Nothing says summer quite like a cold beer on a deck. And as the number of craft breweries continues to explode, there are more beer choices than ever. Here are our top picks for those dog days of summer.
Kilannan Brewing Company’s Altbier
Kilannan is the little brewery that could. They opened their doors in Owen Sound in 2012, creating brews with German malts and hops that go down smooth. A perfectionist when it comes to brewing, 23-year-old brewmaster Spencer Wareham makes an absolutely gorgeous Altbier. A strong malt character, the hints of grains from the Pilsner malts and a slight bitterness make the Altbier a perfectly quaffable and perfectly balanced beer. More info: Kilannan Brewing Company
Left Field Brewery’s Resin Bag IPA
If you’re looking for a full-flavoured beer this summer, then give this American-style IPA a try. Double dry-hopped with Citra, Cascade, Amarillo, and Centennial hops means there are a ton of tangerine and orange aromas to counter-balance the hefty grain bill. This is a strong beer at 6.5 percent. It’s also the perfect accessory for a lawn chair. More info: Left Field Brewery
Bellwoods’ Stay Classy
Table beers are gaining popularity in North America and this offering from Bellwoods Brewery is solid. At 2.8 percent, this bright, light ale still packs some flavour. Light yellow in colour with a fluffy white head, it’s a truly refreshing beer on a hot summer day. And with so little alcohol this is a seriously sessionable brew. More info: Bellwoods Stay Classy
Northwinds’ Rooster Tail
While their Collingwood brewpub isn’t yet open, Northwinds has been selling beer throughout Ontario since November of 2013. Their fourth offering, created by head brewer Andrew Bartle, is Rooster Tail. This American pale wheat beer is dry-hopped to give it refreshing citrus and fruity aromas. The rich straw-coloured brew has a frothy head and is available on tap at bars throughout Ontario. More info: Northwinds Brewhouse
Muskoka Brewery’s Detour
A new interpretation on the IPA, Muskoka Brewery touts the Detour as a low-alcohol IPA. They wanted a true session beer, so they dry-hopped this 4.3 percent brew, giving it lots of aroma. This beer has lots of hop flavour, but isn’t too bitter and it has a clean finish, making this another perfect patio companion. More info: Muskoka Brewery
Black Oak’s Summer Saison
Traditionally brewed for farm workers in Belgium, Saisons are meant to be thirst-quenching beers, and Black Oak’s Summer Saison is exactly that. Available at the LCBO in 650 ml bottles, this unfiltered beer is brewed with orange zest and coriander. With aromas of citrus and spice, it is dry and delicious on a hot summer day. More info: Black Oak
Jolly Pumpkin’s Calabaza Blanca
Not satisfied with the term craft brewery, the folks at Jolly Pumpkin have stepped into the artisanal brewery realm. And that’s because they make amazing beer. Their white ale is brewed with orange peel and coriander, and pours a cloudy, golden-yellow with a frothy white head. Sparkling and super dry, this refreshing, 4.8 percent beer from Michigan is available at the LCBO all summer long. More info: Jolly Pumpkin
