Ipas: Summer Sipping Or Not?

With the sun shining and temperatures rising, the search for a refreshing summer beer begins. While some may argue that IPAs are too heavy for summer drinking, others disagree. The IPA has a lot to offer during the summer months, from the pine and hops of West Coast IPAs to the juicy, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors of hazy IPAs.

Whether you're at a campsite or a backyard barbecue, an ice-cold IPA can be the perfect companion. The key to a good summer beer is crispness and refreshment, and IPAs can deliver just that. While some IPAs are heavier and more bitter, others are smooth and creamy, offering fruity and tropical flavors that are perfect for a hot summer day.

So, if you're an IPA lover, don't shy away from cracking one open this summer. With a wide range of options available, from widely accessible brands to local brewery specialties, you're sure to find an IPA that suits your taste and keeps you cool during those long, sunny days.

Is IPA a Summer Beer?

IPAs are popular summer beers

The IPA style is versatile, and its many variations mean there's an IPA for every palate. West Coast IPAs, milkshake IPAs, New England-style IPAs, and hazy IPAs are just a few of the options to choose from. The pine and hops of West Coast IPAs, for example, offer a refreshing change from heavier beers. Hazy IPAs, on the other hand, provide a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel from high amounts of wheat and oats, while still packing a punch in terms of flavour.

The fruit-forward nature of IPAs also makes them a perfect summer tipple. Citrus and tropical fruit flavours abound, from orange and grapefruit to passion fruit and guava. These beers can be like a magic trick for your mouth, offering a burst of summery flavours that are both refreshing and satisfying. The juicy, citrusy, and tropical notes of IPAs are especially welcome on hot days, providing a burst of flavour that's both uplifting and thirst-quenching.

The versatility of IPAs also extends to their food-pairing potential. While some IPAs can stand up to rich and spicy foods, others complement light and fresh summer dishes. Whether you're firing up the grill or enjoying a picnic in the park, an IPA can be a perfect match. Their bright and fruity flavours can enhance a meal without overwhelming it, making them a versatile choice for any summer gathering.

So, if you're looking for a beer to enjoy during the sunny season, IPAs are a great option. With their range of flavours, aromas, and styles, they can be the perfect companion for any summer activity, from relaxing in the backyard to exploring new places. So why not crack open an IPA and enjoy the taste of summer?

Low-ABV beers are ideal for summer

While a summer beer can be any style, it should ideally be crisp and refreshing. Good summer beers are typically low-ABV, ranging from light and fruity to hoppy and complex. Karissa Norrington, brewing manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, notes that "good summer beers are typically low-ABV, crisp and balanced, and their flavour should be able to stand up to, but not overwhelm, the foods you pair them with."

Breweries have been responding to the growing demand for low-ABV beers, creating options that are just as complex and flavourful as their higher-ABV counterparts. These beers offer a more nuanced drinking experience, allowing you to savour the subtle notes without the overwhelming effects of higher alcohol content.

Some excellent examples of low-ABV beers to enjoy during the summer include Bell's Light Hearted Ale, Goose Island's So-Lo IPA, and Athletic Brewing Company's Free Wave Hazy IPA. These beers offer a range of flavours, from citrus and pine notes in Bell's ale to the full-bodied, citrusy flavour of Goose Island's IPA. Athletic Brewing Company's Free Wave Hazy IPA is a fantastic option for those who enjoy hoppy beers, as it's loaded with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops.

So if you're looking for a refreshing and flavourful beer to enjoy during the summer, low-ABV beers are the way to go. They offer a well-rounded drinking experience that won't leave you feeling overwhelmed by strong flavours or high alcohol content.

Fruity beers are refreshing in summer

With summer just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about those refreshing beers to sip on during the warm, sunny days. While some may opt for lighter beers during the hotter months, fruity beers can also be a great option for those seeking something a little more bold and flavourful. From citrusy IPAs to fruity ciders, there's a wide range of fruity beers that can be perfect for summer.

