When it comes to beer, the season has a lot to do with what you see on the shelves and what you put in your glass. Sure, some staple beers exist year round, but each new season is an opportunity to sample selections that may only come around once each year; a chance to explore new tastes and discover new brands that may one day become your go-to choice.
If you are one of these people who loves when a new season arrives because it means new seasonal beers, here are some options to try this summer, straight from my own vault, and with a little help from our friends over at Indiana Beverage and 219 Beer.
Sun King Osiris:
Indiana legend, Sun King Brewing, has made its triumphant return to Northwest Indiana and their flagship brew, Osiris, has tagged along on the journey to The Region.
A certified, “World-Class” rating from Beer Advocate should be enough to give this pale ale a try during any season, but it’s the citrusy, West-Coast hopped taste of this crisp craft that makes it a must for summer.
Ballast Point Sculpin:
Another new beer to Northwest Indiana, the San Diego based brewery has been crafting beers made for the sea. Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA is another West-Coast hopped pale ale, but the hints of mango, apricot, peach, and lemon make it the perfect companion to anything you can think up on the grill.
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy:
Combining the nostalgic taste and feel of lemonade with a light, drinkable beer makes it no surprise the Summer Shandy makes the list of summer beer recommendations. Its crisp, refreshing taste makes it the perfect pick for a night under the stars with friends.
Bell’s Oberon:
A beer with a sun on the label is a summer beer, indeed. But it’s really the fruity taste combined with just the right touch of wheat malt that makes this beer a smooth, refreshing summer ale that always is a crowd favorite.
Truly Spiked and Sparkling:
This isn’t really a beer, per se, but it’s too unique of a newcomer to the scene that it can’t not make the list. Think of this as sort of a “La Croix”, with an adult kick.
Full disclosure, I have not tried this one yet, but I can’t imagine sitting out on a boat or the beach and this not becoming one of the more refreshing beverages I have had all summer.
These are my picks for the top summer beers I am going with this summer, but there are a ton of good choices this season. Get out there and find your own favorite, and be sure to follow 219 Beer for all the good news on the brews.
