Summer Beer Guide
The summer season provides us with a great selection of lighter styles of beers! These are the beers we will enjoying this summer!
Bayern Brewery: Dump Truck Pale Summer Bock
www.bayernbrewery.com
An unfiltered, unpasteurized light Lager Bock beer brewed as a traditional old fashioned decoction beer. This beer is incredibly light in color, yet has the full body of a hearty bock beer, using German sauermalt, organic Montana ‘Spitz’ malt, Pilsener malt, and is balanced with three hoppings of Germany’s finest Hallertauer, Perle and the rare Tettnang Aroma hops. 6.0% ABV
Food pairing: Rich sweetness balances strong spice components & intense flavors of Cajun, jerk, slow-roasted and seared foods.
Bayern Brewery: St. Wilber Weizen
www.bayernbrewery.com
This Bavarian Hefeweizen (“hefe means yeast”) combines pure wheat flavor with Bayern’s own strain of yeast. Very refreshing and light on hops, this unfiltered Hefeweizen is brewed as it is in Bavaria by a Bavarian Brewmaster 6.0% ABV
Food pairing: Complements the lighter elements of foods like seared scallops and oil-cooked garlic shrimp, while adding a refreshing flavor contrast.
Bitterroot Brewing Co: Huckleberry Hefeweizen
www.bitterrootbrewing.com
This summer wheat ale infused with just the right amounts of Fireweed honey and huckleberry to perfectly balance this summertime treat. Light honey and huckleberry aromas mix with the wheaty malt backbone to entice and set the stage for the thirst quenching flavors that follow. 5% ABV
Food pairing: Will go nicely with a green salad with a huckelberry vinaigrette dressing or a fruit salad. This can also pair well with a light fruit dessert.
Glacier Brewing Co: Flathead Cherry Ale
www.glacierbrewing.com
A perennial favorite is back and it looks like it’s here to stay! Due to overwhelming public outcry, we are pouring this beer all year-round and it’s available in six-packs!!! The Flathead Cherry Ale is a refreshing blend of a light-colored beer and a cherry flavor. 5.5% ABV
Food pairing: Can complement light, fruity dishes; best served as a companion with after-meal foods like desserts featuring fruit or dark chocolate.
Flathead Lake Brewery: Saison
www.flatheadlakebrewing.com
Belgian style farmhouse ale. This Belgian yeast strain produces loads of fruity esters. The light-bodied seasonal ale is perfect for a day of summer sipping on land or water. 5.5% ABV
Food pairing: The fruity and spicy notes can lift a simple barbecue to angelic heights. The spicy and peppery notes will really enhance the flavors of any hot or peppery dish.
Flathead Lake Brewery: Mile High Wheat
www.flatheadlakebrewing.com
American-style Hefewweizen is light blonde and light bodied with a crisp finish. Enjoy this sexy looking brew with flavors of banana and cloves. 5.1% ABV
Food pairing: The fruity and spicy notes can lift a simple barbecue to angelic heights. The spicy and peppery notes will really enhance the flavors of any hot or peppery dish.
Leinenkugel Brewing Co: Summer Shandy
www.leinie.com
A Shandy is a lemonade flavored beer, a European favorite during the warmer months. The light, crisp flavor makes it a great summer refresher. Each batch is carefully brewed using the finest wheat, malted barley, and just a hint of real Wisconsin honey. Then the brewmasters mix in fresh lemonade and citrus flavors to create an adventurous taste that’s perfect for those lazy days of summer. 5% ABV
Food pairing: The light, lemony shandy pairs perfectly with spicy food; Fried Fish Sandwich.
Deschutes Brewery: Twilight Ale
www.deschutesbrewery.com
Offered during the longer days of summer, Twilight Ale is a lighter, refreshingly crisp, but full flavored ale with a balanced malt profile and a harmonious blend of four hops. A final dry hopping of bold Amarillos creates the distinctive finishing touch. 5.0% ABV
Food pairing: Salt and Pepper Grilled King Salmon with a Lemon Twist or Marinated Calamari Salad.
