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Article IndexBY JOHN HOLL
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
BEER BRIEFING
Rather than reaching for the same old beer you enjoy year round, when the mercury rises and the scent of charcoal and grilled meats fill the air, why not try a specialty seasonal summer beer to compliment those perfect warm month memories.
Just in time for the holiday weekend here are a few summer seasonal beers you’re likely to see on the shelf and certainly worth a try.
Wit
Red Hook Brewery
5.3% alcohol by volume
This established brewery with locations on each coast recently released a summer seasonal (in their new extra curvy bottle) that is a nod to the Belgian white style of beer. This one is brewed with ginger that gives it a nice tang and plays well with the strong wheat characteristics. Showing they can have a little fun, the brewery throws a nod to classic sitcom Gilligan’s Island on its label. “Brewed with Ginger but still digs Mary Ann.”
Brooklyn Brewery
5% alcohol by volume
Available in cans and bottles, this is a crisp, easy drinking beer that the brewery calls a pre-prohibition recipe. It is based on what the English called “luncheon ales” and to that end the brewery uses English malt in the recipe. What you get is a fresh bread-like flavor with a slight pleasing aroma of floral citrus.
Summer Ale
Newcastle
4.4% alcohol by volume
From the makers of the ubiquitous and reliable brown ale, comes this summer seasonal release that while a little dry offers a great way to quench a thirst after a day of yard work, resting by the pool or playing bocce. It has a malt sweetness to it that gives it a heartier mouthfeel than some other summer brews.
The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.
4.2% alcohol by volume
There are some purists who balk at the idea of mixing beer with anything other than another beer. However, this ale mixed with lemonade offers a refreshing (and sweet) alternative to some other hops based beverages out there. Right away the lemon aroma comes through and lasts throughout the entire experience. With a lower alcohol content the shandy is one that is good for long days in the hot sun – so long as you’re into the citrus.
