Looking For Something Refreshing To Drink? Try One Of These Summer Beer Styles
We’re happy to say that summer is finally in full swing! While COVID-19 has changed the way we enjoy some of our usual summer activities, what hasn’t changed is our love of a refreshing, cold beer on a hot summer day! If you’re looking for some ideas on what to enjoy on your patio this season, our beverage experts at Pringle’s Wine and Spirits of Fort Collins have put together a list of some of our favorite summer beer styles. They’re light, refreshing, and go down easy! Stock up on these, and all of your favorites — including several brands of Colorado beer — at Pringle’s.
Pilsner
Just about everyone has probably enjoyed a tall, cold, glass of Pilsner at one time or another. Many of the most popular, mass-produced beers are Pilsner-style. That isn’t to say that Pilsner in general isn’t a good beer — on the contrary, most people can appreciate the clean, crisp, taste and beautiful, clear, golden color.
Named after the Czech city of Pilsen where it was first produced in the mid-1800s, Pilsner-style beers are created through a cold fermentation process using bottom-fermenting yeasts. Contrary to top-fermenting ales that tend to produce darker, hazy ales with more distinct flavors, Pilsners are often preferred when you want something light and refreshing. If you’re looking for “the original”, Pilsner Urquell was the first brand of Pilsner produced in the Czech Republic over 150 years ago — and it is still produced today.
Kolsch
Originally hailing from the city of Cologne (Köln) in Germany, this style of beer has been around for centuries. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Kolsch finally received its name. Similar to wine, there are certain rules that must be met in order to call a beer a Kolsch — including following a certain brewing process and being produced within 30 miles of Cologne. Just check out the label the next time you’re beer shopping and you’ll likely see American beers labeled “Kolsch-style” instead of just Kolsch.
If you’re looking for the perfect blend between a light, bright lager, and a heartier, more fruity ale, then a Kolsch-style of beer may be just what you’re looking for. Kolsches exhibit some of the best characteristics of both. Brewed like an ale (top-fermenting), they tend to be lighter and more “drinkable” but with a mild fruity flavor characteristic of many ales.
Hefeweizen
The name Hefeweizen refers to the “hefe” or yeast that gives this German beer it’s signature cloudy appearance and the extra “weizen” or wheat that is used in the brewing process.. Made by replacing some of the malted barley in a beer with wheat, this unfiltered, approachable beer has a distinctive fruity/spicy flavor reminiscent of banana, clove, or even citrus, depending on the strain of yeast used. Pair your Hefeweizen with a slice of lemon or orange for an added boost of refreshment on a hot summer day.
Visit Pringle’s To Find Your Perfect Summer Beer
Whether you’re looking for your favorite Colorado beer, or you’d like to try something new, Pringle’s has one of the largest selections. Don’t let our name fool you — just because we’re known as Pringle’s Fine Wine and Spirits, that doesn’t mean we don’t love our beer! You’re sure to find just what you’re looking for — and more — when you visit us.
Not sure what to get? Our knowledgeable staff is available and happy to help you find the perfect beverage. And don’t forget to check out our weekly specials on beer, wine, and liquor. Stop by Pringles today and find your new favorite beer.