Deschutes Brewery: Chainbreaker White IPA
www.deschutesbrewery.com
A hop-forward, citrus-packed beer with an unmistakably smooth character, this beer challenges the palate to expand with a fusion of wheat and spice low notes alongside significant hop highs. Sweet orange peel and coriander round out the flavor profile for a refreshing ride. The marriage of wheat, spices, yeast and hops have all come together to make a very drinkable, complex White IPA.60 IBUs 5.6 % ABV
Food pairing: Almond Orange Crusted Chicken; Crispy Fish Tacos with Avocado and Fruit Salsa.
Deschutes Brewery: Hop in the Dark
www.deschutesbrewery.com
Can an IPA be black? Semantics aside, this noir version has subtle coffee undertones born of a blend of oats with dark, Munich and crystal malts. What emerges is something deeper, less orthodox, and all its own. After 22 trial runs in our Bend and Portland pubs, we got it right.70 IBUs 6.5% ABV
Food pairing: Hot-n-Sour Soup, Enchiladas with Mole Sauce, NW Mushroom Pizza.
Deschutes Brewery: Butte XXIV
www.deschutesbrewery.com
So where to next? What’s 2012’s rich, imperial take on Black Butte Porter? We can’t fully describe this year’s creation as the brewers like to tweak it every year according to their whims, partnering with equally passionate local artisans to craft this potent, colossal homage to Black Butte Porter. A final aging in aromatic barrels infuses a truly handcrafted depth and the complexity of fine wine. Welcome to crazy. Get it while you can. 11% ABV
Food pairing: Espresso rubbed beef brisket with Black Butte Porter BBQ sauce and fresh jicama slaw Crème brûlée with almond praline and fresh raspberries.
Alaskan Brewing Co: Summer, Kölsch-Style Ale
www.alaskanbeer.com
Based on the traditional style of Kölsch beer brewed in Cologne, Germany, Alaskan Summer Ale balances a softly malted palate with the clean freshness of hops. In the tradition of the style, neither overpowers the other. Both hops and malt come together to refresh and renew the palate. The straw-gold color and easy drinkability are an enjoyable way to celebrate summer. 5.3% ABV
Food pairing: Enjoy with delicately flavored foods like fresh, wild Alaska crab or halibut or try it as an accompaniment to salads.
Alaskan Brewing Co: Raspberry Wheat Ale
www.alaskanbeer.com
Alaskan Raspberry Wheat is an American-style Wheat Ale with the lively addition of red raspberries during fermentation. With nearly one pound of real fruit per gallon, Alaskan Raspberry Wheat has the inviting aroma of fresh-picked raspberries and an enticing red hue. The flavor of the raspberries lends a tartness that balances the full-bodied wheat profile and malt sweetness. 6.5% ABV
Food pairing: The tart, sweet flavors and effervescent finish of Alaskan Raspberry Wheat pair best with light foods and desserts including fruit salads, grilled vegetable dishes, light fruit baked goods, crepes, and crumbles.
Full Sail Brewing: LTD 05
www.fullsailbrewing.com
The best brews reflect the perfect balance of art and science. In our release of our Limited Edition lager series, LTD 05, artistry takes form in an amber lager- a sophisticated beer that has an elegant maltiness and superb balance, which explores its Viennese roots. It is a copper colored beer with great harmony and a refreshingly round, smooth, and balanced palate with just a hint of dark roast to enhance its floral hoppy finish. 5.6% ABV
Food pairing: Mexican or any hearty, spicy food; chicken, pork, sausage. The perfect beer for spicy jalapeno jack.
Sierra Nevada: Summerfest
www.sierranevada.com
Summerfest is a refreshing, pilsner-style lager. Its incredible smoothness comes from an extra-long lagering period. It is lighter in body from ales, but is just as complex in character, and is very thirst quenching with big aroma and a tangy hop bite. 5.0% ABV
Food pairing: Works well with salmon, tuna & other high-fat, oily fish and with marbled meats; bitterness offers pleasing contrast with sweet reductions and sauces.
Sierra Nevada: Southern Hemisphere Harvest
www.sierranevada.com
This is the first time we know of that an American brewer has put out a beer with fresh-picked hops from the southern hemisphere, featuring fresh Pacific Hallertau, New Zealand Motueka and New Zealand Southern Cross hops, all from New Zealand. The fresh hops in this beer are dried right after being picked then flown immediately to Chico for brewing the week after they were picked so that they retain their peak aromatics and flavors. 6.7% ABV
Food pairing: Strong, spicy food (classic with curry); bold sweet deserts like carrot cake, caramel apple tart, ginger spice cake.
