Mix Six – Suds in the Sun Edition

So far this week, I’ve let my friends do all the work. Not today… now it’s my turn. So without wasting time, I’ll get right to it.

Many pubs and restaurants allow you to make mix & match six packs. Personally, I enjoy heading over to the little pizza joint down the road and throwing together a sixer of stuff I’ve never tired or haven’t had in awhile. Sometimes you hit big on a beer that you’ve wanted to try and it rocks your world. Other times you give something a go because it looks interesting (like Magic Hat’s Wacko) and it’s just a disappointment.

Here’s my attempt at helping you put together a Summer “mix six” that won’t disappointment. In no particular order, here are six brews perfect for a sunny day (and, no, despite a compelling argument, Miller Lite is not included).

Strawberry Wheat– Lancaster Brewing Company

A year-round brew that is solid anytime of the year, but makes my heart swoon on a hot Summer day. The best kind of fruit beer is one that has enough flavor without the fruit flavor to stand on its own and this one surely does. The strawberry flavor is what cranks it from 10 to 11, though. Such a great Summer beer, I just don’t know how else to say it.

Apricot Wheat – Ithaca Beer Company

My second favorite fruit, wheat beer… though Long Trail’s Blackbeary Wheat is stellar, as well… Ithaca’s subtle apricot kiss makes this a perfect poolside beer. Many swear by Pyramid’s Apricot Weizen, but Ithaca had me at hello.

Samuel Adams Summer Ale – Boston Beer Company

The most common summer ale in America and, thankfully, it’s a great one. Grains of paradise need to be highlighted more often in beers if you ask me. The best part of this one is that you can find it everywhere. Sam Adams seasonals ae great in that way… solid beers than you can drink at almost any restaurant.

Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale – Browerij Van Steenberge

Brewed exclusively for Monk’s Café in Philly, this Belgian brew is a perfect example of a Flander’s Red style. Unlike the sour hefewiezen I brewed last year, this is meant to be sour… and how beautiful that sourness is. This one may take getting used to, but once you begin to feel this one it can skyrocket up your list of Summer thirst quenchers.

Philadelphia Pale Ale – Yards Brewing Company

I’m no hop head, so the terms “pale ale” don’t usually attract me. However, the words “Yards Brewing Company” do. The makers of one of my favorite session ales, Brawler, hit home with the classic, crisp pale ale flavor. Nothing too bitter, but no overly lush malt flavor. This is an easy drinking, refreshing pale ale.

Blanche De Bruxelles – Brasserie Lefervre

We briefly discussed witbiers earlier this week, this one’s my favorite. With the Mannekin Pis statue on the front, this tastes more like that of an angel. Listen up, Hoegaarden, this is what you are supposed to taste like. A pinnacle of the style in my estimation, but then again, who am I?

So, grab your empty sixer and fill it on up, here’s 6 of my Summer faves… if you can’t find these then make up your own, but make sure to choose some beers that aren’t too heavy, because in these hotter Summer days and warm Summer nights, you don’t want to be weighed down by your beer. Cheers!

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~ by thepaintedman on July 22, 2010.