The days of extremely hot weather are in full swing and by now, you have most likely had the urge to sit out by the pool and crack a cold one. With the summer months come countless barbeques, backyard hangouts, pool parties, outdoor activities, and trips to the beach or lake. Nothing pairs as well with a hot summer day as a nice, cold beer, but you may not know specifically what beer style pairs best with the heat. We got you covered because here are the top beer styles to quench your thirst this summer. For those bigger gatherings, or for restaurants and bars, be sure to contact SC Bev to discuss their beer dispenser systems.
Lagers and Session Ales
These two styles will always be in the forefront of the summer beer drinking list because of their smooth, crisp flavor and characteristically low alcohol percentage. These styles are the most inviting for those who are unfamiliar with the craft beer scene, and perfectly compliment a day lounging in the pool. Because these two styles are easy to drink and don’t have a high alcohol content, they are the best for those long, all day parties. In fact, session ales get their name because their purpose is for the beer drinker to have multiple in a single time period, or session, without becoming intoxicated. While Corona is a household name that falls into this style of beer, there are many lesser known options that have much more flavor. Be sure to check out your local breweries and liquor stores to see what unique lagers they may have in stock, and for any beer dispenser systems needs, be sure to contact SC Bev for more information.
Fruit Beers
Bringing back the nostalgia of biting into a cold, sweet slice of watermelon as a kid, a very popular style of beer for summer is ales that incorporate fruit. The sweet flavor of the fruit mixed with the refreshing taste of a cold beer is by far one of the best drink options to quench your thirst this summer. Some popular fruits to add to beer are mango, pineapple, blueberry, watermelon, blood orange, and grapefruit; ultimately, any fruit can be utilized to create a unique, new flavor to other beer styles.
India Pale Ales
India pale ales, or IPAs, are among the most popular styles of beer in the craft beer community. IPAs are extremely versatile, and can be given unique properties depending on the strain of hops that is used for the beer. Ranging from extremely piney to mild citrus characteristics, IPAs are one style where you will eventually find one you love. The newest craze, and the most appropriate for summer, is the hazy New England style IPA, which offers a more tropical trait than other IPAs. This is a perfect balance of mild fruit undertones with a body that quenches the largest thirst.
Wheat Beers
If fruit in your beer is a little too sweet, but you still don’t like the hoppy aromas that IPAs offer, wheat beers may be the perfect decision for you. This style is meant to be easier to drink, and the hoppy flavors and aromas are typically low. During fermentation for wheat beers, there are unique flavors that you won’t find in other beers because of the process. The flavor profile from these fermentation by-products are commonly described as reminiscent of banana and clove.
Be sure to get the most out of your summertime beer drinking experience by trying some of these styles at your next barbecue or pool party. Remember to always drink responsibly, and if you need any information regarding beer dispenser systems, contact the knowledgeable staff at SC Bev by clicking here.
