What’s On My Mind: Summer Beer

What's On My Mind

Summer is a great time to try new things. But I also love returning to the old standards. Eh- both are good.

And that’s true for what’s on my beer lineup. I love keeping a few special beers in the fridge to take with me to the pool or to enjoy while sitting on the porch.

I’m super into light beers that are fruity, full of flavor (citrus, pine, etc.) and don’t weigh me down. Think of these beers as the delicious, creative and fruity cocktails of the beer world.

If you’re super into porters or high alcoholic beers, then this list probably isn’t for you. But maybe you could squeeze one of these summer beers in before you start drinking your dark beer. Just a thought.

I’ve created this list of beers based on what their cocktail counterpart might be, so you can know what you might like best. Whether you’re new to beer or not, I think you’ll enjoy sampling them.

1. If you like Fruity Sangria…Double D’s Watermelon Lager

Although I’m also a fan of Hell or High Watermelon, I really like the fresh taste of this local watermelon beer from Deep River Brewing. It’s fresh with a nice hint of sweet watermelon.

2. If you like Arnold Palmers…Southern Hospitali-Tea

I just ran across this article about this beer from Charlotte’s Unknown Brewing, then I got the chance to try it for myself. It is a super flavorful amber ale/red ale, with notes of black tea and citrus. This beer would be fabulous sipped while in a rocking chair on a porch…or anywhere with friends or family would work!

3. If you like Peach Bellinis…Dogfish Head Peche

Although I don’t know what neo-Berliner Weisse style means, I know that this beer is kind of like the Peach Bellini of summer beers. This creation from Dogfish Head has some nice bubbles and an undertone of bright peach flavors.

4. If you like Margaritas…Blood Orange Gose

However you pronounce it (I’m still confused), gose are perfecto for beaching or pooling or summering. These salty yet sweet beers are great for quenching your thirst in the summer, and the blood orange flavor of this Anderson Valley brew adds some nice depth!

5. If you like Sours…La Folie

Well, I had to include at least one sour beer in the mix here, and La Folie from New Belgium is one that stands out for me. With apple, cherry and plum fruit flavors along with a nice hit of sour, each sip of this beer is quite exciting.

Do you have any favorite summer beers that you would add to the list?

Comment below, so we can all try them out!