Whether you wake up to a dreary, rainy day, or a gloriously sunny one, the spring and summer seasons offer plenty of opportunities to crack open Pennsylvania-brewed beers. Why not give into the abundant energy of the seasons, and harness some of the blooming flowers and buzzing-bee vibes, with a local brew that speaks to the flavors and aromas of late-spring and summer? We found five PA beers that celebrate the seasons — but many of them are available on a limited-time basis, so don’t wait to take a trip out to a brewery or to your local bottle shop!
Breaker Brewing Co. Watermelon Dreamsicle
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There is a certain watermelon craft beer that starts popping up at BBQs and parties every year as soon as the temperature hits 75 and sunny. While we’ve been known to enjoy said beer from time to time, we’d much rather support local makers! Breaker Brewing Co. in Northeastern PA makes a solid watermelon beer, 5 Whistle Wheat Ale with Watermelon, but we’re excited to see that something new and exciting is on deck: Watermelon Dreamsicle. A creamy, hazy, lactose beer with bright, refreshing watermelon notes sounds pretty much perfect! 787 E. Northampton St. Wilkes-Barre Twp.; (570) 392-9078.
Separatist Beer Project Euro-Spliff
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After a few years spent as a nomadic brewery, founding a successful bar and bottle shop in Easton and re-branding from Sole Ales to Separatist Beer Project, this hyper-craft brewery has expanded to South Philadelphia, with a gorgeous space on 12th Street. Separatist has been putting out some fun, seasonal stuff in addition to its core lineup, and one that’s ripe for spring and summer is Euro-Spliff, a Zwickel-Pils with floral nuances and citrus notes. It was fermented low and slow and hopped with Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops. An unfiltered pils like this is perfect for right now; it’s light, crisp and easygoing. 1646 S. 12th St., Philadelphia; (267) 534-4879; 101 Northampton St., Easton; (610) 330-9114.
Brew Gentlemen Muchos Mahalos
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Even if an island getaway isn’t part of your spring plans, you can get a little taste of Hawaii with Brew Gentlemen‘s Muchos Mahalos, a fruity wheat beer made with passion fruit, orange and guava. Just like all its beers, this one is soft and balanced, using just the high-quality ingredients available. Note: This is only available on draft and in to-go growlers at Brew Gentlemen’s taproom in Braddock, right outside of Pittsburgh. 512 Braddock Ave., Braddock; (412) 871-5075.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. Cherry Hibiscus Wheat
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We’re not always in the mood for a fruity beer, but sometimes, on an extra-humid evening, the feeling strikes with a vengeance. Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.‘s Cherry Hibiscus Wheat — newly packaged in cans! — is a really nice option: balanced flavors, not too sweet, and bold, tart, juicy notes of cherry and hibiscus with a tasty hop profile. It also pours a vibrant, appealing ruby red in the glass! 909 Ray Ave., Croydon; (215) 458-7081.
Hop Farm Brewing The Beet Gose On
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Low ABV beers are what some spring and summertime day-drinking requires, and we love how many breweries are toning down the “big” beers to make brews that are really and truly sessionable. One prime example is The Beet Gose On, a kombucha-inspired kettle-soured gose, from Hop Farm Brewing Co., brewed in collaboration with the women of the Pink Boots Society Pittsburgh chapter. The brilliant pink color makes our eyeballs so happy, and the tart, earthy, slightly salty flavor profile is geeky and cool. And at just 3.2% ABV, a glass or two won’t shut down the rest of your day. 5601 Butler St., Pittsburgh; (412) 408-3248.
What are you sipping on these days? Join in the conversation in the comments here or on the PA Eats Facebook page!
- Feature photo: Pexels
