Summer Beers II
When CG first started, my very first article was about good beers to drink in the summer. I chose them based on alcohol content, BBQ pairings, and of course, taste. Looking back, it’s still a good list, and all of those beers are fine choices, but let’s get a few more. I’ll use the same parameters as last time. I know it’s a bit early for summer talk, but it’s been 70 degrees in Boston for a while now, so forgive me for jumping the gun.
Southern Tier Hop Sun
I just had Hop Sun for the first time, and damn if it isn’t a perfect summer beer. I mean, it says it right there on the label. I do love wheat ales, but a lot of them tend to have fruit flavors in them as well. Hop Sun is a simple beer done right, and it’s just perfect on a hot day (or at least it will be, I drank this last week and it was pretty cold out). Like a lot of wheat beers, it’s got a subtle lemon taste and finishes very clean. Only 5.1%, so safe enough for day drinking.
Sixpoint Crisp
Sixpoint has a few nice options for summer, but the Crisp is a really nice lager that just makes sense for a BBQ. As always, simple is best for summer drinking, and you can’t get more basic than straight pilsner. Smells very much like a shandy or lemon beer, but doesn’t taste like it.
Sly Fox Royal Weisse
I’m a big Sly Fox booster. I love their fresh and direct approach to simpler beer styles. None of their beers try to reinvent the wheel or anything, but they are all delicious. Hefeweizens are king in the summer, and Sly Fox’s is pretty amazing. Very reasonably priced, especially if you live close to Philly.
Yards Brawler
The Brawler is my favorite Yards beer, at least if I’m drinking a few at a time. Brawler is an English dark ale, and what many might call a “session” beer. It’s 4.2%, so extended periods of drinking won’t kill you or put you away for the rest of the day. Not a typical summer beer as far as flavor goes, but it’s mild enough that you can drink it with just about anything at a BBQ or cookout.
Victory Summer Love
How great is that label? Summer Love is a seasonal beer that Victory only offers from May through August. As such, it’s a bit hard to find. You’ll have better luck finding a sixer than finding it on tap anywhere. Just a crystal clean, pure tasting beer. Very recommended.