Sierra Nevada: Ovila Golden Abbey Ale
www.sierranevada.com
Belgian-inspired golden ales are often noted for devilish personalities, but there is nothing unwelcome about this complex and nuanced ale. It is brilliant golden in color, and layered with notes of summery apple, pear-like fruit and peppery spice from the use of a traditional Belgian yeast strain. At first glance, this golden ale may seem delicate, but as it warms, its full flavor and dry, drinkable character comes into focus. 10% ABV
Food pairing: Spicy Cajun food, crab cakes, pheasant or roast turkey; non-chocolate deserts.
Sierra Nevada: Ovila Abbey Dubbel
www.sierranevada.com
Brewed in the abbey tradition, this Abbey Dubbel is clear and deep copper in color, and has a complex and rich malty sweetness with hints of caramelized sugar. The aroma is a heady and layered mix of fruit and spice with hints of clove, raison, and black pepper from the use of an abbey-style yeast. 7.5% ABV
Food pairing: Meat stew, steak, or smoked rib roast. Heavenly with milk chocolate, butter truffles, or chocolate bread pudding.
Sierra Nevada: Hoptimum – Whole Cone Imperial IPA
www.sierranevada.com
A 100 IBU, whole-cone hurricane of flavor. Aggressively hopped, dry-hopped, AND torpedoed with exclusive new hop varieties for ultra-intense flavors and aromas. Resinous “new-school” and exclusive hop varieties carry the bold and aromatic nose. The flavor follows the aroma with layers of aggressive hoppiness, featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar, and tropical fruit-all culminating in a dry and lasting finish. 10.4% ABV
Food pairing: Complements intensely flavorful, highly spiced dishes, such as curry, and bold, sweet desserts like flourless chocolate cake and crème brulée.
Lagunitas Brewing Co: Little Sumpin’ WILD Ale
www.lagunitas.com
The big sister of Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale … Lots of wheat for a curious malt complexity and fermented with our Belgian yeast strain, leaving it huge in flavor and satisfaction. 8.7% ABV
Food pairing: Can cut through some of the spicier dishes such as sausages, pretzels, sauerbraten.
Lagunitas Brewing Co: Lucky 13
www.lagunitas.com
We All Loved the New Look on Our Favorite Gal. A Twist On Our Lucky 13 Recipe — BIG on the Amarillo Hops But Lightened Up On The Malt Side… She Turned Into A Mondo Blonde For Summer! 8.3% ABV
Food pairing: Hearty foods; roast pork, smoked sausages, grilled salmon; aged Gouda or a crumbly Cheshire cheese;
almond or walnut-maple cake
Boston Beer Co: Samuel Adams Summer Ale
www.samadams.com
Bright and citrusy, this seasonal uses malted wheat as well as lemon zest and grains of paradise, a rare pepper from Africa first used as a brewing spice in the 13th Century, to create a crisp and spicy flavor. 5.2% ABV
Food pairing: The sweet, rich, and buttery taste of lobster works perfectly with Summer Ale’s bright citrus and crisp wheat flavor; also fresh tuna, mussels.
Boston Beer Co: Whitewater IPA
www.samadams.com
Combining the intense hop character of an IPA with the crisp spicy wheat character of a Belgian-style white ale. The resulting fusion-style brew is crisp with a citrusy hop punch balanced by the subtle sweetness of apricots. 5.8% ABV
Food pairing: Stimulate the spices of Cajun fare or Jamaican Jerk with the unique balance of intense hop and crisp spicy wheat character of Whitewater IPA.
Boston Beer Co: Norse Legend
www.samadams.com
This ancient Finnish-style brew dates back to the 1500s as one of the oldest continuously brewed styles. Deep amber in color, this rugged brew’s distinctive aroma and flavor comes from aging on a bed of juniper berries. The herbal, woodsy, and ripe citrus character of the juniper enlivens a sturdy and smooth malt backbone for a fresh and flavorful brew. At Samuel Adams we love experimenting, This series of limited edition brews represents some of our favorite small batch creations. 7.0% ABV
Food pairing: Stimulate the spices of Cajun fare or Jamaican Jerk with the unique balance of intense hop and crisp spicy wheat character of Whitewater IPA.
