What's Your Favorite Summer Beer?

Brewery:  Cigar City Brewing Co.

Location: Tampa, FL
Style: Helles
ABV: 5%

 

Sadly, there aren't a ton of beers that I enjoy drinking in the heat of summer when I am looking for a good refreshingly crisp craft beer. In fact, I used to think that "refreshingly crisp craft beer" was an oxymoronic phrase.  However, as I have expanded my horizons, I have found certain beers that are quite appropriate to consume after mowing the lawn or some other summer activity. Maui's Bikini Blonde and Saint Arnold's Fancy Lawnmower are just two examples.

Add Cigar City's Hotter Than Helles to that list.

 

Now, let me be truthful and say that I don't think there's anything particularly compelling about this beer. The aroma is a bit musty, the flavor is full of of malt and bready yeast notes, and the body is light. All of this adds up to a fairly indistinct and forgettable beer. But that's my point: if I am laying by the pool or floating down a lazy river, I don't want a full-bodied beer; I want something that's light, easy to drink (in quantity), and refreshing. Hotter than Helles Lager is all of these things and more.

So, you might ask: "Why not just buy a 6-pack of Natty Ice, save a few bucks, and call it a day?"

Answer: Because my mouth deserves more respect than that. And so do you.

As summer is quickly approaching, I would love to know what are some of your favorite summer beers? Let's get a good list going!