Like Mr. Emerson, I'm excited for summer and, shocker, summer beers!
That got me thinking: why does a crisp pilsner or juicy session IPA seem to hit differently at a backyard BBQ than a big imperial stout?
To find out, I dug into the science and physiology behind summer beer drinking. The result? A better understanding of why certain beers feel especially refreshing when temperatures rise.
I’ll also guide you through styles to load up your beer fridge with this summer.
Lower ABV: Joey Hahn, craft beer expert and member of the Craft Beer Crew over at DeCicco's Bedford notes a shift towards lower ABV beers during the summer.
“Some breweries even make lower ABV variety packs that cater to drinking outdoors while being active," he said. "A lower ABV beer is generally preferred if you’re having a beer on the beach or taking in the view on the summit after a long summer hike.”
Lower ABV typically ranges from 3-5% and translates on your palate to lighter body and ultimately sessionability (responsibly having a few over time). Note: What's old is new again as the session was the default practical drinking culture throughout history before MAX ABV craft beers sprouted up.
Fruit Notes: Joey also points out summer beers frequently showcase citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit,...) as does the upcoming KBM Guava Pale Ale.
Lower Bitterness: This is the season for you Anti-Bitter-Hopsters to rejoice as malt forward or at least malt balanced is the name of the game.
Crisp/Dry Finish: Crisp and clean! Low or no residual sweetness like you may find in a dessert stout.
All these characteristics lead to thirst-quenching drinkability on a hot day. But why? I did some research. (Note: I am not (yet) a doctor and pure H20 hydration is always smart.)
Lower ABV: In hot weather, alcohol impacts the body differently as it is a diuretic and it encourages the body to lose fluids. Stronger beers in hot weather compound dehydration quite quickly as your body is already working on fluid management due to the heat.
From a physiology point of view, lower-ABV craft beers shine in summer because they allow drinkers to enjoy flavor without fatigue. A low ABV brew defaults to refreshing in the summer.
Lighter Body: When's the last time you thought about viscosity?
Viscosity describes how thick or thin a liquid feels in the mouth and is a major contributor to mouthfeel. Some beers feel creamy and rich; others feel crisp and light. In warm weather, most people naturally gravitate toward beverages that feel lighter, cleaner and more thirst-quenching. Lower-viscosity beers (often due to low ABV) move quickly across the palate and create a stronger perception of refreshment.
Fruity/Citrus Aromatics: Sensory science suggests citrus aromas psychologically signal refreshment. Aromas associated with lemonade, citrus fruit and cold beverages trigger expectations of brightness, freshness, acidity and hydration before the beer even reaches your lips. In other words, refreshment begins in the nose.
Make Your Own Citrus Notes: I'm a fan of adding a citrus wedge to lighter beers. Give the peel a firm pinch to express the oils, rub it lightly around the rim of the glass, then drop it in.
Lower(ing) Bitterness: Many drinkers gravitate toward lower bitterness styles in summer because bitterness can feel more drying and lingering on a heat-fatigued palate. Science also tells us colder temperatures suppress bitterness perception. For those sensitive to any hop bitterness, chill (your beer) out.
Crisp/Dry Finish: One reason many classic summer styles feel so refreshing is many of these seasonal styles have increased carbonation. As those bubbles burst in your mouth, they help loosen lingering fats and oils, stimulate saliva production and refresh taste receptors. The result is a crisp, dry finish that leaves you ready for another sip — or another bite of BBQ.
So what should you be drinking this summer?
German Pilsner: Crisp, clean, highly drinkable lagers with a balanced hop finish.
Czech Pilsner: A KBM favorite featuring softer bitterness, rounded malt character, and exceptional drinkability.
Kölsch: A hybrid ale-lager that combines lager refreshment with subtle fruit notes.
Hefeweizen: Classic wheat beer featuring banana, clove, and gentle citrus character.
Belgian Witbier: Cloudy, highly carbonated wheat ale brewed with coriander and Curaçao orange peel. It can be called "Liquid Summer."
Session IPA: All the hop aroma of an IPA with lighter body and lower alcohol.
Fruited Sours: Polarizing? Sometimes. Many people pucker up and say "yuk!" But on a blazing hot day, a tart fruited sour can be remarkably refreshing.
Radlers & Shandies: Low-alcohol blends of beer and fruit juice, lemonade, or soda. Approachable, refreshing, and summertime classics. VERY approachable!
Note: All these will make great pairings for summer food.
Here are a few summer-friendly beers that Joey Hahn and I can personally recommend:
Crisp & Classic: Sierra Nevada Summerfest and Jack's Abby Porch Fest
Citrus & Refreshing: Allagash White and Industrial Arts Screwdriver
Fruity & Adventurous: Millwood Cucumber Blessings and Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy
Variety Pack: Sloop Brewing Rays of Days
And locally? I can guarantee every brewery I've profiled over the years has a summer seasonal worth trying. Check out my archive and start exploring.
So whether you're heading to the beach, firing up the grill, hiking a trail, or simply relaxing on the patio, summer is the perfect season to explore lighter, brighter beer styles.
The science suggests these beers are refreshing for a reason!
Cheers to a cool summer.
Contact John Bart at TheKatonahBeerMan@gmail.com or visit thekatonahbeerman.wordpress.com.
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