By Timothy Long

Watching baseball, eating hotdogs, relaxing poolside, playing golf, and drinking beer are what come to mind when I think of summer. Beer and summer go together like mom and apple pie. And some styles are perfect for summer enjoyment, or at least better suited. As the temperature climbs, beer drinkers usually start reaching for lighter, crisper, and more refreshing beer styles.

But what if you like a heavier beer and want to drink it during the summer? Well, go ahead. Don’t let anyone tell you what beer to drink, or what cigar to smoke, or what cocktails to enjoy. There are no right and wrong answers when it comes to summertime indulgence, or for any of the other seasons.  Even though many so called experts try to tell you that there are. If you prefer a dank heavy IPA on a hot afternoon, then drink one. As I have stated many times in this column, it’s what your palate enjoys. It’s not about what someone thinks it should enjoy. But if a light, yet flavorful, beer sounds like summer refreshment to you, then read on. I’ll explore some traditional, and perhaps not so traditional, styles that can make for great summer imbibing. And I’ll throw in some local recommendations as well.

As I was preparing this article, I received an email from Atlas Brewing. They were having a craft beer festival at their Alexandria brewery that would feature several excellent local breweries. This was quite fortuitous as the festival was four days before I had to turn in my draft for this article. Altas Alexandria Brewery and Tap Room is in my neighborhood. I can walk there and stumble home. Lady Luck was smiling on me.

Here are my summer beer recommendations. Some are from the festival, some are not. But all are quality brews. Enjoy.

Classic Lager

Classic lagers are hard to beat in hot weather. Clean, crisp, and easy drinking, they deliver refreshing malt sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Blue Mountain Brewery Classic Lager: A perfect balance of malt and hops makes this beer a must buy for summer drinking. It is smooth, crisp, and refreshing, as a lager should be.

Pilsner

A good Pilsner delivers crisp bitterness, floral hops, and sparkling carbonation. German and Czech versions are especially refreshing during summer due to their lightness.

Atlas Brew Works Bullpen Pilsner: Upon my arrival at the craft beer festival, I immediately headed to the Atlas Brewery stand to taste the Bullpen Pilsner. It’s a classic. Crisp, clean, and refreshing with subtle floral and earthy hop notes layered over a light malt flavor. It finishes sharp, as a good pilsner should. That is probably why it won a Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup this year.

Caboose Brewing Company “Das Gute” German Style Pilsner: Also featured at the festival, Caboose does a great job with their beers. This pilsner has crisp malt, floral noble hops, and a clean, dry finish. It’s a very well-done beer.

Kölsch

Originating in Cologne, Kölsch is one of the ultimate warm-weather beers. It drinks like a lager but has subtle fruity notes from ale yeast. It’s light-bodied, slightly bready, and incredibly smooth.

Bluejacket Brewery Baby Blue: Also represented at the Atlas Craft Beer Festival, this wonderful Kolsch is slightly malty and sweet up front with gentle fruit notes coming through. It’s a wonderful beer with a clean dry finish that represents this beer style very well.

Bear Chase Brewing Kodiak Kolsch: I have to include my 2025 Best Craft Beer Pick from my January article. As I stated then “This beer hits every note. It pours a light golden color with a clean white head, exactly as a Kolsch should. You’ll get soft bready malt, a touch of honey, and a light herbal note that keeps things balanced. The finish is clean, dry, and refreshing.”

Helles

A smooth pale gold German lager with a softer malt profile than a Pilsner. Helles beers are bready or grainy with mild bitterness, making them easy to drink.

DC Brau Brewing Company Declaration Helles Lager: I was excited when I read that DC Brau would be at the festival. And even more excited when I saw that they brought a Helles Lager with them. The star of this beer is the malt. It delivers smooth cracker and toasted bread notes but never becomes heavy. This beer is a crisp and refreshing salute to summer drinking.

Hazy IPA

Often called a New England IPA this style is all about juicy hop flavor, soft mouthfeel, and low bitterness, making it perfect for summer drinking.  Unlike traditional West Coast IPAs that focus on sharp bitterness, hazy IPAs are fruit-forward and smooth with a cloudy presentation.

Dad Strength Brewing Company Hazy IPA: I had heard of this brewery but had never tasted their beers. Their niche is to brew low 2.9% ABV beers. What my dad would have called “Near Beer.” I never thought I’d like one. I assumed they would be watered down with little to no body. I was wrong. The mouthfeel is smoother and fuller than what you’d expect from a low-ABV beer.  Juicy citrus and ripe fruit come through the whole time you drink it. The finish is clean and refreshing. This beer was a pleasant surprise.

Mexican-Style Lager

These beers have exploded in popularity for a reason. Crisp, light-bodied, and often served with lime, they pair perfectly with tacos, grilled food, and poolside afternoons.

Atlas Brew Works “Atlantico” Mexican Style Lager: A light, crisp, refreshing lager with a clean finish, subtle malt sweetness, and just small hint of lime flavor. It’s designed for easy summer drinking.

Port City Dark Mexican Lager: This lager has chestnut coloring and a white foamy head. I love drinking it poolside because people think it is a Guinness. You get sweet, toasted malt, caramel, and a hint of chocolate. It goes down easily and smoothly as good summer beer should.

Having a great summer means having great beer. Hopefully some of these recommendations will help deliver an enjoyable summer to you. Cheers!!

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Not all whiskeys are great for summer drinking, but every variety has some that are suitable. This whisky is actually a very good summer whiskey, especially if you enjoy a little spice and freshness rather than heavy oak or syrupy sweetness. The nose opens with classic rye spice, mint, black pepper, cinnamon, and herbal notes. On the palate, clove, cinnamon, cracked pepper, and a little dill opens things up before caramel, toasted grain, honey, and light fruit flavors takeover. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and smooth. The finish is clean and warm with lingering spices, oak, and a faint minty freshness. It makes a great Old Fashioned, where the rye spice adds some extra depth and structure. At 90.4 proof and around $40 per bottle, it’s a perfect fit with your summer beer collection.

Gilberto Oliva Reserva Blanca

Cigars wrapped in Connecticut Leaf are built for summer.  This cigar delivers a smooth, medium-bodied smoke. You get roasted nuts and buttercream up front, while the middle settles into a soft earthiness with hints of coffee and sweet bread. The finish is clean and approachable without becoming dull, making it an easy everyday cigar. This cigar shines as an afternoon sitting on the porch smoke. Enjoy.

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.