Summer Beer
If you think this July 4th you’re being a hardcore American by drinking Budweiser, you should know that a Belgian/Brazilian company bought the brewer in 2008. To take our patriotism up a notch, we asked our friends at Hop City Craft Beer and Wine to recommend five excellent summer brews made in the USA. You can find these options and about 1,600 others at their shop in West Midtown Atlanta.
Peak Organic Summer Session Ale (Portland, ME)
Like most summer beers, this is lightweight and easy. However, the hop structure on this USDA-certified organic has a bright burst of Amarillo hops on the finish to compliment the understated wheat/citrus body.
Southern Tier Hopsun (Lakewood, NY)
This filtered wheat beer is the lovechild of the classic German hefeweizen and the pilsner. It’s dry and crisp with a hint of banana and citrus and pairs perfectly with spicy foods.
Red Brick Summer (Atlanta, GA):
This classic hefeweizen was reformulated this year resulting in a beer that’s chewy, thick and lemony. An unfiltered wheat with copious amounts of bitter lemon and orange, it pairs well with salads and lemon chicken.
Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA (Frederick, MD):
You can’t have a summer beer list without one IPA. This one combines the hop profile of an American IPA with the yeast DNA of a Belgian Tripel. The result is a big dose of banana up front with a smack of citrus hops on the finish. This beer will appeal to the classic fan as well as Belgian-lovers alike.
Rogue Somer Honey Ale (Newport, OR):
An interesting barley/wheat hybrid, this beer is long on sweetness without losing its light-drinking summer body. It’s moderately hazy in the glass with lots of ripe orange flavor to balance out the floral aroma and honey. Start your evening with this beer on the back porch before dinner.
