The
thermometer tells the story clearly:
Spring has passed and Summer is just settling in. Time to do some
readjusting of your beer fridge and beer buying habits, as no more
will you be looking for the warmth of Barley Wines, the cozy kinship
of the Marzen or Mai Bock. The theme of summer beer drinking is
light - similar to your after work wardrobe. But if you think a
lawnmower beer must come in a can, or taste like the rice and corn
creations of the big brewers, think again.
This summer, when you're looking for something a little light,
refreshing and full of flavor, check out some of these beers. Keep
in mind, these are bottle versions. Certainly your local brew pub
will have a high quality hefeweizen or blonde ale available in
growler form, usually for a great price.
Session by Full Sail Brewing - This beer has already won the
hearts of many on the west coast, along with the hardware of the
World Beer Cup (gold). It is light to be certain, but with no noted
adjunct use and no dry mouth after a big swig of this stuff. The ABV
on this is right at 5% and is sold in retro stubbies - the short 10
ounce bottles seemingly lost to the beer consuming world - so this
beer is great for days outside or just for kicking back watching the
game. We at PBN have thoroughly enjoyed this Pacific
Northwest creation and firmly believe you will too. This does earn
our highest recommendation for summer beers.
Summerfest
by Sierra Nevada Brewing - Everything you want in a lawnmower
beer: light, refreshing, not bitter, not too sweet, and easy to
enjoy. This beer is widely available these days on the west coast
and is certainly worth the purchase. The PBN staff is a
little torn on this beer, as far as it's overall ranking, but we all
agree this is a great beer and miles ahead of the A-B and Coors
options. Overall this beer is mild and low in alcohol. If you find
yourself going to the lake or going camping, this beer will not
disappoint.
Summer
Solstice by Anderson Valley Brewing - Admittedly this beer will
not be for everyone, and no this is not a 'Mexican' beer (label may
suggest that with it's Crema Cerveza name), however if you're
looking for something different on a summer evening this beer is a
great option. With hints of Vanilla, orange and spice you may
confuse this for a winter beer, but still this beer is light enough
in body and alcohol to be enjoyed throughout the evening. This beer
does have quite a few things going for it, but the creamy character
tops the list. Again though, we don't see this as a lawnmower beer
so much as a summer night enjoyment.
Anchor Steam - You have probably enjoyed this beer before,
but Rick has this memory of crabbing on the Pacific with nice cold
Anchor Steam - he says it was the best Anchor has ever tasted. We
all agree, this beer is great in the warmth of a summer afternoon.
Try it with fish, fresh caught crab, vegies or just by itself.
Certainly this will not disappoint.
Buzzsaw
Brown Ale by Deschutes Brewing - A brown summer ale? That was
our first thought as well, but upon tasting this brew we quickly
figured out it was possible. Light in body, big in taste, low in
alcohol. Add all of these up and you're left with a fantastic summer
beer. The roasted malts in this are a shock to the summertime
palate, but they are not thick or syrupy as many brown ales. Nor is
this beer agressively hopped like many American Browns. This beer is
a nice change of pace for enjoyment in these warm months. A must try
if you are on the West Coast.
Alaskan
Summer Ale - A fantastic interpretation of the Kolsch style of
beer: clean finishing, lightly hopped and well balanced. This beer
is great with summer foods - fish, salads, crabs (and crawdads) - or
all by itself. If you're looking for something a little more
European in flavor and body the folks at Alaskan have just what
you're looking for. Best part is: this beer is widely available.
Etna Blackberry Wheat - This beer is not widely available,
but for those in Northern California and Southern Oregon keep an eye
out for this crowd pleasing creation. A crystal wheat beer base with
a well balanced addition of blackberries provides a summer beer that
goes down easy, quenches your thirst and doesn't overwhelm in any
way.
Alternatives
If the beers listed here don't sound interesting, then make sure
you check out your local Porter and Stout selections. Porters and
Dry stouts are often light in body, highly refreshing and big in
flavor. At PBN we tend to like Deschutes Black Butte Porter,
Etna Old Grind Porter, Stone Smoked Porter, Anchor Porter, Beamish
Dry Stout, and a handful of local stouts available at the brewery.
Do not be misled, these beers are generally light in alcohol and
body... more so than most assume when looking at the black and dark
brown colors.
Finally, check out Lambics and Bier de Gardes where available. A
straight lambic on fresh fruit is a wonderful morning drink and Bier
de Garde is just too refreshing and tasty to pass up. These beers
are harder to find, but very rewarding if you are looking for
something with a lot of character. For folks nearby, check out
Russian River's Beer de Garde - a beer worthy of a growler. Lambics
seem even more difficult to procure, but are equally rewarding
(avoid the syrups when possible).
The
thermometer tells the story clearly:
Spring has passed and Summer is just settling in. Time to do some
readjusting of your beer fridge and beer buying habits, as no more
will you be looking for the warmth of Barley Wines, the cozy kinship
of the Marzen or Mai Bock. The theme of summer beer drinking is
light - similar to your after work wardrobe. But if you think a
lawnmower beer must come in a can, or taste like the rice and corn
creations of the big brewers, think again. 
Summerfest
by Sierra Nevada Brewing - Everything you want in a lawnmower
beer: light, refreshing, not bitter, not too sweet, and easy to
enjoy. This beer is widely available these days on the west coast
and is certainly worth the purchase. The PBN staff is a
little torn on this beer, as far as it's overall ranking, but we all
agree this is a great beer and miles ahead of the A-B and Coors
options. Overall this beer is mild and low in alcohol. If you find
yourself going to the lake or going camping, this beer will not
disappoint.
Summer
Solstice by Anderson Valley Brewing - Admittedly this beer will
not be for everyone, and no this is not a 'Mexican' beer (label may
suggest that with it's Crema Cerveza name), however if you're
looking for something different on a summer evening this beer is a
great option. With hints of Vanilla, orange and spice you may
confuse this for a winter beer, but still this beer is light enough
in body and alcohol to be enjoyed throughout the evening. This beer
does have quite a few things going for it, but the creamy character
tops the list. Again though, we don't see this as a lawnmower beer
so much as a summer night enjoyment.
Buzzsaw
Brown Ale by Deschutes Brewing - A brown summer ale? That was
our first thought as well, but upon tasting this brew we quickly
figured out it was possible. Light in body, big in taste, low in
alcohol. Add all of these up and you're left with a fantastic summer
beer. The roasted malts in this are a shock to the summertime
palate, but they are not thick or syrupy as many brown ales. Nor is
this beer agressively hopped like many American Browns. This beer is
a nice change of pace for enjoyment in these warm months. A must try
if you are on the West Coast.
Alaskan
Summer Ale - A fantastic interpretation of the Kolsch style of
beer: clean finishing, lightly hopped and well balanced. This beer
is great with summer foods - fish, salads, crabs (and crawdads) - or
all by itself. If you're looking for something a little more
European in flavor and body the folks at Alaskan have just what
you're looking for. Best part is: this beer is widely available.