DC's beer experts tell you the top beers to drink in the sun
Summer is right around the corner. Plotting. So we creeped into the minds of the top local beer gurus to get recs on what they'll be sippin' during those humid July afternoons. Learn
Port City Brewing Company's Optimal Wit (Witbier, 5%) Bill says, "Now bottle-conditioned, this is a light, refreshing witbier with notes of black pepper, coriander, orange peel, and grains of paradise. Eminently drinkable at just five percent. Do yourself a favor and don't add orange to this one the way you might see people do to other witbiers; you'll thank me later.
Evolution Lot #3 IPA (American IPA, 6.8%) Bill B. says, "I'll also be drinking plenty of Evolution Lot #3 IPA, because I absolutely love IPA, and I drink it year 'round. This is a great local example of American IPA: hoppy and bitter with great citrus and piney flavors you look for in an IPA.
Boulevard Brewing Company's 80-Acre Hoppy Wheat Beer (American Pale Wheat Ale, 5.5%) Greg says, "For those who resist the typically sweeter and fruitier character of wheat ales, a new cadre of well-hopped wheats are heading to town. Boulevard Brewing Company's 80-Acre Hoppy Wheat Beer is quickly becoming among the most sought-after of the bunch, laying floral hop flavors atop a cleansing wheaty brew brimming with thirst-quenching qualities. American Pacific Northwest hops are packed into 80-Acre to create a brew that shows IPA-esque, bold, zesty lemon and perfumed aromas, combined with a snappy, earthy, mildly bitter finish.
Bohemia (German Pilsener, 5.3% ABV) Jason says, "If it's a hot sit-by-the-pool day, I'd go with Bohemia, a crisp German-styled pilsner, yet wholly Mexican -- goes great with sunburn and sand in your shorts.
Heady Topper from Alchemist Brewing (Imperial IPA, 8%) Dave says, "But if you'd prefer a different breweries offerings of choice, I'd have to go with Heady Topper from Alchemist Brewing. I would also search out any of our Summer Session Series of Saisons, where we will be releasing seasonal offerings in the form of amazing low ABV saisons.
Mother Earth Brewing Second Wind Pale Ale - American Pale Ale, 5% Amy says, "Summer is a thirsty season that’s tailor made for enjoying an outstanding pale ale like Mother Earth’s Second Wind. This beer is uncomplicated and down-to-earth, just like the warm summer months. Made with two primary ingredients: two row American Brewers’ malt and lots of Cascade hops, this crisp, golden-hued ale has a rich aroma and logs in at a sessionable 5% ABV (meaning you can drink a few). While definitely hoppy, it's not overly bitter and the citrusy hop flavor is backed up with a good dose of malt, resulting in great Summertime combination. Not too hoppy, not too malty. It’s just right.
Founders All Day IPA (American IPA, 4.7%) Ben says, "During our hot and humid Summers, sometimes it's not the best idea to crack a higher ABV IPA. That's why Founders' All Day is perfect. It has an easy-drinking low ABV, but has beautiful hop character to satisfy any hophead.
Mad Fox Kolsch (Kolsch, 4.4%) Brandon says, "Super delicious and perfect for Summer sluggin’."