Summer is coming, we promise. The weather will get warm and it’s time to put away the beers. We’re not saying you can’t enjoy after the sun goes down but reserve those for around the fire pit massive bourbon stouts. With the heat comes a change in your breweries beer menu, it’s time for lighter beers that are more approachable which can be enjoyed in larger amounts. There are certain trends which are popping up as the new releases are getting announced each week. In a way, they are following in the footsteps of Hazy IPAs from previous years. It’s about bringing new people introducing beers which will tempt people to put down their wine or cocktail and see what craft beer is all about. You could call these gateway beers but that may be taking in too much better. Don’t worry craft beer lovers, rsquo & there;s something special coming your way too.
Rosé All Day
Photo by Alysia Shoemaker
Rosé has come to craft beer s a trend that is currently transcending all alcohol fashions. Rosé gained in popularity since it’s light, easy to drink but has a flavor punch. Brewers took a look at that and thought why not? It started last year with Crooked Stave and the Sour Rosé, a fermented in oak with blueberries and raspberries. Two breweries took what Crooked Stave started and blended it with another thriving craft beer fashion that the Brut IPA. The Brut IPA gained its popularity for being carbonated crisp and refreshing — that is perfect for a Rosé base. Upslope Brewing released its Sparkling Rosé IPA that’s a Brut style IPA with beet juice. This isn’t the time we’ve seen beet juice at a beer, don&rsquo. Station 26 Brewing just released its Brut Rosé IPA, this one is made with hibiscus and raspberries. Oskar Blues Brewery attracted Guns N’ Rosé to its lineup that is a Rosé ale with pear and hibiscus. Don’t be surprised to see more and more of these Rosé style hybrids in the future, Stem Ciders has joined in with its Rosé Apple Cider.
The Slush Is Staying
Photo courtesy of 4 Noses Brewing Company on Facebook
Frozen beer — for years it would have been considered blasphemy to say it out and it’s trending. There’s perhaps no brewery in Colorado more committed to this trend than Wiley Roots Brewing up in Greeley. Does the brewery have two slushy machines on site for special weekend frozen concoctions but it has released an entire Slush series, a set of sour ales that recently included blood orange puree, lemon-limeade, raspberry limeade as well as purple slush that was made with grape beverage packets. You know exactly what grape drink packets we’re referring to, say hello to your youth beverage in adult form. If you can’t to Greeley we’ve seen slush beers at these breweries, and in no particular order. Get your slush on at Something Brewery, Station 26 Brewing, Fiction Beer Company and Grist Brewing Company to name a few. We can’t forget 4 Noses Brewing who announced they will be serving up a Frosé Ale for its anniversary this weekend.
Radlers, Shandies and Cocktails
Photo by Alysia Shoemaker
We have long asked for beers and it’s happening this summertime outside the hybrids that were wine-beer. Not only are these beers low in ABV but they are taking on a strategy. Those beers will entice you to take a chance; t into wine or beer — if you aren & rsquo. First up is the Radler a beer which is a style beer such as a Helles that is brewed with fruit puree. Get your hands on the Wibby Brewing’s Lightshine Radler if you enjoy raspberry lemonade. If that isn’t your thing you can check out the Roadie, a grapefruit radler from Great Divide, the Peach Beerllini Radler from Left Hand Brewing Company and Rocky Mountain Radler from Tivoli Brewing which features ginger and apple. Following the style, there is the Shandy, another style beer that is mixed this time with lemon or lime. This season ’s Tea Shandy from Upslope Brewing is an ale brewed with black honey and tea, a way to enjoy while out or to end your hike. Last but not least, there’s no we ’ re not talking about liquor — and the cocktail beer. Rather these are cocktail inspired beers, using similar tastes found in popular cocktails. No brewery is rocking that game right now than Cerebral Brewing and its Forbidden Idol series. Inspired by Tiki drinks, these beers sound like something you might order on a beach in Mexico. The next release, coming up this Memorial Day weekend, is Forbidden Idol: Castaway, and while it’s a IPA it features almond, pineapple, lime, coconut and vanilla.
Getting Crispy
Photo by Alysia Shoemaker
With sessionable beers s going to be a summer. Crispy lagers and light pilsners are a staple in the world of beer and this season are reasserting themselves in the world of microbreweries. If you don’t you should know about the Slow Pour Pils from Bierstadt Lagerhaus and of course Mama’s Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues but there’s more. 4 Noses Brewing Company canned Zwicky P that’s an unfiltered zwickel style pilsner, and is crushable. If that’s your thing you will also need to make the trip to Fort Collins to Zwei Brewing Company. Cerebral Brewing is in on this trend with its collection of Foeder beers so far featuring both a Helles and Vienna Lager. It’s a twist on throwback traditional styles of beer that is light. Even New Belgium Brewing is currently getting in on the trend with the introduction of a premium lager named Mountain Time. We can’t forget about Avery Brewing Company and its typical lager, its 12 oz you can take anywhere. It’s more than being a light beer, it’s about being a flavorful beer.
Bonus: Boozy Canned Seltzers
Photo courtesy of Denver Beer Company on Facebook
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this other craft brewery trend. Taking a cue from the prevalence of canned beverages, craft breweries have entered the realm of seltzers. If you can’your friends meet with any of the unique craft beer options mentioned above, a canned alternative is now officially which you may carry in, sip on and pack out. Oskar Blues Brewery, Upslope Brewing and Denver Beer Company have each announced its entrance into the world of craft seltzer. We haven’t tried them yet but they are on our shopping list and on our radar, starting with the Black Cherry Colorado craft tough seltzer from Denver Beer Company.
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This summer is finally all about beers that are crushable. Whether or not you are after brews that are boundary-pushing or the styles there’s something for you. If you haven’t been into craft beer there has never been a better time.
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