Summer Seasonal Beers

It looks like we've finally turned the corner on the weather here in Happy Valley, and those dark, heavier beers are looking less appealing as the sun shines a bit higher in the sky and the snow recedes. Right on cue, a host of summer seasonal beers have begun to show up, ready to quench your thirst as you relax after your favorite outdoor activity! Here's a sampling of some of our favorites:

Alaska Summer: $9.99/6pk btls
A Kolsch style ale. (Originating in Cologne, Germany in the 1800's, Kolsch ales were Cologne's answer to the light lagers coming out of Bavaria at the time). This is one of the lightest ales you will find with a mild fruitiness and very low hop bitterness. Straw gold in color, this is a very mild, refreshing beer. 5.3% ABV. 18 IBU's.
Malts: German pilsner, Munich, Vienna and white wheat.
Hops: Hallertau, Tettnang.


Breckenridge Summerbright Ale: $9.49/6pk btls
A wheat based, light bodied summer style ale with a hint of citrus. It is light gold in color with a bright, clean finish. Very mild bitterness at 15 IBU's, and low in alcohol at 4.5% ABV.
Malts: Two row pale, white wheat, Carapils and Munich.
Hops: Fuggle, Cascade and Willamette.


New Belgium Summer Helles: $9.49/6pk btls
Brewed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Helles is the German word for "light" or "pale", and this lager fits the name. Brilliant gold in color with a soft, white foam, a subtle dryness and mild spicy hop bitterness, this beer comes in at 5% ABV and 31 IBU's.
Malts: Pale and Schill Pils.
Hops: Target, Tettnang and Hallertau.


Firestone Walker Easy Jack: $10.49/6pk btls
Session IPA brewed and dry hopped with a selection of new hop varieties from Europe, New Zealand and the North America. Easy drinking at 4.5% ABV. Not overly bitter at 45-50 IBU's. Big hop aroma with well balanced maltiness.
Malts: American Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Malted Wheat, English Carmel -35, Cara Pils, Rolled Oats.
Hops: Bavarian Mandarina, Hallertau Melon, Blend of New Zealand, American Mosaic.


Odell St. Lupulin: $10.99/6pk btls
An extra pale ale with a very floral hop aroma and a crisp, clean finish. The beer is dry-hopped, with mild bitterness at 45 IBU's, and comes in at 6.5% ABV. Light gold in color with a foamy white head.
Malts: Pale, ESB, Vienna and Caramalt.
Hops: Cascade, Perle and Centennial.

Come on in and give them a try!

Chip Bartsch
Beer Buyer