As the scorching heat of the sun gets tempered by the gentle whisper of the summer breeze, there is nothing better than reaching out for a frosty glass of refreshing brew. Be it a backyard barbecue, a day by the beach, or simply a lazy afternoon with friends, the diverse world of beers offers a plethora of choices tailored for those sun-drenched days. Ales, lagers, and lambics are among the frontrunners in this thirst-quenching league. These beer styles have, over time, gained popularity as the quintessential beverages to sip and savor during the balmy summer months.
Ales: A Glass of Complexity
Ale, a versatile beverage with a wide range of flavors, aromas, and colors, is at the heart of the beer world. Often distinguished by its top-fermenting yeast and warmer fermentation temperatures, ales have a rich history that traces back to ancient civilizations. Their fruity and often complex undertones make them a delight for the palate, with each sip revealing a new layer of flavor.
For the summer, lighter ales such as blonde ales or pale ales make an ideal choice. Their crispness complements the warm weather, while their moderate alcohol content ensures that they can be enjoyed over extended periods without overwhelming the senses. A notable mention is the American Pale Ale, often bursting with citrus and tropical fruit notes, evoking memories of sun-kissed orchards and exotic vacations.
Lagers: The Cool Customer
If ales are the multifaceted gems of the beer universe, lagers are their clean, crisp counterparts. Originating in Central Europe, lagers are cold-fermented and stored, a process that imparts a clear appearance and a smooth finish. Their refreshingly mild flavor profile makes them a summer favorite across the globe.
Pilsners, a subset of the lager family, are especially sought-after during the warmer months. Their light golden hue, effervescent carbonation, and slightly bitter finish are reminiscent of a sunny day. Dive deeper into the lager family, and you’ll find Helles, a German-born beer that offers a malty sweetness with a delicate hop bitterness, perfect for sipping as the sun sets.
Lambics: A Wild Summer Adventure
Lambics are a distinct and fascinating aspect of the beer world. These beers are produced only in Belgium’s Pajottenland region and are fermented spontaneously using wild yeasts and bacteria found in the air. This process results in a brew that is tangy and tart and is often compared to cider or champagne.
Lambics, particularly fruit lambics like the Framboise (raspberry) or Kriek (cherry), are summer delights due to their sour profile. The sourness provides a refreshing kick, while the fruity undertones make them more approachable for even those who might not consider themselves avid beer drinkers. Imagine sipping on a cold, raspberry-infused lambic on a hot day, its tartness cutting through the heat, leaving you invigorated and ready for another sip.
Finding Your Summer Sip: Beer Distributors Near Me
Now that we have whet your appetite for these summer-friendly beers, the question of where to find them arises. With the beer industry booming, it’s easier than ever to source quality brews from around the globe.
Ajax Turner Local Breweries: Many cities and towns now boast local breweries producing craft ales, lagers, and sometimes even lambics. Visiting these establishments not only allows you to try fresh brews but also supports local businesses.
Online Tennessee Beer Distributors: If you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, several online platforms ship a wide variety of beers directly to your doorstep. Visit Ajax Turner’s website to place a bulk order. One of the finest alcohol distributors in Tennessee
To summarize, the world of ales, lagers, and lambics provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat. These beers, with their diverse flavor profiles and histories, are perfect companions for the season, invoking memories of past summers and creating new ones. So, as the sun blazes and the days grow long, dive into the cool embrace of these summer brews and savor every drop. Cheers to summer sipping!