Summer is a fantastic time for beer enthusiasts to indulge in refreshing and vibrant flavors that perfectly complement the sunny weather. Breweries around the world often create seasonal brews specifically tailored to capture the essence of summer. These beers are crafted to be light, crisp, and often incorporate ingredients that evoke the spirit of the season. Here are a few popular styles and flavours of summer beers that can be enjoyed during the warm months.
Wheat Beers: Wheat beers, such as Belgian Witbiers and German Hefeweizens, are classic choices for summer. They are typically light-bodied, effervescent, and have a refreshing wheat flavour. These beers often feature notes of citrus, coriander, and other spices that add a zesty and aromatic character.
Fruit-infused Beers: Summer is synonymous with an abundance of fresh fruits, and brewers often capitalize on this by incorporating fruit flavours into their beers. Fruity beers can range from light fruit ales to more intense fruit-infused IPAs or sour beers. Common fruit additions include citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples, and berries like raspberries and strawberries.
Session IPAs: India Pale Ales (IPAs) are traditionally known for their hop-forward profiles and higher alcohol content. However, in recent years, brewers have created lighter versions called session IPAs. These beers offer the hoppy goodness of an IPA but with a lower alcohol content, making them more suitable for extended summer sipping sessions.
Saisons and Farmhouse Ales: Saisons and farmhouse ales have their roots in Belgian and French brewing traditions. They are typically characterized by their fruity, spicy, and earthy flavours, along with a slightly higher level of carbonation. Saisons often showcase a wide range of flavours, including hints of pepper, clove, and tropical fruits, making them a great choice for summer enjoyment.
Kölsch: Originating from Cologne, Germany, Kölsch is a light, clean, and crisp beer style. It combines the best attributes of lagers and ales, providing a well-balanced and refreshing drinking experience. Kölsch is often described as having a delicate malt sweetness, subtle fruitiness, and a dry, slightly bitter finish.
Gose: Gose is a tart and slightly salty German beer style that has gained popularity in recent years. It typically features a sour and refreshing flavour profile, often complemented by the addition of coriander and salt. Gose beers can also incorporate various fruit additions, such as citrus, watermelon, or passion fruit, adding an extra layer of complexity.
When it comes to summer beers, the key is to embrace lightness, crispness, and flavours that complement the season. Whether you prefer a traditional wheat beer, a fruit-infused brew, or something more adventurous like a sour or farmhouse ale, there’s a wide range of options to suit every palate. Cheers to embracing the flavours of summer beers and enjoying the sunny days ahead!
