LET’S HAVE FUN WITH SOME UNUSUAL BEER CHOICES

1. BUDWEISER PROHIBITION BREW – BEER RETRO STYLE

The taste without the buzz. Budweiser Prohibition Brew is back satisfying that need for the beer taste when you’ve had your intake limit. It’s brewed almost identical to standard Bud and contains all the same key ingredients. However, everything is identical except the alcohol is removed right at the end.

Have you ever wondered how Budweiser continued it’s brewing operations during the 13-year prohibition period? They never stopped brewing beer. They just evolved. Their brewmasters drew on years of experience to craft  a non-alcoholic beer. It tasted like a regular Budweiser while playing nice with the law.

That’s why it worked.

Now, Budweiser is doing it again. This time by choice.

Because the world needs a non-alcoholic beer with the great taste of beer. You have the Budweiser name to give it credentials. Drink up!

2. CORONA PREMIER: CORONA’S FIRST BEER IN 29 YEARS

Corona isn’t exactly known for their wide variety of brews. No, they’re pretty well known for their signature beer, a trusty brew perfect for beach parties and that essentially defines summer time. This year, however, they’ve decided to try something new and put out their first beer in almost 3 decades – the Corona Premier, a light beer created to capture Corona’s signature, beachy, Mexican flavor while staying low-carb. Compared to regular Corona’s 13 grams, Corona Premier boasts only 2.6 g of carbs per 12 oz. bottle or can–with only 90 calories.

While this is a low-carb beer, Corona wants you to know it’s not low on taste. They emphasize that less is more, and that you’re not giving anything up, but gaining a healthier.

We’re cool either way. We like new beer, and as long as it has that classic Corona taste we’ve come to love – the taste of summer – we’ll grab a six-pack or two. Corona likes to talk about Saber Vivir, the “carefree state of mind” that their beer is best enjoyed in. And you’re sure to get plenty of that with a bottle of Corona Premier. Try some for yourself this summer.

3. CREATURE COMFORTS TRITONIA WITH CUCUMBER AND LIME

As much as we love a simple, straight-up beer, every once in a while there is room for something a little different. We’ve tried out fair share of citrus-flavored beers, even a few berry ones. But Cucumber and Lime? That’s usually reserved for gin and tonic.  Well, Creature Comforts, out of Athens, Georgia released their Tritonia with Cucumber and Lime. The name is a bit of a mouthful, but the beer itself is cool and refreshing drink perfect for summer afternoons and long evenings on the porch.

Tritonia is a tart gose, coming in at 4.5% ABV. It has hints of spice and coriander. This version adds a strong whiff of lime for some zesty citrus. It’s cooled down by the refreshing cucumber for a balanced taste all summer long.

Creature Comforts like to release two versions of their Tritonia Gose every year. Cucumber and Lime is currently available for a limited release in the greater Atlanta area. If you can get your hands on it, it’s a relaxing, summer drink with a bit of Southern charm.

4. HAVE A FUNKY BUDDHA FRENCH TOAST BEER FOR BREAKFAST

There are approximately two options that popped into our head when we saw this French Toast Beer from Funky Buddha. The first: Yuck. How could anyone. The second: Beer me.

While we’re not usually fans of funky-flavored, sweet beers, we couldn’t resist this one. The French Toast Double Brown Ale from Funky Buddha is sweet, sure, but deliciously so. It’s actually tastes like French Toast in addition to the infusions of cinnamon and vanilla–two of the best French Toast toppings. Don’t forget the warm maple syrup, which will make you like it’s an early winter morning in Maine. Definitely not our first choice for a cold, relaxing drink after dinner, but who says you can’t have a beer for breakfast? It’s 8.8% ABV and worth every sip.

French Toast Double Brown is a seasonal offering from Funky Buddha; but for some reason, they release it in June – and not winter, when we think French Toast would be most welcome. So you may have to wait a few months to snag a bottle or a pint. They suggest pairing it with steak or a BBQ sandwich, maybe even some crème Brulee for dessert. We still think it would be better paired with breakfast.

5. GREAT DIVIDE YETI IS OUR NEW FAVORITE IMPERIAL STOUT

In a world of creative craft beers, few stand out as much as Great Divide Yeti. It’s a drink that, unlike most craft beers, manages to be wholly original without being too much of a gimmick (watermelon beer, we’re looking at you). The original Yeti is a heavy imperial stout, as big as the behemoth it’s named after; clocking in at 9%, hoppy and full of rich flavor, like caramel and toffee, as well as the usual thick coffee head. A drink that’s worth checking out by itself, especially after a day hitting the trails (Great Divide Brewery does hail from Colorado, after all).