Boston Beer Co: Verloren
www.samadams.com
The style originated in Goselar, Germany in the 18th century. Gose all but died out during WWII due to brewery closings. Expect this beer to have a touch of sourness, with notes of lemon & salt. A link to the ales of Saxony that had all but vanished, Gose is a peculiar yet captivating brew. With a base of an unfiltered wheat ale, it’s vivid and refreshing yet also has a softness to it. The flavor is brought to life by an unexpected touch of salt for a mineral quality, and coriander for a peppery spice. The result is an unusual and delicate brew that’s full of flavors to discover. 6.0% ABV
Food pairing: Seafood with light citrus sauces, complements salads with light citrus dressings and feta or goat cheese as well as ceviches and other light, citrus flavored dishes.
Blue Moon Brewing Co: Summer Honey Wheat Ale
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com
Brewed with Madhaua clover honey from Colorado gives this Summer Ale a hint of sweetness which is balanced out with a touch of orange zest, giving a slight spice to the finish. The perfect blend of pale malts and white wheat makes Summer Honey a great summer choice. 5.6% ABV
Food pairing: Complements salads with light citrus dressings and feta or goat cheese as well as ceviches and other light, citrus-flavored dishes
Blue Moon Brewing Co: Vintage Blonde Ale
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com
Vintage Blonde Ale, part of the Brewmaster’s Reserve Collection, is the latest work of art. This limited edition wheat ale is brewed with Chardonnay grape juice for crisp, dry taste. Gather your friends and share this gold medal winner from the 2010 Great American Beer Festival. 8.5% ABV
Food pairing: The Chardonnay grape character pairs well with grilled seafood, chicken, pork, or light salads.
Cedar Plank Salmon would be a great pairing
Blue Moon Brewing Co: Pale Moon Belgian-Style Pale Ale
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com
Inspired by Belgium tradition, our Belgian-style Pale Ale is crafted with Cascade hops for a subtle hop aroma. We add a twist of orange peel, hibiscus, European malts, and a touch of wheat for a smooth and balanced taste, It’s perfect for savoring the moment with friends. 5.4% ABV
Food pairing: Seafood, chicken, oil-based pasta dishes, spicy dishes
Pyramid Brewing Co.: Curve Ball Blonde Ale
www.pyramidbrew.com
Cold-Conditioned Ale; A deliciously drinkable golden summer seasonal, Curve Ball quenches the deepest of thirsts with its crisp, clean flavor. This cold lagered ale is the perfect accompaniment to summer’s memorable moments, whatever they may be. 5.0% ABV
Food pairing: Lighter food; chicken, salad, salmon, bratwurst; Monterey jack, brick, or similar light, nutty cheese
Pyramid Brewing Co.: Apricot Ale
www.pyramidbrew.com
Unfiltered Wheat Ale; Apricot Ale perfectly combines the taste and aroma of fresh apricot with the smooth finish of a traditional wheat beer. It’s refreshingly unfiltered character and fruit flavor make it an ale worth savoring. 5.1% ABV
Food pairing: Seafood or chicken with fruit sauces; apricot-amaretto tart
Rogue Ales: Somer Orange Honey Ale
www.rogue.com
Brewed with Oregon-Indigenous Wildflower Honey, Orange peel and Spices, it is an unfiltered ale, medium bodied with no harsh bitterness. It has flavors of honey and orange balanced with a medium-sweet malt character. 5.2% ABV
Food pairing: Poultry or spicy dishes.
Rogue Ales: John John Ale: Juniper Pale Ale
www.rogue.com
A collaboration between Brewmaster Jon Maier and Distiller John Coughot. Pale ale brewed with juniper berries and aged in spruce gin barrels. John John is a pale ale of saffron color with a smooth malt balance; a floral aroma with a dry spicy finish from whole juniper berries. 5.2% ABV.
Food pairing: Tropical Gin-glazed Salmon, Coriander Crusted Sea Bass