I am fairly new to the Beer Advocate family and this is my first post. I enjoy reading all of you beer lovers comments on different beers. I use your commentary on different beers to help me to determine new purchases so I would like some suggestions. I am going to a cookout tonight and would like to take something new with me. To give you an idea of my taste I'm presently enjoying Belgian style beers such as Wits, Saisons and Tripels. They seem to be good summer beers here in hot Richmond, Virginia. Any ideas? There are plenty of bottle shops and large grocery stores nearby so it doesn't have to be a local brew.
Welcome aboard tarheel, this is for sure an interesting place. My Summer choices are not really about styles for certain times of the year, rather what's fresh on the shelves which sometimes is the Seasonal offering.
When it comes to Summer beers it is all about refreshing beer styles: Kolsch, Pilsner, Gose, Hefeweizen, Wit, Berliner Weisse,... Cheers! Edit: As regards New Beer Sunday it is the Summer of Pilsner. I have an exciting Pilsner to discuss tomorrow!!
Toolbox CucumBerliner is such an amazing Berliner Weisse. Light, mildly tart, low in ABV, and beyond refreshing.
I'll piggyback on Kolsch and Pils, I love hefeweizens this time of year, and these plentiful fruit flavored IPAs and Pale Ales...not a huge fan of session IPAs other than All Day
Hopefully not too late for your cookout, but an excellent choice is Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier. Should be available at most decent (and some indecent) liquor stores. Real refreshing, and delicious.
I always enjoy Dales or Kilt Lifter for a cookout. Sierra Nevada is also a go to for a BBQ and or pool day.
Unoin Craft Old Pro is one my favorite summer beers, not sure if they distribute VA, but it is in MD.
If you like the yeastiness of Belgain beers you will most likely also like the yeastiness of German wheat beers like hefeweizens and their darker cousin dunkelweizens.
