Icky sticky salty sweaty smelly wonderful weather is upon us. After your day of trudging through the summer heat, there is glorious relief ahead. Your beer calls to you. You have run a mile through our summer Virginia sauna, the last stretch of steam hisses at your ear….beer…beer…BEER! It is time to reward yourself.
Thank God beer is good for you.
When consumed in moderation, some studies have shown beer to help reduce the risk of kidney stones, lower blood pressure, boost your confidence (no surprise there), and even raise your level of good cholesterol helping your ticker tock more steadily. The key word is moderation. A pint a day keeps the doctor away. Too much more makes a different article entirely.
So what beers should you try this summer to reward yourself and foster your health? Christina Arredondo, manager of Craft31—a new restaurant opening in Williamsburg this month—notes “a major trend in beer right now is fruit, fruit, and more fruit. We are also seeing more nitrogen beers that are not all heavy stouts.”
She recommends for this summer’s line up of beer-venturing:
1. Virginia Beer Company-Free Verse IPA – it’s juicy with earthy & bitter undertones but not overly heavy…these guys get it right
2. East Coat Tangerine Wheat – an easy drinking wheat ale with a tinge of citrus to cool you down
3. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale – earthy & spicy with citrus undertones make it refreshing & light
4. Hardywood Cream Ale – a crisp refreshing Virginia staple
5. Stiegl Radler – with 60% fruit soda, 40% lager, this one is super light and mild with a beautiful grapefruit finish
Need something just right for the moment? Try Christina’s best beers by occasion:
Best Lawn Mower Beer
Champion Shower Beer-A Czech style pilsner…crisp & refreshing…the name says it all. Also comes in a can so you can strap a koozie on that lawn mower handle. You know you want to.
Best at the Beach or Pool
Dales Pale Ale-Delicious, smooth, 6.5%, and it comes in a can, so no glass at the pool!
Best with a Steak
Bill’s Amber Ale-Red and roasty, this one pairs nicely with the char of the grill
Best Beers with a Burger (And conveniently located at Craft 31!)
Left Hand Milk Stout or Legend Brown Ale, not too hoppy and a bit softer on carbonation so they won’t take away from the gooey goodness of a burger.