What would summer barbecues, baseball games and late afternoon walks along the coast be without an ice cold beer? It takes a barley genius to craft the perfect pint and, lucky for us, Rhody is home to many. We sampled summer ales from five local breweries and man, are we proud. Pop a glass in the freezer and prepare to sip on these all season long.
Whaler’s Brewing Company Ginger Wheat Beer
Atypical from your usual summer beer, this super light, subtly ginger-flavored brew would make the perfect “beer-mosa.” Dominated by spice and citrus, this wheat ale possesses a bright zesty flavor that’s “straight up delish.” Infused with or- ange peel that replaces a normally distinctive wheat flavor, this crisp refreshment is one even non-beer drinkers will enjoy. ABV 6.5%.
1070 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. 284-7785, whalersbrewing.com
It’s only appropriate that this Belgian Wit summer specialty, reminiscent of the country’s white beer, reminds us of a Hoegaarden. With slight hints of orange and coriander, the pronounced yeast characteristic of this easy-to-drink brew pairs perfect with a grilled bratwurst, hot dog or other cookout favorite. ABV 4.0%.
63 Canal Street, Westerly. 212-7592, greysailbrewing.com
Bucket’s spring seasonal offers a lighter tasting version of a darker beer, which transitions perfectly into summer. This malty, rich creation has a caramel sweetness and more malt backbone than its lighter sisters. This amber lager is anything but bitter. ABV 5.0%.
545 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket. 722-1574, bucketbrewery.com
‘Gansett’s perfectly balanced not-too-sour, not-too-sweet summer ale would, as one staff member states, “go down like water on a hot summer day.” This light-bodied pale ale has a flavorful profile, yet a mild mouthfeel. A perfect beach brew, this subtly hoppy, blonde draft may be our favorite from the Narragan-sett bunch. ABV 4.2%.
60 Ship Street, Providence. 437-8970, narragansettbeer.com
Exceptionally soft and lightly hoppy, Newport Storm’s Summer Hefeweizen has a smooth, 100% unfiltered finish. Underlying banana esters add a sweet contrast to a naturally lemony aroma that alleviates the “obligatory” lemon wedge garnish. This ale is perfect to beat the humidity. ABV 4.5%.
293 JT Connel Highway, Newport. 849-5232, newportstorm.com
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