Fruity beers offer a unique combination of crisp refreshment and sweet, tangy flavours. They can be the perfect beverage to enjoy during a summer barbecue, a day at the beach, or simply while relaxing in the sun. The key to a good summer beer is its ability to be crisp and refreshing without being too heavy or high in alcohol content. Fruity beers often strike this balance perfectly, making them ideal for summer days when you want something tasty yet easy to drink.

There are many different types of fruity beers to choose from, ensuring that everyone can find one to suit their tastes. For those who want something light and refreshing, options like a radler, shandy, or pilsner with fruity notes can be perfect. These beers typically have a citrusy twist, such as grapefruit or lemon, added to a lager or pilsner base, resulting in a crisp and tangy beverage. Additionally, some fruity beers are crafted with hints of fruit, such as IPAs, porters, or lambics, which can add a subtle sweetness to the brew. These options provide a more nuanced fruity flavour while still maintaining the characteristics of the base beer style.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore fruit-forward beers that showcase bolder, more intense flavours. Fruit ales, for example, can feature prominent notes of berries, huckleberries, or even watermelon, creating a unique and memorable drinking experience. Fruit lambics and ciders are also excellent choices for those who want a stronger fruit presence in their beer. These options tend to be on the sweeter side, making them perfect for those with a sweet tooth. However, it's important to note that not all fruity beers are created equal; some can be exceptionally sweet, while others may have a drier profile.

When it comes to specific recommendations, there are several fruity beers that are well-suited for summer enjoyment. For instance, the Kona Big Wave Golden Ale, brewed with Citra and Galaxy hops, offers a delightful fruity and juicy taste while remaining light and easy to drink. Another option is the Maui Brewing Co.CoCoNut PorTer, which provides a delightful roasted coconut flavour without being overly sweet. If you're craving something with a bit more kick, the Dogfish Head's Sixty-One, a wine-beer mashup, offers a unique blend of their 60 Minute IPA with Syrah must, resulting in a deep red colour and dark fruit flavours.

So, if you're looking to spice up your summer beverage options, consider giving fruity beers a try. With their refreshing qualities and delightful flavours, they can be the perfect addition to your warm-weather drinking repertoire. Whether you prefer subtle hints of fruit or bold, juicy flavours, there's a fruity beer out there that's sure to become your summer favourite.

Summer beers can be crisp and balanced

First and foremost, a summer beer should be refreshing. This usually means avoiding heavy, rich beers with big malty flavours like chocolate stouts. Instead, look for beers that are light, crisp, and easy to drink. Hazy IPAs, for example, tend to have a rich body and full texture that might not be ideal for hot summer days. On the other hand, lager, pilsner, Kölsch, and session IPAs are often good choices for summer as they tend to be bright, crisp, and refreshing.

Summer beers also tend to be low in alcohol. While some beers can taste light and refreshing despite having a high ABV, you might not want to be pounding those on a hot day. Instead, look for something with a lower ABV that will quench your thirst without leaving you feeling too buzzed. Beers with a low ABV are also good if you plan on having multiple drinks.

In terms of flavour, summer beers can range from light and fruity to hoppy and complex. Citrusy beers are particularly popular in the summer, as are fruity beers. However, some people prefer more bitter or complex flavours in the summer. Ultimately, the best summer beer is the one you enjoy drinking and that pairs well with your summer activities and food.

Hazy IPAs are a good summer choice

The hazy IPA, also known as the New England IPA, was first brewed by John Kimmich of Vermont's The Alchemist. This style of beer is characterised by its lack of filtering or pasteurisation, giving it a hazy appearance. The trademark haziness comes from select yeast strains left floating in the beer, along with massive amounts of hops added after the initial fermentation. This "double dry-hopping" technique removes bitterness and adds citrus flavours and aromas.

Hazy IPAs are best paired with relaxation and good conversation. They are perfect for breezy summer nights and are a good choice for social gatherings, as they are typically low-ABV, crisp, and balanced.

Some popular hazy IPAs to try this summer include The Alchemist Heady Topper, Anchor Brewing Hazy IPA, Boulder Beer Hazed and Infused, and Rogue Batsquatch Hazy IPA. These beers offer a range of flavours, from orange and grapefruit to tropical fruits and berries. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and flavourful beer to enjoy during the warmer months, hazy IPAs are a great option!

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