Friday Top 5: Beers of Summer

With the daily temperature peaking at 105 most days, we can tell that summertime is upon us.  When this season hits, I always look forward to all the summer-release beers that show up on the shelves.  Many beer companies take advantage of their customer’s need for a refreshing brew during the summer heat, and beer is definitely the best way keep cool and unwind after a long, hot day.  I enjoy looking around hoping to find a cheery and delightful depiction of a summer paradise on the label, and give it a try.  Good summer beer isn’t just light and drinkable, but is easy to pair with barbeque and poolside sipping.

Several ATH folks and friends gathered around to conduct a summer beer taste-testing session, and selected 11 beers to complete our ratings.  We realize this does not encapsulate every single summer seasonal, but we grabbed what we could find.  We were served a sample, discussed the flavor, created a nickname and rated it as follows: Great Summer Beer, Average and Never Again.
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Balmorhea @ Ballet Austin (3/13)

balmorheaIn celebration of their new LP, All is Wild, All is Silent, local boys Balmorhea are  throwing a release party at Ballet Austin (map) on Friday night.  The Wooden Birds will provide your opening band entertainment during the nights events.  Doors open up at 9:30 and entrance will cost you only $8.  Free loaders take note, New Belgium Brewery & Progress Coffee are sponsoring and will provide complimentary beverages while supplies last!  Single track “Harm & Boon” from the band’s debut LP (out now on Western Vinyl) is below.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/wv59_hb.mp3]

Download: Balmorhea – Harm & Boon [MP3]