More than any other kind of alcohol, beer is often pigeon-holed into a specific season. While there are wines or even cocktails that might fit the beach more than the winter, I’d argue that beer offers a much wider range of flavor, body, and ABV making it the ideal seasonal drink. And with summer approaching, I thought it was good timing to break down some styles that I think are the best beers of summer.
However, I have to first make a strong argument against this idea all together. Regardless of the temperature or the type of precipitation, I enjoy all styles year round. While many believe stouts are best in the winter and pale lagers are great on hot days, I say both have their place in either season. Yes, I drink big (often barrel-aged) stouts on days when it is 90 degrees outside. And likewise, I will crack open a few lagers on a cold winter evening. It really is more mood dependent than weather dependent; at least for me.
With that rant out of the way, here are some styles you will want to have front of mind for summer.
Beers Of Summer:
Fruited Hefeweizen / Wheat Beers
This is one of those styles that can fit just about any situation. Great with food but bold enough to stand alone as well. It transcends seasons but many find it to be very refreshing on a hot day. The medium body and smooth finish will leave you feeling satisfied.
Many of these will be fruited as well. For example, Schofferhofer has their classic Grapefruit Hefeweizen along with other fruit flavors like Wild Cherry, Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, and Juicy Pineapple. These have a very low ABV but pack big flavor which is ideal for sipping them for hours while pool side.
American Pale Lager
We live during a great time as there are so many craft beer options available, including American Pale Lagers. Where macro beer was once the only option, craft breweries have stepped in and provide the “basic beer” style for those that want that flavor but still want to support craft beer.
This lawnmower style beer can be found from a wide variety of breweries. Recently, I got my hands on a variety pack from Oskar Blues that included their Oskar’s Lager which I’ve really enjoyed. The rest of the variety pack was Dale’s Pale Ale and Dales Double. Great variety pack for the summer!
Summer Ales
While there is a decent range in what a summer ale can be, most tend to be mid to low ABV, lighter body, and often have a citrus profile. The won’t be overly bitter or heavy but instead, very easy drinking.
When I think Summer Ale, I think Sam Adams. Their Summer Ale has been a staple in my yearly rotation for a long time and I wish it wasn’t a seasonal beer as I’d love it year round.
IPA
I struggled whether or not to include IPA on this list. It remains the most popular craft beer style but does that mean is should be one of my beers of summer?
With the huge range of types of IPA, there’s no doubt that you’ll find one that fits your summer plans. For me, I love IPA with food. Grilling out and getting the bold hop profile of an IPA is just what I want. Or if you want something that is a bit more fruit-forward, Hazy / New England IPAs will satisfy your cravings.
Final Thoughts On Summer Beers
The bottom line; there are a lot of beers of summer to choose from. With vacations, grill outs, trips to the pool, yard work, and so much more; there are lots of great reasons to crack open a craft beer.
But don’t limit yourself to the few I’ve suggested; go try something new on a hot day and see if it fits. I think you’d be surprised how many styles can amplify your summer plans. Drop a comment below and tell me your favorite beers of summer!
