Summer Beers Worth A Try

Rather than reaching for the same old beer you enjoy year round, when the mercury rises and the scent of charcoal and grilled meats fill the air, why not try a specialty seasonal summer beer to compliment the sweaty months we endure.

Here are a few summer seasonal beers you’re likely to see on the shelf and certainly worth a try.

Wit

Red Hook Brewery

5.3% alcohol by volume

This established brewery with locations on each coast recently released a summer seasonal (in their new extra curvy bottle) that is a nod to the Belgian white style of beer. This one is brewed with ginger that gives it a nice tang and plays well with the strong wheat characteristics. Showing they can have a little fun, the brewery throws a nod to classic sitcom Gilligan’s Island on it’s label. “Brewed with Ginger but still digs Mary Ann.”

Summer Ale

Brookyln Brewery

5% alcohol by volume

Available in cans and bottles, this is a crisp, easy drinking beer that the brewery calls a pre-prohibition recipe. It is based on what the English called “luncheon ales” and to that end the brewery uses English malt in the recipe. What you get is a fresh bread-like flavor with a slight pleasing aroma of floral citrus.

Summer Ale

Newcastle

4.4% alcohol by volume

From the makers of the ubiquitous and reliable brown ale, comes this summer seasonal release that while a little dry offers a great way to quench a thirst after a day of yard work, resting by the pool or playing bocce. It has a malt sweetness to it that gives it a heartier mouthfeel than some other summer brews.

Summer Shandy

The Jacob Linenkugel Brewing Co.

4.2% alcohol by volume

There are some purists who balk at the idea of mixing beer with anything other than another beer. However, this ale mixed with lemonade offers a refreshing (and sweet) alternative to some other hops based beverages out there. Right away the lemon aroma comes through and lasts throughout the entire experience. With a lower alcohol content the shandy is one that is good for long days in the hot sun – so long as you’re into the citrus.

Double Platinum Blonde

High Point Brewing Co.

7% alcohol by volume

This beer is only available at the brewery but worth the trip to northern New Jersey. Recently voted best in show at the TAP NY festival, brewer Greg Zaccardi takes his already excellent hefeweizen recipe to the next level.

The yeast strain leaves spicy clove and apple aromas in the beer. Thick mouthfeel, a white head that seemingly lasts forever, this beer beckons you back for more. But be careful. The taste does not reveal its higher alcohol content and can quickly put you under the table.

Blind Faith I.P.A. and Single Chair Ale

Magic Hat Brewing Co.

6.2% alcohol by volume & 5% alcohol by volume

The Vermont brewery known for colorful labels and a whimsical attitude has released two beers this summer that played an important role in their history and gained a loyal following earning them re-releases. The first, Blind Faith IPA offers a nice balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness. A good floral nose to this beer gives those who appreciate hops a brew to enjoy all summer long.  On the other end of the spectrum is the Single Chair Ale a crisp, refreshing pilsner-like brew that has a slight spicy aroma and taste from the hops. A thirst quencher to be sure. Also, Magic Hat is known for witty sayings under their bottle caps, so check that out before you toss it away.