After some 90°F days in May and baseball games open to fans again, it seems that summer is upon us. With warmer weather on the horizon, I wanted to touch on some of the beers that, for me and for you readers, are synonymous with summer, including some new releases that are out locally just in time for things to heat up.
Threes Vliet
What, are you surprised? This should come as expected to anyone who’s followed me on social media for the past few years. This pilsner is crisp, crushable, and plentiful — which makes it easy to find at your local bottle shop or grocery store.
Pairs best with: backyard cookouts, picnics in the park
KCBC Beach Zombie (recommended by reader Tim P.)
Guava and Strawberry come together to make this fruited sour taste like it’s part tiki bar cocktail and part liquid candy. Pour it in a glass and you’ll have convinced yourself you’ve escaped to a tropical getaway.
Pairs best with: garden parties, trips to Rockaway Beach
Torch and Crown Stoop Beer
Back for another summer, this lager is hopped generously with Mosaic hops for a citrusy, slightly dank IPA-like flavor profile, but it’s an easier-drinking, dry-finishing beer. Some dude on Untappd says it “ain’t a lager,” but it is, in fact, a lager.
Pairs best with: a late-night stoop drink on a humid night, stoop parties
Carton Boat Beer (recommended by reader Sean M.)
This sessionable jam from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey is a little bit of everything: crisp from the Kolsch yeast, a little sweet thanks to a noticeable biscuity malt character, and fruity and piney from the generous hop additions.
Pairs best with: trips to Sandy Hook Beach, classing up a shore house party
Kills Boro Lei
If you’re looking for something that screams tropical but won’t assault your sensitivities to sour beer, this Coconut Cream Ale is a fun break from tradition, with a bit of sweet corn and a touch of toasted coconut.
Pairs best with: Staten Island ferry rides, pineapple-flavored Italian Ice
