Walk into Exton Beverage Company any day of the week and it’s likely that you’ll be overwhelmed with beer happiness. The Chester County distributor takes pride in their 40-plus years of top-notch service, impressive variety, a sixtel selection that could bring tears to your eyes, and more. The staff on hand is always going above and beyond to assist beer drinkers of every drinking need, from the second you step indoors to your exit—fresh case of beer in hand.

Owner Greg Ramirez can always be found in the first line of defense with his knowledgable staff, ready to recommend a beer and explain. Since working at Exton Beverage for 16 years before he officially became the owner, there’s not much you can get by this beer fan and aficionado, which is why we tapped into him for a few recommendations this season.

Top Beers to Start Sipping This Spring/Summer

1. Yuengling Summer Wheat

A brand-new seasonal from PA-based Yuengling Brewing Company, the Summer Wheat is brewed with a combination of wheat and barley malts. Greg mentioned that the beer has already appealed to craft beer fanatics and the “light drinkers” looking to branch out. It’s known to carry overtones of banana and clove esters with a crisp finish.

2. Sierra Nevada Summer Fest

Although his opinion may be a little biased since Sierra Nevada‘s Pale Ale was Greg’s gateway beer into the craft world, he confidently announces the Summer Fest a perfect warm-weather beer. It’s a little floral, dry and incredibly drinkable.

3. Troegs Sunshine Pils

Greg’s a fan of this Troegs Brewing Company selection because of the tight, crisp carbonation, which creates the refreshing snap of a Euro-style Pilsner with an strong hop character, too. Based out of Hershey, PA, there’s also a rewarding sensation that comes with drinking “home state” brews.

4. Victory Summer Love

Speaking of local, beer doesn’t get much closer to the heart of Chester County than with Downingtown’s very popular Victory Brewing Company. It’s grown into a national and international symbol for great-tasting beer but, no matter where you enjoy it, Summer Love is the epitome of seasonal sipping. With sublime, earthy familiarity of noble European hops backed by fresh, clean German malts, and a burst of lemony refreshment, it’s perfect for elevating the best warm-weathered traditions.

Toss Ups

1. Ale: Bell’s Oberon OR Allagash White

Both selections from Bell’s Beer and Allagash Brewing Company have a hint of fruitiness and a bit of spice on the back end but the balance is perfectly portioned to create a smooth, drinkable beer that still packs the flavor you’ll be looking for on a warm day.

2. IPA: Stoudts Four Play OR Dogfish Head 60 Minute

While Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute may have a bolder reputation at this point, both beers are excellent choices for those in search of a stellar IPA with a hoppy kick and great body. The Stoudt’s Four Play and Dogfish Head 60 Minute won’t disappoint when you’re in search of a refreshing beer worthy for warm-weather days.

Trends & Personal Tap

Greg slightly delved into the trends of craft beer world and he hit the nail right on the head when noting that the industry is growing so fast and changing every day that it’s not most important to try and follow every trend and try the “new thing”. He’s certainly a man who drinks what his mood and tastes provokes and, while walking around the shop in his Ommegang Brewery jacket, he admitted to having Troegs Sunshine Pils, Sierra Nevada Celebration Winter IPA and Great Lakes Chill Wave Double IPA currently flowing through his state of the art tap system at home, a set-up that runs tubes from the basement and is oriented in a very distinct way to deliver perfect pours. 

Greg is quick to admit that it’s not necessarily one particular beer or brewery that he sees his customers getting into (although they are the largest Victory retailer) but just an increase in the desire to understand beer and a devotion to enjoying beer in your home at the finest level.

“The beer meister is huge and it’s just become another appliance at home for a lot of people. We’re really selling a lot of sixtels and have one of the largest selections around,” he shared.

We made our final stride of this Exton Beverage stroll-about toward the gluten-free and organic section, as Greg pointed out that he has seen this segment growing over the past couple of years and expects it to continue upward with brands like Jack’s Hard Cider and Omission Beer popping up more and more.

Exton Beverage Company is located at 310 East Lincoln Highway. They hold samplings every Friday and Saturday throughout the year for customers to try new things. Make sure you stop in to snag some samples and stay tuned to their Facebook & Twitter for updates.