We asked some of our local craft brewers and beer connoisseurs to compile a handful of their favorite craft beers that were perfect for summer enjoyment.
Smartmouth Brewing Company – Reviewed by: Porter Hardy
Notch 9
Style: Double IPA
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes: The smooth drinking nature of this beer makes it too easy to forget the 9.1% abv. It has a great citrusy hop nose and a clean, dry finish.
Pairs with: Blue cheese, pulled pork barbecue
Sommer Fling
Style: Hefeweizen
Availability: Late Spring to early Fall
Tasting Notes: An easy drinking hefeweizen well suited to the hot weather. Notes of banana and clove from the German yeast strain.
Pairs with: Grilled sausage and mustard
O’Connor Brewing Company – Review by Hannah Serrano
Red Nun
Style: Red Ale
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes: The Red Nun is a little maltier, a little more medium-bodied…but, mixed with a splash of lemonade or limeade, it makes a ridiculously refreshing summer shandy.
Pairs with: London broil, roast chicken or blackened tuna
El Guapo
Style: Agave IPA
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes: El Guapo is a mediumbodied Agave India Pale Ale with grassy citrus nose, notes of sweet caramel, and finishing with a smooth but strong bitterness.
Pairs with: Spicy chicken wings, pork tenderloin, kabobs, and fajitas
Summer 6-Pack Review by Mike Adams, Bon Vivant Wine & Brew
1. Devils Backbone Schwartz Bier
This German Black beer style has a beautiful maltiness yet a light lager mouthfeel.
2. Stone Go To IPA
I am really loving these “session” style IPAs–they have the hoppiness I crave yet the alcohol level I can appreciate on a hot day.
3. Stiegl Pink Grapefruit Radler
This popular European concoction of a lager style brew combined with a soda or juice is a great quaffer and really low in alcohol.
4. RJ Rockers Good Boy Stout
A good, full bodied stout that is roasty malty and light enough to enjoy on a summer afternoon.
5. Lindemans Peche Lambic
This fruity peach lambic is perfect over vanilla ice cream where it tastes like an old fashioned cream-sickle!
6. Great Divide Colette
The Saison/Farmhouse style reminds me of lemonade!
Check out the full review page here and don’t forget to go try a craft brew or two!
