Living in Cincinnati, we are able to experience all four seasons which most believe is a positive to living here. However, there are times that a season sticks around for a little too long and we long for things to change. Summer is a season that often seems to last forever as the heat and humidity can be unbearable. This month’s list of the best craft beer embrace the summer heat while also looking forward to the pending fall season.
If you want to keep up with what I am drinking in real time, make sure that we connect on Untappd. Click that link or search for craftbeerjoe.
Don’t forget to take time to review your check-ins and think about what would make your list of the best craft beer. I’d love it if you sent me a message or chatted on social media about the best craft beer you had in August.
Here’s the Best Craft Beer I had last month:
Deftones Phantom Bride IPA
Brewery: Belching Beaver
Style: IPA
ABV: 7.1% IBU: 70
Description
Named after the ethereal song by the one and only Deftones, Phantom Bride IPA is a blend of Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops delicately balanced for the perfectly drinkable mix of citrus and hoppy goodness.
Why it made the list?
There’s a ton of beers that I see posted on a regular basis that catch my eye. Deftones Phantom Bride is one of those.
The artwork stands out and I’m always interested in IPAs from the West Coast.
I was quite lucky when a few friends decided to get together and this is one of the many beers we opened that night.
Not only was it my favorite from that night, it was also a great beer to fuel the conversation. It has a lot of different hop flavors including floral, tropical and grassy. And the bitterness was perfect for keeping me interested while tempting me to have more.
This is one that I’m happy to say that I’ve tried and wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up again given the chance.
Chickow! Neopolitan
Brewery: Listermann Brewing
Style: Imperial Brown Ale
ABV: 10% IBU: N/A
Description
Double brown ale brewed with hazelnuts with chocolate, vanilla, strawberries and natural flavors added.
Why it made the list?
Listermann Brewing often makes my list of the best craft beer because they really know how to make a great, unique beer. One of their most popular beers is their Chickow! Imperial Brown Ale made with hazelnuts.
The best part about this beer is they love taking it and adding unique flavors. Most of these turn this 10% Brown Ale into a dessert beer. The Neopolitan version is really fun variation that truly mimics the classic ice cream.
There is more strawberry and vanilla than chocolate which surprised me considering the base beer has a rich flavor that lends itself to chocolate. But that is exactly what made it stand out. Many times, the more subtle flavors get hidden but not in this.
I’d have to think this would have made a great beer float.
Slushy Very Berry
Brewery: 450 North Brewing
Style: Berliner Weisse
ABV: 8% IBU: N/A
Description
Berliner Weisse conditioned on Strawberry, Blueberry and Blackberry.
Why it made the list?
It’s been hot out and while I’m not afraid of heavy beers in the summer, there are times when a low ABV beer is probably the best choice.
And it doesn’t hurt when that same beer is loaded with crazy amounts of fruit.
The Slurpy series from 450 North Brewing has changed to the Slushy series but the beers are just as good.
This one stood out among the rest because the blend of fruit was perfect. Blackberry, strawberry, and blackberry mix so well together that it tastes just like a smoothie and less like a beer.
Some may think that’s a little insane and makes it less of a beer but either way it’s delicious and I’d gladly drink these any time.
Lost Alley Quad
Brewery: Urban Artifact
Style: Belgian Quad
ABV: 10.1% IBU: 20
Description
Brewed in collaboration with Higher Gravity Bar & Bottle Shop.
Why it made the list?
I love a great collaboration beer. There’s something great about two member of the beer community coming together. And I think it’s even better when it involves a non-brewery.
For example, this beer was a partnership between Urban Artifact (a brewery) and Higher Gravity (a craft beer bar and bottle shop). They are both part of the Northside community in Cincinnati. And this beer was made to celebrate Higher Gravity’s one year anniversary.
The beer is a Belgian Quad with a sour twist. This isn’t earth shattering sour but has some of the qualities that would be found in a traditional sour.
From there, it is a great Belgian quad. There are lots of dark fruit flavors with, of course, that classic Belgian yeast character. It’s a touch sweet, a touch sour, and unique compared to anything I’ve had recently. I hope they decide to collaborate every year to celebrate their anniversary.
Premium Dunkel
Brewery: Warnsteiner
Style: Dunkel
ABV: 4.8% IBU: 28
Description
An exceptionally smooth, dark, German Pilsener
Thanks to only the best ingredients this dark refreshes like a true lager beer. It has a rich smooth taste and a lingering slightly sweet aftertaste. The delicate aroma and extraordinary coloration result from a careful barley malt roasting process.
Why it made the list?
I’m one of the first people to complain when an event lacks locally brewed craft beer. But there are situations when I’m willing to skip local because there’s a more appropriate beer for the moment.
One such moment is my local Oktoberfest, the first one of the year in Cincinnati, held at the Germania Society.
Outside of a macro beer that I won’t mention, the only beer options are provided by Warsteiner and my favorite from them is their Dunkel.
This dark lager has great toasted flavors while being light enough to drink a few steins worth. And the brewery has been independent and family owned since 1753. Beers like this are the original craft beer.
It’s not the beer I drink throughout the year but at this event there isn’t any other beer I’d want and in that moment it is the best craft beer.
Learn More About Oktoberfest – The Beer And Festival
Final Thoughts
As summer wraps up, I won’t miss the heat but I will miss the longer days. Fall is one of my favorite beer seasons so I’m really excited to see lots of Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers on shelves.
I know many aren’t fans of these styles (especially pumpkin) but for me it is all about the change of season and providing something new to look forward to.
If you don’t like pumpkin beers, then check out this article for some alternative fall beers to try.
Sound off in the comments below or send me a message to let me know what beer you’ve had recently that was great or to let me know what beer you are looking forward to this fall.
