Summer Beers 2008

Summer Beers 2008

Zenia Brink - June 24, 2008

Gotta love this crazy Colorado weather. Seems like just yesterday, I was still wearing three layers, and tapping the thermostat, brow furrowed, doubting that it was actually heating the room to 70 degrees. But today I'm running the air conditioning, and staring longingly out the window at the warm sunshine. But there is one way I knew for sure the winter had finally gone. It happened the other day when I went to the fridge for a brew. As I stared at the dark delicious stouts and porters that I had been cheerfully imbibing all winter, something strange happened, none of them looked liked they would quinch my thirst. Sure they were all worthy beers, I just felt like something different. My palate was craving something light and refreshing. I was craving a Summer Ale, and that's when I knew summer was coming.

Summer Ales, unlike their Winter Warmer counterparts, don't have a long standing tradition. Winter Warmers are usually darker, higher alcohol beers meant to make you feel warmer during the long winter nights. Brewers have been brewing these warmers for centuries, but the Summer Ale is a more recent phenonmenon.

Just as Winter Warmers provide you with that warm fuzzy feeling, Summer Ales cool and refresh you. Their alcohol content tend to be on the lower side, ranging from 4.5% to 5.5% ABV. Most embody everything that is summer, incorporating fruits, and citrus flavors and are easily paired with summer food fare such as grilled fish and fresh fruit. Summer Ales are often times in the style of German or Belgian beers with many being wheat beers, or Belgian-wits.

So whether it's to quinch your thirst after a long run, or just something cool to sip on a warm summer night, give one of these seasonal beers a try. For your drinking pleasure we've highlighted a few of the summer ales being offered across the state. The list is in no way extensive. Check with your local brewery to see if they offer up one of their own of these delightful summer treats.

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