A few brews we think you may enjoy
Otter Creek Citra Mantra
I’ve never been too fond of the term “session beers.” It smacks of formality. Congress legislates in session. Courts deliberate in session. Psychiatrists determinate in session. And in no way are any of these things fun. So why get so serious about beer? Drinking beer should be enjoyable. In the summertime, even more so. Citra Mantra is a fun, summer lager because it’s relatively light in body but still delivers zesty citrus flavors with a hoppy bite and crisp finish. Yes, some may say it’s sessionable. I say it pairs well with co-ed volleyball and outdoor BBQs.
— Jim Miller, Director of Publications
21st Amendment Down to Earth
There is no one happier than I am with the arrival of the session IPA trend. After all, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold pale ale—or two—after a few hours of yard work or a challenging bike ride. However, with the alcohol content of a traditional pale ale, I’m ready for a nap minutes later. 21st Amendment’s Down to Earth checks in at a manageable 4.4 percent ABV with a nice balance of fruit and bitterness. It also comes in a can, which is my container of choice in the summer.
— Jerry duPhily, Publisher
Oskar Blues Pinner
An American-style session IPA, this beer pays homage to the fragrance of cannabis and its close cousin, hops. The word “pinner” is a slang term for a tiny, thin joint that is low in marijuana content. Most session beers are low in alcohol content, hence the name for this session that’s—you guessed it—low in alcohol. Through dry-hopping a variety of hops, Oskar Blues has managed to almost replicate the aroma of cannabis, making a delicious yet very drinkable beer.
— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer
Dogfish Head Festina Péche
This neo-Berliner Weisse is an unusual and refreshing summertime quencher. I typically go for darker brews, so I’m pleasantly surprised by this light-bodied, tart session beer. Brewed with peaches, its natural sugars are absorbed by the yeast, giving the seasonal brew a sharp, sour taste juxtaposed by a fruity aroma.
— Krista Connor, Associate Editor
Mispillion River Reach Around IPA
Canned beers are just better for summer. Easy to grab and easy to carry around while completing chores in and out of the house. Oh, and they won’t shatter if the kids knock them over. One of my favorites at the moment is Reach Around IPA, from Delaware’s own Mispillion River Brewing. It’s an American IPA with the perfect balance of hops, citrus, malt and pine. At 6 percent ABV, it’s not over the top. Give it a try the next time you’re grabbing a six-pack. You can’t miss it; the can has a cool, colorful sloth illustration.
— Matt Loeb, Creative Director & Production Manager
Victory Sour Monkey
I’m a sour fan, but not really a Golden Monkey fan. I had the Sour Monkey (a Brett-fermented version of the Victory classic) on tap at the new Kennett location and was pleasantly surprised. It was super-sour, citrusy and refreshing—much more sour than Monkey. But be careful: weighing in at 9.5 percent ABV, this beer is much stronger than it tastes. So treat yo’self, and then move on to the Summer Love.
— Marie Graham Poot, Director of Digital Media & Distribution
Shiner Ruby Redbird
Usually, the only fruit-infused suds we enjoy are the pumpkin invasions of early fall, but we’ve found a great summer choice in Shiner Ruby Redbird. This lager delivers a light, fruity tartness of ruby red grapefruit and a touch of ginger. It’s surprisingly refreshing and will be perfect for chilling out in the lazy, hazy Delaware summer.
— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer
New Belgium Skinny Dip
I recently tried this beer on a quick stop before heading out on a kayaking trip. I wanted something that was heavy enough to quench my thirst while taking a break from paddling, but light enough that I could enjoy it in the sun and keep going. This beer has easily become my favorite—pouring smooth with a bright ivory head, and balancing this really distinct blend of sweet and tart tastes. It’s light, it’s delicious and it’s the perfect beer to sip in the summer.
— Matthew Moore, Intern
Tired Hands
I’m a hophead and IBUs (International Bitterness Units) do not usually pair well with a hot summer day. So I’m going off the chart here and heading north to Tired Hands (two locations in Ardmore, Pa.). They seem to have found a way to balance refreshing and hoppy in a way that only the famed Heady Topper can match. I love their Pineal IPA, a 6 percent blend of Mosaic, Simcoe and Amarillo hops brewed with oats. It’s delicious, incredibly fresh and perfect for 85 degrees on the deck. They’ve just started distributing all over Philly, and they are always willing to fill a growler.
— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer
