Summer Suds for Every Occasion

  • by Lars Estobar
Summer Suds for Every Occasion
Summer is almost here and with long days by the poolside, backyard bbqs, and hot days stretching into even hotter nights, you're going to need some new ways to cool down. While summer is typically the season of light wheat beers and anything spiked with lime juice, there are so many new seasonal beers on the market just begging for your attention. From shandies, to fruit beers, to cream beers, to imported delicacies from the Caribbean and Mexico, there is sure to be something for everyone on our summer beer roundup. 
 
Let's face it: summer can be downright miserable, between the blazing heat and oppressive humidity, so not only have we gathered some of our favorite recommendations, but we even included the ideal scenarios to crack one of them open. Be sure to check some of these out now, since once the season ends they'll be off shelves until next year. 
 
1. Oxbow Farmhouse Pale Ale 
 
What is it? 
The Oxbow Farmhouse Pale Ale is a crisp, refreshing, saison/farmhouse ale with 6% alcohol by volume. Dry, fruity, and just shy of medium-bodied, this delightful drink is a perfect table beer. It's clean, with just a hint of spice, and the bitterness of apple peels, hay, and earthy aromas reminiscent of hot, wet gardens. The light golden color feels like sunshine in a bottle, and each sip warms the palette with mild citrus notes and a drinkable lightness. 
 
When do you want it? 
On the most sweltering days when all you can bring yourself to do is sit in front of a fan or go on a quest for an air-conditioned bar. This beer is a scant 6% alcohol by volume, so it won't leave you wasted after a glass. It pairs perfectly with anything, even a cold bowl of cereal on the nights where it's too hot to even look at the oven. 
 
2. Boulevard Lemon Ginger Radler
 
What is it? 
The Boulevard Lemon Ginger Radler is a light bodied fruit beer with 4.1% alcohol by volume. Lightly carbonated and infused with crisp lemon notes, this radler is a refreshing, delicate beer, especially for those who like something less hoppy. 
 
When do you want it? 
When a friend invites you over for a cookout and you aren't sure what to bring, grab a six pack of this radler. The carbonated zestiness is reminiscent of lemonade, delighting both seasoned beer drinkers and first-timers. It's low on the hops but high on the flavor, so it leaves you with a refreshing, clean mouthfeel. The low alcohol means this is a great day-drinking beer, without any of the cloying heaviness. 
 
3. Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
 
What is it?
The Firestone Walker Pivo Pils is an American interpretation of a German pilsner. It's light, crisp, and airy without being sweet, and delicately blends hops, pale malt, and classic California flavors such as grassy notes, grapefruit, and the earthiness of fresh, damp gardens. This is a dry beer, with hints of golden grapes and bitter lemon. 
 
When do you want it? 
When you want to entertain beer snobs and casual drinkers alike, this is the perfect choice. The sophisticated brew of Firestone Walker Pivo Pils appeals to the palettes of seasoned beer fans, without the isolating sourness or hoppiness of other craft beers. The light alcohol and mouthfeel make it perfect for casual entertaining. 
 
4. Hell or High Watermelon 
 
What is it? 
A fruity, clean beer with notes of watermelon, citrus, wheat and pale malt. This brew has 4.9% alcohol by volume and chills quickly, resulting in a clear, golden pour with light carbonation. With mild sweetness and a nice fruity finish, it remains refreshing without verging into syrupy. 

When do you want it? 
A blistering hot day by the pool when you want to sustain a clean buzz without feeling hungover by the afternoon. Watermelon is a trendy fruit to infuse beer with, and 21st Amendment has executed it flawlessly. Keep this around for the dog days of summer when nothing else will cool you off. 

 
5. Bluejacket Lost Weekend IPA

What is it?
The Bluejacket Lost Weekend IPA is golden-hued IPA citrus bomb with both aged and dry hops. Even though it's dry, the fruitiness emerges in a burst of mango, melon, and passion fruit, tickling the palette with effervescence. With it's light body and creamy texture, this is like a summer version of a root beer float, including the hints of caramel and herbs. 

When do you want it?
When you're sitting on the porch as the sun comes down, the air perfumed with the fragrance of night blooming flowers, and steam coming off the hot asphalt, this is the perfect beer to have by your side. It's rich without being thick, and maintains a crispness in spite of a slightly heavy mouthfeel, just like a hot summer night. The bitterness mingling with the carbonation are like the smell of evening grass, warmed from the sun and cooling with dew. 

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