer ales take a light body to new levels of lightness when created. This means these beers are less dense and more refreshing than their heavyweight counterparts. This element of lightness bodes well for the palate, as each sip is as crisp and invigorating as the first.
- The Benefit: You’d like a beer that drinks quickly when it’s warm outside—not to fill you up. A light-bodied beer does just that without all the heavy flavors to fill your belly.
- Fruity, Citrusy, or Floral Notes:
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- This flavor profile is synonymous with summer beers. This would account for the fruity and citrus notes from ingredients like citrus peels, tropical fruits, or some hop varieties. Also, floral notes can be contributed either by the hops or by additional botanicals employed in the brew.
- The Benefit: These snappy, bright flavors are not only thirst-quenching but perfectly fit the summer mood and activity. The fruit and citrus in your beers will pair perfectly when you are sipping around the pool, while the florals bring added class to the night BBQs and parties. These flavors pair well with all summer foods: grilled meats, seafood, and fresh salads for an overall dining experience.
These flavors in the craft beers for summer emphasize the characteristics of a cooling yet enjoyable season. From a beach party to a picnic or just hanging out and getting that tan, this beer is made to elevate every moment of your summer adventure. Pick up an ice-cold bottle, kick back, and take in the summer with craft beer.
Popular Summer Craft Beers:
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- WANNAMANGO
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- OLD BAY
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- WATERMELON
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- Dale’s
- Harpoon Camp Wannamango (New England & Mid-Atlantic): This balanced summer ale features sweet mango aromas and subtle malts. It pairs wonderfully with spicy wings or chicken tacos. [Brewery Website]
- Firestone Walker 805 Cerveza (West Coast & Limited National Distribution): This refreshing Mexican-style lager is brewed with lime, offering a crisp and light taste. It’s perfect for a hot summer day and pairs well with tacos, ceviche, or grilled shrimp. [Brewery Website] – Availability Checker: 805BeerFind
- Flying Dog Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale (Mid-Atlantic): This unique ale blends the iconic Old Bay seasoning with citrus notes for a perfect seafood companion. Enjoy it with crab cakes or other fresh catches. [Brewery Website]
- 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer (Nationally Distributed): This classic summer wheat beer offers a refreshing hint of watermelon. Its balanced malts and fruitiness make it perfect for hot days and pairs well with grilled seafood. [Brewery Website] – Availability Checker: Total Wine
- Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale (Nationally Distributed): This versatile pale ale boasts citrus and floral hop aromas with a bold malty backbone. Enjoy it with grilled chicken or smoked ribs. [Brewery Website] – Availability Checker: Total Wine
Additional Summer Craft Beer Recommendations:
- Bell’s Light-Hearted Ale (Nationally Distributed): Refreshing and low-ABV, this ale offers malt and citrus flavors with a piney bitterness, perfect for summer sipping. (Brewery Website – Availability Checker: Total Wine)
- Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA (Nationally Distributed): This hazy IPA boasts a complex blend of hops and malts for a smooth, fruity experience. (Brewery Website – Availability Checker: Total Wine)
- Great Lakes Brewing Co. Mexican Lager with Lime (Great Lakes Region): This crisp lager infused with lime zest adds a refreshing twist to traditional lagers, perfect for summer barbecues. (Brewery Website – Use the brewery’s “Find Your Beer” tool to locate stores near you.)
- Adirondack Tangerine Summer Dream (Northeast): This fruit-forward hazy pale ale embodies the essence of tangerines. It pairs beautifully with spicy dishes like enchiladas. (Brewery Website)
- Fat Head’s Bumble Berry (Nationally Distributed): This blueberry-flavored beer offers a slight creaminess and malty sweetness, ideal for those seeking a fruity yet balanced summer brew. (Brewery Website – Availability Checker: Total Wine)
- Firestone Walker Pivo Pils (Nationally Distributed): A well-constructed pilsner with herbal and spicy hops, perfect for those who enjoy a straightforward, refreshing beer. (Brewery Website – Availability Checker: Total Wine)
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
Maximizing Your Summer Craft Beer Experience:
Keep it Cool:
- Pre-chill your beers: Aim for fridge temperature (around 40°F) for most summer brews. Colder temperatures can mute some flavors, so avoid over-chilling.
- Invest in a cooler: A good cooler keeps your beers icy for hours, perfect for picnics, beach trips, or poolside relaxation. Look for one with good insulation and consider adding ice packs for extended outings.
- Frozen koozies: These handy sleeves keep your beer cold for longer and prevent condensation from forming on the bottle or can, keeping your hands dry.
Pair it Right:
- Balance the flavors: Match the beer’s flavor profile to your food. Lighter beers complement grilled chicken or fish,while fruitier varieties can stand up to spicy dishes.
- Cheese pairings: Don’t limit yourself to wine! Many summer beers pair wonderfully with cheese. For example, a citrusy wheat beer pairs well with a creamy brie, while a pale ale can complement a sharp cheddar.
- Seasonal fruits: Take advantage of summer’s bounty! Fresh fruits like watermelon, blueberries, or peaches can enhance your beer drinking experience. Consider adding a slice to your glass for a touch of sweetness and a visual pop.
Celebrate the Season:
- Support local breweries: Many local breweries offer unique summer seasonal beers. Check out your local shops or taprooms to discover hidden gems.
- Brewery tours and tastings: Immerse yourself in the craft beer scene with a brewery tour or tasting. Learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of summer offerings.
- Host a summer beer bash: Invite your friends and family for a backyard barbecue or patio gathering. Offer a selection of summer craft beers and let everyone discover their new favorite!
Remember:
- Drink responsibly: Always enjoy your beer in moderation and plan a safe ride home if needed.
- Hydrate: Alternate your beers with water to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
By following these tips, you can elevate your summer craft beer experience and truly savor the season’s refreshing flavors.Now, get out there and explore the delicious world of summer brews!
