The Best Summer Beers & What To Pair Them With

by Roxana Hernandez · July 7, 2011

    Summer is here and I can already tell it's going to be thirsty season. No, its not the first sunburn or the first BBQ on the terrace, that makes me want to drink beer- it's because all the special summer release beers are showing up. We've rounded up some of the top seasonal beers along with what favorite summer foods they go best with.

    -Goose Island Summertime

    -For the beer lover, this is bottled sunshine. Made just right, Goose Island Summertime makes the perfect summer brew. It's light fruity aroma will have you savoring each sip as much as those hot summer days at the beach. It's perfect food pairings are salads and fish.

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    Boulevard Brewing Co. ZON

    -For all you Blue Moon lovers, try this IMMEDIATELY. This rich and creamy beer has a tasty coriander and orange peel flavor, making it an interesting combination. It contains unmalted wheat giving it a cloudy white appearance and smooth at every sip.

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    Brooklyn Summer Ale

    -Not trying to be narcissistic here but be assured New Yorkers, our local Brooklyn Summer Ale, is a solid choice. More flavorful than most summer ales, Brooklyn Summer has hints of fresh sourdough, sage, lemongrass and a orange zest with a burst of bubbles and a ton of hops. It's best food pairing are Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern. It's best meat pairings are fish and shell fish.

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    Bell's Oberon Ale

    This summer classic brew is a wheat ale made with Bell's signature house ale yeast, mixed with a spicy hop and fruity aromas. It's the wheat malt that gives this brewskie a smooth mouth feel. This great summer beer is best paired with salads, poultry, and Latin American cuisine.

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    Blue Point Summer Ale

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    Not to toot our horn again, but toot toot! Who said there wasn't a cure for the summertime blues? This vibrant beer is the perfect prescription. Dosage: Chill. Sip. Chill and repeat until mood improves. It has fresh hints of lime, kumqaut and honeydew. This delicious golden summer ale was brewed to be quaffed under a hot summer sun. It's perfect food pairings are salads, quiche, fish and Mexican foods.

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    So, beside the fact that drinking a cold beer is the perfect way to unwind after a long hot day- the best part about these delicious summer seasonals is simple fact that they haven't been sitting around for long and when it comes to beer, freshness does matter.