WWBG: Early Summer Favorites

WWBG

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

As many beer drinkers know, seasonal offerings come earlier and earlier every year. Wholesalers and distributors put pressure on craft breweries to put out their seasonal offerings early so they can get a hold of the seasonal market share before competitors. This puts us retailers in a bad spot.

We are offering seasonal beers totally out of season. Add in the Washington area’s polarized daily weather and it becomes increasingly difficult for retailers to provide our consumers with these periodic brews during the intended season. Even with summer beers being distributed well before their peak season, I’ve come up with a list of a few summer favorites that will transition nicely as we continue to make our way to warmer weather.

Hell or High21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon 4.9% A.B.V San Francisco, CA

In a season full of fruit beers, Hell or High Watermelon definitely stands above the rest. It is a wheat beer brewed with fresh watermelons and tastes like summer. The melon pairs really well with the wheat base. Our customers agree as well, Hell or High is consistently one of our best selling summer craft beers year after year.

Anderson ValleyAnderson Valley Summer Solstice “Cerveza Crema” 5% A.B.V Boonville, CA

Known as “cream soda” for adults, this beer instantly became a summer favorite of mine. With aromas of crème brulee, whipped cream, and lemon meringue, you don’t expect the beer to taste just as it smells, but this rare beer delivers. Eextremely smooth with a creamy texture, this beer is great for those wanting to get away from IPAs on a warm summer day.

Summer AleSamuel Adams Summer Ale 5.2% A.B.V Boston, MA

I can take an educated guess and say Sam Adam’s Summer ale is the best selling summer beer of all time. Originally brewed in 1996, Sam Adam’s Summer ale has been a hit ever since. It out sells all other summer brew competitors by a large margin. Brewed as a wheat beer with lemon zests and grains of paradise, summer ale comes out extremely refreshing and flavorful.

LeinenkugelLeinenkugel Summer Shandy 4.2% A.B.V Chippewa Falls, WI

Shandy is beer mixed with a citrus flavored soda and is popular all over the world. Leinenkugel’s version of Shandy is mixed with lemonade and is so far the most requested summer brew. This beer is pretty simple and it goes down easy.

CoronaCorona Extra 4.6% A.B.V Mexico

Yeah, Corona is on my list. I know it’s not a seasonal summer craft beer, but who hasn’t enjoyed a Corona with a lime wedge on a beach?

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BethesdaNow.com.

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