June 9th 2024

Summer is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing beer. With so many options available, finding the perfect brew for those hot, sunny days can be a delightful adventure. Here are some top summer beer styles to help you stay cool and refreshed all season long.

1. Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are a summer staple, known for their light, hazy appearance and smooth, slightly sweet flavor. The high percentage of wheat used in brewing these beers gives them a soft, refreshing mouthfeel. Try a classic **Hefeweizen** like Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier for a taste of banana and clove, or an **American Wheat Ale** like Bell’s Oberon Ale for a citrusy twist.

2. Pilsners

Pilsners are crisp, clear, and golden, making them perfect for warm weather. Originating from the Czech Republic, **Czech Pilsners** like Pilsner Urquell offer a balanced blend of malt sweetness and floral hop bitterness. For a drier, crisper option, go for a **German Pilsner** like Bitburger Premium Pils.

3. Session IPAs

For those who love hoppy beers but want something lighter, **Session IPAs** are the way to go. With all the hop character of a traditional IPA but lower alcohol content, they’re perfect for long summer sessions. Founders All Day IPA is a popular choice, offering a balanced hop profile and refreshing finish.

4. Saisons

Saisons, or farmhouse ales, are versatile and complex, featuring fruity and spicy yeast character. These Belgian-style beers are dry and highly carbonated, making them ideal for hot days. Saison Dupont is a benchmark for this style, with its citrusy, peppery, and earthy flavors.

5. Gose

Gose (pronounced go-zuh) is a tart and slightly salty German style, often brewed with coriander and sea salt. For a modern twist, try Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose, which adds watermelon to create a refreshing, fruity beer perfect for summer.

6. Kolsch

Kolsch is a light, crisp ale from Cologne, Germany, known for its slightly fruity flavor and dry finish. Reissdorf Kölsch is an excellent example, offering a clean and easy-drinking experience that's ideal for warm weather.

7. Fruit Beers

Fruit beers are brewed with various fruits, offering a range of flavors from subtle to intense. New Belgium Brewing’s Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza combines hibiscus, agave, watermelon, and lime for a refreshing and vibrant summer brew.

Cheers and Bottoms UP

The key to enjoying summer beers is finding those that are light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Whether you prefer the citrusy zing of a Session IPA, the crispness of a Pilsner, or the fruity tang of a Gose, there’s a summer beer out there for you. So grab your favorite, kick back, and savor the sunshine. Cheers to a fantastic summer!