The Beers of Summer

Okay so it’s now 90 degrees, 90 percent humidity, BGE (or fill in the name of your local utility here) is having a stellar week, and all of us are in our annual “too much fun zone” as regards our annual weather pattern.  So what kind of beer should we have in the fridge?  Understanding that I am not a believer in “lite” beer – less filling to me means less taste – there are a couple of beer styles that lend themselves perfectly to this time of year and still deliver full flavor and complexity.

Number one, real pilsners (or golden lagers in general).  A true pilsner, a style of lager beer originally produced in the Czech region called Plzen, should be medium gold in color, about 5% alcohol by volume, and should have a crisp, clean, slightly bitter finish that perks up the palate and refreshes.  If you are looking for the perfect beer to pair with your steamed crabs (a Baltimore regional delicacy), this would be the one.  Interestingly enough, the subtle bitter tang in the finish really helps “cleanse” the palate and allows you to taste crab instead of just pepper and Old Bay seafood seasoning.  For my money these days, I want to taste crab.

Number two on the list – Bavarian style wheat beers.  This unique style – available in unfiltered (hefeweizen) or filtered form – is a perfect summer quencher.  While wheat beers are also available in an American style, I think the Bavarian style is more interesting, having a slightly spicy, clove like character that is derived from the special yeast used in the beer.  You can serve this fairly cold, sometimes with a slice of lemon, and it will pair well with cold summer soups and grilled veal sausages.  Experiment and you will find this is an extremely versatile and pleasing summer refresher.

Last but certainly not least – fruit beers.  I am not a huge fan of frosted beer glasses, but there is almost nothing as refreshing as a frosted glass filled with a very cold fruit beer as you step on the back deck after a hard day at the salt mine.  Available in a number of flavors and styles, again experiment, and I am sure you will find a few selections that will surprise you with how well they work in the right context.

So there you have it, your summer beer homework.  I know it’s a tough job, but…  As with most things food and beverage, exploring new things is part of the fun.  Be adventurous and I am sure you will be rewarded.