First Posted: 7/23/2013
Well, summer is certainly upon us, as is the heat! One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is with a refreshing beer. I thought since we are now into the dog days of summer, a short list of wonderful summer beers to try is now in order. Some of these are beers you may have tried numerous times and some may be new to you, but this is certainly a list worth keeping on hand and using as a checklist this summer, so without further ado, here is a list of 10 summer beers for 2013, in no particular order.
1. Dogfish Head Brewery, Festina Pêche: No need to go into detail, read the adjacent review.
2. Victory Brewing Company, Summer Love: This light and refreshing American Blonde Ale is perfect for hot days with its light body and mild hopping; its refreshing malt character makes this a great one to grab after an afternoon of mowing the yard.
3. Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Summer Solstice: One word – DELICIOUS! OK, maybe more words are in order: this amazing cream ale is basically a cream soda for adults. It has a wonderfully thick body and just leaves you wanting more. While this is a bit heftier, it is still just as refreshing.
4. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Pale Ale: This is the standard for all pale ales on the market. It is certainly my go-to beer whenever I am out and is just perfect. The hop characteristic in this pale ale is exactly what you would want – present enough to taste and enjoy, but not so overpowering that the bitterness does not invigorate the palate. If you have not had this, GET SOME!
5. Brewery Ommegang, Hennepin: This was a beer I reviewed a few months back, and while it is good to enjoy any time of the year, it is especially wonderful on hot summer days. Don’t believe me? Well get some and try to prove me wrong! Saisons are a match made in heaven for summer, and Hennepin is proof positive of that fact.
6. Brooklyn Brewery, Summer Ale: This light and yes, refreshing, ale is great for summer, possessing notes of lemon, iced tea, and floral hops. I cannot think of a better beer partner to have on hand this summer.
7. 21st Amendment Brewery, Brew Free or Die: IPA’s are all the rage nowadays, but this is still a standout to me. The hop character dominates, but it is a beer that still maintains its balance and is made even more perfect for the summer by being in a can – yes, a can! Go get some!
8. Deschutes Brewery, Mirror Pond Ale: This is another prime example of what pale ales could and should be for beer lovers. However, this is a summer beer that will require some traveling. Deschutes just recently (this month) started distributing in the Philadelphia area, but fear not, this is a beer worth the travel!
9. Founders Brewing Company, All Day IPA: Another IPA? Well yes, but this is a session IPA and a wonderful IPA regardless of ABV. The ABV on this is 4.70 percent, so this is an IPA that you can have a lot of after a hot day, so stock up!
10. Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier: This is the pinnacle of hefeweizens and with good reason – it is breathtakingly delicious! What makes this beer even better is that it has a world class status and is also fairly easy to obtain.
