Nothing befits Northwest summer sunshine like the seasonal brews to go with it, so here’s a line-up of the perfect festival beverages to go with a brilliant forecast. Find them on the patio of your favorite local brewpub, bring a cooler-full camping or pick a pack to tote to a backyard barbecue. All hail summer ale!
Washington
Life Jacket Summer Ale – This casually hoppy American Pale Ale, a new offering from 7 Seas Brewing, floats you through the hot days of summer with Amarillo hops carrying the flavor. Perfect on a boat or in the sand. 7 Seas Brewing, Gig Harbor.
Seamstress Union Raspberry Wheat Ale – Sunset-pink in color, this brew balances its Northwest raspberry taste with light hops and an unanticipated dryness. Schooner EXACT, Seattle.
Scottish Heather Ale – Heather tips match up with super-local hops in this creative interpretation of a classic Scottish recipe. Yakima Craft Brewing Co., Yakima.
Oregon
Two Tickets to Pearadise – Please and thank you. This fresh, organic Belgian pear ale features famous Oregon pears and has a tart bite at the finish. What comes out of the bottle is a juicy summer joyride of an ale. On tap this weekend at OBF. Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland.
Line Dry Rye – Oakshire’s stellar summer seasonal, a pale ale unique in being brewed with rye and Oregon blackberry honey. Oakshire Brewing, Eugene.
Hot Blonde Chili Ale – Medalist at the 2013 North American Beer Awards, the Hot Blonde combines the herbal aromas of lemongrass with lime zest and fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick in the tongue. Barley Brown’s Beer, Baker City.
Idaho
Ale 208 – Grand Teton’s adopted the mission of brewing Idaho’s most drinkable session ale. Coming late summer, look for the resultant Ale 208 – best enjoyed with friends, of course. Grand Teton Brewing Co., Victor.
Huckleberry Cream Ale – Few things say summer in Idaho like huckleberries, and Laughing Dog Brewing harnesses the fruit for all it’s worth. The rich creaminess of the ale makes for a thick microfoamy head and smooth texture, offsetting the fruity sweetness. Laughing Dog Brewing, Sandpoint.
British Columbia
White Bark Witbier – There’s been lots of buzz over this traditional Belgian wheat from Driftwood Brewing. It’s no wonder: try it and taste how coriander and orange peel come together for exhilarating effect. Driftwood Brewing, Victoria.
King Heffy – Another wheat beer out of BC turns heads – Howe Sound Brewing’s Imperial Hefeweizen, winner of numerous gold medals thanks to tasty flavors of banana and spice. Named for King’s Peak and the other outdoor challenges that bring recreation enthusiasts to the Squamish area. Howe Sound Brewing, Squamish.
