Was at my favorite Ohio outdoor bar — GOTL Brewing Co. — on Sunday, looking out at Lake Erie, when the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. Just like that, in between IPAs, a summer afternoon turned into fall. A friendly mid-June reminder from Ohio to enjoy summer while it’s here. This is probably why I get overly excited for summer seasonal beers. When they are gone, so is the sun. Just typing the words “summer beers” conjures images of awesomeness. Aviator sunglasses. Dogs romping around (also with sunglasses). Frisbees being tossed. I’m strutting along, boombox over the shoulder, looking for babes — until I challenge a group of youths to a surf competition. Yes, summer is a perpetual Beach Boys song to me. In fact, summer beers and summer are so synonymous, it makes me wonder if I even like the taste of these beers. Am I sipping a lime gose, or sipping the feeling of the sun? Does the answer matter? I don’t think so. Load up the Woody, here are your five beers to know this week.
pFriem Family Brewers Releases three summer seasonals
pFriem Family Brewers welcomes summer with a full summer beer release lineup, highlighted by three Classic Summer Seasonals: Jammy Pale, Golden IPA and Mexican Lager. pFriem is known for its extensive line of artisan beers, totaling over 100 in 2018. The Jammy Pale interests us most, rife with aromas of marionberries, strawberry preserves, candied pineapple and peach and round notes of cantaloupe, blueberries, gummy bears and lemon balm. It finishes juicy, jammy and fruity. 5.4 percent ABV and 32 IBUs. Jammy Pale is built on a round malt bill where Rahr 2-Row Pale is supported by malted and unmalted oats. It showcases a blend of very fruit-forward American hops. The jammy and tropical hops are further supported by a fruity English yeast strain.
Anchor Steam Beer now in cans
You no doubt know the iconic Anchor Steam Beer. Originally founded in 1896, it was one of the first craft beers to come back after Prohibition ended. It derives its unusual name from the 19th century when “steam” was a nickname for beer brewed on the West Coast of America under primitive conditions and without ice. So why is it in this list? Well, arriving just in time for summer adventures, Anchor’s flagship beer is the latest to jump on to the canning craze and is now available in cans for the first time — a 19.2-oz offering.
“No matter how many new beers we create, we never stop celebrating our flagship brew,” said Anchor Brewmaster Scott Ungermann. “Anchor Steam is one of a kind, with a unique, rich flavor and unparalleled history. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or embarking on an urban adventure, now Anchor Steam can easily go with you to even more places. We hope Anchor fans will enjoy the look and feel of our new 19.2-oz cans, which puts a modern twist on the classic Anchor Steam design.”
Ale Asylum teams with Droids Attack for new rye lager
Two Madison, Wis.-based entities — heavy rock band Droids Attack and craft brewery Ale Asylum — have partnered to create Mashenomak — a crisp refreshing Rye Lager with a peppery kick, brewed with a late hop addition to achieve a soft citrus aroma finish. Mashenomak is the first song in a two-part epic on Droids Attack’s 2016 release, SCI-FI OR DIE. Based on a Native American folk tale, Mashenomak is a fish monster that terrorizes the local tribes and swallows the souls of all living creatures. Manabush is a brave warrior who allows Mashenomak to swallow him in order to slice open his belly and rescue all of the animal spirits. This tale is beautifully captured in the beer label illustration by artist, Eli Quinn.
Elk Brewing sources juice concentrates from local Old Orchard Brands
Elk Brewing’s new Blueberry Cucumber German-style sour beer. (PRNewsfoto/Old Orchard Brands)
Elk Brewing Co. is introducing two new fruit-infused beers this summer using juice concentrates sourced from Sparta, Michigan-based Old Orchard Brands. Elk Brewing’s new Watermelon Cucumber and Blueberry Cucumber goses will be available in draft form at Elk Brewing’s two brew pubs and sold in cans throughout the summer. The new Watermelon Cucumber and Blueberry Cucumber beers underscore Elk Brewing’s reputation for pushing the standards of traditional styles.
“The calls from brewmasters buying our juice concentrates in bulk has increased dramatically in the past 12 months,” recounted Chris Kohler, director of purchasing for Old Orchard Brands. “They had discovered our frozen juice concentrates at retail grocery stores and were buying all of the cans off the shelf for use in their beers and wines. We’ve since introduced a program to allow these brewers to buy in bulk from us directly.”
Old Orchard offers more than 20 different juice concentrates for commercial use, ranging from apricot to rhubarb. For those interested in trying it, the juice manufacturer now has a dedicated web page that allows brewers to purchase ingredients online.
Platform Beer turns four with two cool collabs
One of our Ohio favorites, Platform Beer Co. is releasing two new canned beers made specifically to celebrate its four-year anniversary. Beyond Borders is an American Saison brought to life with Taxman Brewing in Indiana. It exudes sweet malt, rye spice and frosty pina colada. A full drinkable body leads to flavors of over-ripe Pineapple, coconut milk and a peppery rye finish. Chasing The Horizon is a Black New England IPA born of a collaboration with the masterminds at Against the Grain. It opens with melt-y milk chocolate bar and dank and fresh cut tropical fruit. The body comes in full with a clean hoppy finish, massive red berry compote and airy chocolate mousse. Omnipresent resin flavors make this beer a revelation of innovation.
