Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, but this is Durango. We make our own rules. It’s summer now. The sun is out in full force and it’s time to enjoy some refreshing warm weather brews. Especially the local summer brews below. Those are the most delicious.
One Wit Wünder, Steamworks Brewing CompanyThis Belgian-style witbier is a perfectly refreshing selection for the season. It has notes of coriander and orange zest, and the use of oats in the brew gives it a smooth, velvety mouthfeel that makes it go down far too easily. If you like fruit in your beer, it goes very well with an orange slice, but it definitely doesn’t need it.
Rue B. Soho, Ska BrewingThis grapefruit lager is one of Ska’s newest offerings. It combines the supreme drinkability of a lighter Helles-style lager with crisp, tart citrus notes from grapefruit and Cascade hops. It’s not too bitter, and the grapefruit flavors are not overpowering. Overall, it’s a delicious, well-balanced summer beer.
Riverside Kölsch, Animas Brewing CompanyThis Kölsch is crisp and clean, like a good Kölsch should be. This is not an easy style to pull off, so kudos to the brew crew. It is light in color, light-to-medium bodied, and finishes dry, with a hint of grass. If I hadn’t had to go to more breweries for this article, I likely would’ve put down three of these in the span of an hour.
Dandelion Saison, Carver Brewing CompanyCarver Brewing crushes it when it comes to Saisons. They offer three throughout the warmer months, and their first offering is the Dandelion Saison. This unique treat features locally grown dandelions, coriander, lemongrass, damiana, and holy basil. Imagine a delicious marriage of herbal tea and beer, with a slight peppery finish.
Durango Wheat, Durango Brewing CompanyThis year-round favorite at Durango Brewing Co. is on the lighter end of the American Pale Wheat spectrum with regards to flavor and mouthfeel. It goes down easy with virtually zero hop bitterness, and only the faintest hint of malt sweetness. You throw a lemon on this bad boy and you have a perfectly unobtrusive, sessional, and delicious summer wheat beer.
Keller, BrewIt wouldn’t be a summer beer list without including a Pilsner Lager. This well-carbonated brew is clean and crisp, with a distinct but subtle pilsner malt sweetness. It’s a Bohemian or Czech-style pilsner, but uses German bittering hops (Herkules), which creates a joyous union between the two variations.
Sean Moriarty has been drinking craft beer since before he was legally allowed to. He managed and bartended at Steamworks Brewing Co. from 2007-2017 and currently manages their digital marketing.
