The Warm Weather Beer Guide

There’s light at the end of the tunnel and warm weather is finally here. Hallelujah! Of course, that also means new and delicious seasonal beers are at your disposal. Much like you (hopefully?) adjust your wardrobe to accommodate the seasons, there’s something special about drinking a crisp, summer-ready beer in the sunshine. Don’t get us wrong, we love the big label old standards in mass quantities just like everyone else. That being said, there are a wealth of hoptastic summer beers ready to quench your thirst and fuel the good times. Light up that ‘cue, bust out some chairs and crack open some of our favorites...

Saisons
These dry, citrusy brews are perfect for hot afternoons. Also known as “farmhouse ales”, these light, Belgian-style ales were originally brewed by farmers to quench their thirst after a hot day in the fields. Ranging in flavor from slightly hoppy and tart to sweet and spicy, these have plenty of flavor but are still perfect for the warm weather. Sort of like lemon-lime Gatorade but way more fun. Our Favorites: Goose Island Sofie, Saison Dupont, Ommegang Hennepin, The Bruery Saison Rue Session Ales
A relatively new style of beer, session ales take the best traits of craft beers and tone down the strong flavors and alcohol content slightly making them perfect for that late afternoon BBQ or a full Sunday funday at the beach or pool. You can still tie one on and “session” without getting too full or sliding into amateur hour. Our Favorites: Deschutes River Session Ale, Meridian Session Ale, Ballast Point Even Keel Lagers and Pilsners
Sometimes you’ve just gotta kick it old school and a classic light-bodied lager or pilsner is just what the Beer Doctor ordered. Whether beach, lake, or pool, these crisp, easy-to-drink beers are where it’s at. These guys are what real light-bodied beer is supposed to taste like. Our Favorites: Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Lagunitas Pils, Orlison Brewing Clem’s Golden Lager, Anchor Brewing California Lager Summer Pale Ales/IPAs
If you’re typically an IPA drinker and love that hoppy bite but are looking for something lighter and more sunshine-friendly, a summer-ready IPA or Pale Ale is definitely for you. These spicy, flavorful brews also pair excellently with a variety of grilled and spicy food. Our Favorites: Firestone Walker Easy Jack Session IPA, Unita Trader Session IPA, Stone Go-To IPA, Drake’s Brewing Alpha Session

What could be better than greeting a sunny afternoon with a cold beer and nowhere else to go? Welcome to summer gentlemen.