Life
12 Summer Beers You Need To Know About For All Those Backyard Barbecues And 100 Degree Days
I live in Southern California where it gets hot in the summer. Like, stupidly hot. And I can tell you that there are few things that taste better on a 100 degree day than nice, cold summer beers. I definitely consider myself to be a big beer drinker, and there are a few styles and flavors of brew that go perfectly with backyard BBQs, days at the beach, and late night balcony sipping. Here are a few of my summery favorites.
805 Blonde Ale
This beer is brewed right in my hometown of Paso Robles, CA — and it’s delicious. The 805 is a blonde ale, so it’s light with a clean finish. Perfect for a hot, California summer day.
Firestone Walker Brewing Company 805 Ale — Six Pack, $10.69, bevmo.com
Allagash White
This is one of my all-time favorite beers, and it’s great for summer sipping. The infused orange peel and coriander give it a sweet, citrusy taste that complements seafood dishes like crab and lobster.
Allagash Brewing Company Allagash White, varies, allagash.com
Ballast Point
Brewed in the Kolsch style, this pale ale is crisp and fruity and complex. It’s a good break from the standard pale ales you’re used to drinking.
Ballastic Point Brewing Company Pale Ale — 22 oz. Bottle, $5.19, bevmo.com
Fly Line Vienna Style Lager
I was recently turned on to Vienna-style lagers, and they’re great for Taco Tuesday or as a companion to BBQ chicken. They’re a bit heartier than other lagers, but still refreshing on a hot day.
Payette Brewing Company Fly Line Vienna Style Lager, varies, payettebrewing.com
Pacifico
Pacifico is no secret, but it’s a good alternative if you’re sick of sipping Corona.
Pacifico- Six Pack, $7.99, bevmo.com
Shock Top Belgian White
Shock Top isn’t the fanciest of beers, but it’ll still do the trick on a hot day. They serve it at Dodger Stadium now, and I couldn’t be more excited for summer baseball.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Shock Top Belgian White, $8.99, bevmo.com
Pêche Mel Scaldis
I’m not usually into fruit beers, but this one is just so delicious. And at 8.5 percent ABV, a few of these will definitely put you on the floor.
Brasserie Dubuisson Pêche Mel Scaldis, varies, dubuisson.com
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas is super popular here in California, and while not as light as other summer beers, it’s still “dangerously drinkable.”
Lagunitas Brewing Company Lagunitas IPA — Six Pack, $9.49, bevmo.com
Sam Adams Summer Ale
Sam Adams might be most famous for its Boston Lager, but it also has some tasty seasonal beers — including its Summer Ale. It literally has summer in the name, y’all!
Samuel Adams Summer Ale, varies, samueladams.com
Hitachino Nest White Ale
Obviously, white ales are popular in the summer. This one comes from Japan, and is as refreshing as its logo is cute.
Kiuchi Brewery Hitachino Nest White Ale, varies, kodawari.cc
Widmer Hefeweizen
I will drink a hefeweizen anytime of the year, but they’re extra delicious in the summer months.
Widmer Bros. Brewing Hefeweizen — 12 Pack, $16.99, bevmo.com
Birra
Brewed in the Midwest, Birra is a classic farmhouse ale, and pairs easily with all your favorite summer foods.
Praire Artisan Ales Birra Farmhouse Ale, varies, prairieales.com
