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Our Favorite Summer Beers

Our Favorite Summer Beers

You’re going to need a beverage to quench your thirst while mowing the lawn, manning the grill, or just being out under the summer sun—may we suggest beer? We asked around the Cool Material office to find our favorite summer suds. These are our picks:


Tim Jacobsen – Founder

  • Firestone Walker Easy Jack
  • Carton Boat Beer
  • Southern Tier Hop Sun
  • “It’s summer. I’m going to drink more and drink more often. I’m looking for light and refreshing beers that still have some good flavor.”


    Jeff Drumheller – Web Manager

  • La Fin du Monde
  • Firestone Walker Easy Jack
  • Saison Dupont
  • “When I think about what I want in a summer beer, it’s something medium-bodied, slightly funky, or mildly fruity/citrusy. It has to remind me of the outdoors. The most important thing is that it pairs well with some barbecue.”


    Mike Newman – Managing Editor

  • Carton Boat Beer
  • Ayinger Brauweisse
  • Anderson Valley The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose
  • “To me, a summer beer is refreshing, low in alcohol, and (preferably) offered in a can. Having access to Carton Boat Beer is a luxury.”


    Vince Avila – Graphic Designer

  • Lagunitas Lil Sumpin’
  • Evil Twin Femme Fatale Yuzu Pale
  • DC Brau The Corruption
  • “When considering a summer beer, I tend to prefer a beer with a good amount of hops and a fruit and citrus aroma. For the most part, I drink IPAs and wheat ales.”


    Ben Dahl – Senior Editor

  • Two Brothers Dog Days
  • Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy
  • New Glarus Totally Naked
  • “While I’m generally more into beer that looks like coffee, the summer months call for something lighter, smoother, and ultimately, consumed in larger quantities. These three fit the bill, along with being shareable with people who’ve never heard of Beer Advocate, Rate Beer, or Untappd.”


    Mike Thiewes – Shop Manager

  • Brooklyn Summer Ale
  • Victory Summer Love
  • Flying Fish Farmhouse Ale
  • “I’m basically looking for low ABV and light/fruit flavors.”


    Pat McLaughlin – Shop Manager

  • Troegs Sunshine Pils
  • Stone Go To IPA
  • Miller High Life
  • “I’m going to be spending a lot of time outside in the heat. With that in mind, I look for beers that are approachable and refreshing.”