One of the best places to look for a refreshing summer beer is to our friendly brewers to the south of these United States. Latin Americans tend to have to deal with heat and humidity more often than those of us in North America, so I tend to trust their expertise in brewing a beer that goes well with this kind of weather. One might immediately say Corona or Corona Light is the way to go to rejuvenate the lost energy of a hot summer afternoon. And while it is a safe route to go if you are hosting a group of friends, I recommend a different course of action. Not all Mexican and Latin American beers are created equal (just try a can of Tecate).
Although not as light as a Corona, I suggest taking a small step up in quality and grabbing a sixer of Dos Aquis. It is a lager beer, and a little more robust in flavor and mouthfeel than Corona. However, it is, in my opinion, a much tastier beverage and just as refreshing.
Also a personal favorite, Carib, out of Puerto Rico, isn't a bad choice. Buyer beware with Carib: for some reason it is difficult to find a six-pack that isn't skunked. At least it was the last time I bought one. Like Corona, it is a lighter beer meant for consumption in places that don't have winters with snow. It has been a while since I've had a fresh one, so my memory is a little hazy on the taste.
Continuing on with the Latin American brews, Presidente, out of the Dominican Republic, is not a bad choice when seeking a tasty beverage to soothe your summer burn. Presidente is a lager beer, and like Dos Aquis, is a little bolder than a Corona or Carib, but does not overwhelm at all. It goes down easily as a summer beer should.
A another beer from our southern friends that excites the palate and cools the soul during a sweltering summer is Red Stripe, out of Jamaica. Again, a lager beer, Red Stripe has a fuller flavor, but not one that uncomfortably fills the stomach or overwhelms the taste buds. It's a well-balanced Caribbean brew meant to help you enjoy a cool summer's breeze on a hot summer eve.
Americans and even some Europeans aren't too shabby at developing tasty beverages that help cool down and refresh. Many a summer time beer, both intentionally and by happenstance, can be found pouring from a tap across the US. Here are a few favorites of mine:
Samuel Adams Summer Ale: Served with or without the lemon slice, this beer has it all. A fruity aroma with subtle hints of fruit on the tongue and a light, well-balanced feel that won't fill you up too fast. As readers will soon find out, I am quite partial to Sam Adams beers, but my praise for this particular brew is well-deserved.
Goose Island Summertime Ale: I had the luxury of having a friend of mine bring me an entire growler of this beer and I thank him for it. A bit like Sam Summer, Goose Island has a light, subtly fruity brew that is smooth and easy to drink. A highly-recommended beer, the Summertime Ale pleases the palate and leaves room in the stomach for a burger or two.
Paulaner Hefeweizen: Although this is a year-round beer, I do find it particularly refreshing in the summer months. Like most unfiltered Hefeweizens, Paulaner brings a lighter, fruity taste that matches it's delightful aroma. Paulaner's Hefeweizen is a favorite of mine when at a crowded bar with poor air circulation in those hot summer month's when staying at the apartment is not an option, even though it makes perfect sense.
Now realizing how long this post is, I thought I'd round out my favorites with a simple list of recommendations for those looking for a quality beer to get through those steamy summer evenings with no air conditioning; to serve at a casual summer barbeque; to share with friends as you watch from your rooftop as the sun sets behind the skyline of Manhattan and the city lights up like a child's L.A. Gear sneaker (Hey 1990s).
Blue Moon HoneyMoon Ale
Abita Purple Haze
Hoegaarden
Chelsea Piers Checker Cab Blonde Ale
Southertier Hop Sun
Middle Ages Raspberry Ale
Six Point Sweet Action
Brooklyner Weisse
Allagash White
Magic Hat #9
Magic Hat Wacko
If that doesn't give you a head start on summer, I don't know what will. Go forth, my friends, and enjoy your summer and your summer beers. Happy drinking to you all. Beer of the Week DEBUT TOMORROW!!!
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