Embrace the Summer Vibes through your glass!

Travelling Pint with Tiffany Martin

As summer settles in with its warm rays of sunshine and balmy evenings, many of us find solace in refreshing beverages that quench our thirst, complement the season's laid-back vibes and perhaps take our mind off the insane amount of mosquitos this year With an everevolving beverage landscape, the choices are abundant, so let me dive into the popular beer styles for summertime and shed light on the increasing popularity of Readyto-Drink (RTD) beverages and Seltzers on the shelves of the LCBO.

When it comes to beer, summer offers an opportunity to indulge in lighter and more refreshing styles that perfectly suit the hot weather and perhaps a longer session. Craft breweries across the region have been at the forefront of experimentation, crafting unique beers that capture the essence of summer in a glass. Let's explore some of the popular beer styles that are sure to make your taste buds sing during the sunny months

• Crisp and Refreshing Lagers: Lagers are known for their clean and crisp profile, making them a top choice for summer enjoyment With their light maltiness and subtle hop character, styles like Pilsners, Helles, and Mexican Lagers provide a smooth and refreshing experience that pairs well with barbecues, beach outings, backyard gatherings or simply rewarding you for cutting the lawn again.

• Tropical and Fruity IPAs: India Pale Ales (IPAs) have taken the beer world by storm, and their tropical and fruity variants are especially popular during the summer months. Bursting with flavours of citrus, passion fruit, pineapple, and mango, these IPAs offer a delightful blend of bitterness and fruitiness that excites the palate and transports you to a tropical paradise Look for ones with added fruit or with certain hops that contribute tropical, stone fruit or coconut flavours to the beer.

• Wheat Beers and Hefeweizens: Wheat beers and Hefeweizens are renowned for their light body, hazy appearance, and refreshing taste. With their characteristic banana and clove esters, these styles showcase the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for hot summer days, they may be garnished with a slice of lemon or orange, enhancing their invigorating qualities but when done well there is no need for that additional slice ;)

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