Now that we’ve taken a look at some newly-available summer seasonal ales from the West Coast, it’s time to set our sights on the East Coast. Summer Beer seasonals tend to be similar regardless of where they come from, so there’s not necessarily a stylistic difference between East and West Coast summer brews. That said, we couldn’t leave you East Coasters out of the fun. Here are some of the best summer beers available out east.
Long Trail Belgian White – Long Trail Brewing Co., Bridgewater Corners, VT
Like many American summer seasonals, Long Trail’s Belgian White is light, citrusy, refreshing brew that’s a great beverage for the backyard or the beach. However, as the name of this brew suggests, Long Trail has modeled their summer offering on a classic Belgian style: white beer, or witbier. In addition to a reminiscent of lemons and oranges, you’ll find notes of spices like coriander. Don’t be alarmed if this brew pours a little hazy – it’s unfiltered, so it won’t be crystal clear. This a nice riff on a witbier and fits nicely into the family of American summer ales.
Where to find it: CT, MA, ME, NJ, NH, NY, PA, RI, VT
UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen – Harpoon Brewery, Boston, MA
Harpoon is well-known and well-liked on the East Coast, but could rightfully be called Sam Adams’ lesser-known cousin. Like Sam Adams, Harpoon calls Boston home and puts out a wide selection of interesting microbrews. Harpoon might be best known for their “UFO” line – short for UnFiltered Object. Harpoon’s UFO Hefeweizen is a popular year-round offering, but for summer, Harpoon creates a special UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen. Like the witbier mentioned above, hefeweizen is a traditional European style, although hefeweizen originated in Germany. “Hefs” are wheat beers, which gives them a sweet, bready aroma and a light, tart profile. Harpoon goes out on a limb and adds raspberries to their summer Hef, resulting in a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Some beer purists frown on so-called “flavored” beers, but you’ll find that Harpoon’s raspberry Hef isn’t overpowering. Like the Long Trail Belgian White, this is an unfiltered beer, so again, don’t worry about this beer’s cloudy appearance!
Where to find it: AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV
Summer Weizen – Smuttynose Brewing Co., Portsmouth, NH
Looking for a more traditional summer ale? Don’t let this brewery’s odd name deter you – look no further than the Summer Weizen from Smuttynose. Along with the usual slightly sweet, slightly citrusy profile of this summer brew, you’ll find a surprisingly full body. The truly unique aspect of this brew, though, is the aroma of chamomile and honey, which makes for a pleasant, inviting, and very summery profile. If you’re out by the pool with a cooler full of Smuttynose Summer Weizen, it’d be tough to drink just one!
Where to find it: CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH,NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, WI
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