But Great Divide doesn’t stop there. In fact, if you like Yeti, they’ve got a whole Yeti Clan of drinks, each a seasonal at a particular time of, such as Velvet Yeti, a nitro stout; Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti; Vanilla Oak Aged Yeti, Chai Yeti; and straight up Barrel Aged Yeti. We’re partial to the Chocolate and Vanilla Oaked Aged, which are – as the name implies – aged in oak barrels. We’ll hold off on the Chai, but that piques your interest, Yeti has you covered. So maybe they get a little gimmicky on that end. But seriously, give Yeti a try. We think you’ll like it; there’s a reason it’s considered one of the most unique, best beer’s in the world year-after-year.

6. 21ST AMENDMENT’S HELL OR HIGH WATERMELON IS THE PERFECT SUMMER BEER

We’re not always fans of fruit-flavored beers; sure, there are some good ones, but a lot of the time they come across a lot funkier than a refreshing beer should be. A bit of lemon or orange? Sure. Cherry? Not so much. Still, you gotta 21st Amendment, and their many unique, patriotically-themed, liberty-lovin’ flavors and brews. And this summer, they’ve put out a very unique, bold wheat brew, cleverly entitled “Hell or High Watermelon.”

Coming in at a leisurely 4.9% ABV and a can adorned with Lady Liberty perched atop the Golden Gate Bridge, Hell or High Watermelon is a lightly-straw colored wheat brewed with real watermelon and ranking in at 17 IBUs – a perfect amount for crisp, cool, refreshing beer on a summer’s night. 21st Amendment says that in the pursuit of innovative beer, “no obstacle is too great. No journey too long.” And that’s what inspired them on this particular brew. Hey, if it tastes as good as some of their others – we’ll give it a try.

7. HOPS FOR HEROES HOMEFRONT IPA: AMERICAN BEER FOR A GOOD CAUSE

In 2011, MLB pitcher Chris Ray – who spent 7 years with the Orioles, Rays, Giants and Mariners, and was an avid home brewer throughout his career – decided to do something to show the heartfelt appreciation he had for America and the country’s troops. So he teamed up with Seattle’s Fremont Brewing Company to create a Homefront IPA, a classic beverage where 100% of the proceeds would go to various military and veteran charities.

To add a unique – and uniquely American – flavor to this classic IPA, it was aged on maple wood bats, which gave it both a sweetness unlike other IPA’s and imbued it with a sense of American’s favorite ballgame.

After his career ender, Ray opened his own brewery in Virginia – Center of the Universe Brewing Company – where they continue to brew Homefront IPA. They’ve also turned Hops for Heroes into a much larger campaign, where craft breweries throughout the US all participate, taking turns at brewing this special IPA, donating the proceeds, and supporting veterans and service members across the country.

Household names – like Stone Brewing Co, Left Hand Brewing Company, and 21^st Amendment – have all participated. This year, 7 breweries from Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio to Ellipsis Brewing in Orlando, FL will all participate in the 2019 Hops for Heroes Tour.

Hops for Heroes Homefront IPA isn’t available online right now, but if you’re local to one of the 7 breweries participating….you should be able to snag yourself some of this 6.4% ABV craft beverage.

8. SUSPECTS AND ACCOMPLICES 12-PACK FROM SPEAKEASY ALES AND LAGERS

Few breweries really strike gold with their branding, the way Speakeasy Ales and Lagers does. They’ve been brewing beer with a Prohibition theme in San Francisco since 1997, and their Big Daddy IPA is already one of the most popular out there. While lots of beers have some kind of gimmick on their packaging, there’s something catchy about this 1920’s-style that keeps us coming back for more.

This summer, they’re releasing four of their popular beers in a single 12-pack entitled the Suspects and Accomplices. In each box,  you’ll find 3 of their:

• Big Daddy IPA – their most popular beer
• alongside Prohibition Ale (their first beer, a deep amber with citrus, grapefruit and candied caramel),
• Pop Gun,  a deliciously golden, sweet, German Pilsner with some honey, tangerine and spice
• Baby Daddy, a Session IPA also boating some delicious citrus notes and tropical flavors.

Each drink is a different way to enjoy the hot summer weather. Grab a pack and cool off after a long day’s hike, around the grill, or just relaxing on the deck. They all pair exceptionally well with meat on the grill, and Speakeasy even has suggested cheese pairings for each beer.

So grab a box for yourself this summer. We think you’ll find a new favorite brewery.

9. YUENGLING JUST RELEASED THEIR NEWEST BEER – GOLDEN PILSNER

For the first time in 17 years, Yuengling – the oldest brewery in America – is releasing a beer that will be sold year-round and isn’t just seasonal. Yuengling Golden Pilsner is, as the name implies, a pilsner that is both thoroughly modern and reliably old-fashioned – like Yuengling itself.

For the most part, the old-time brewery from Pottsville, Pennsylvania brews their original lager, as well as a light version, and Black and Tan. There’s also the Lord Chesterfield Ale and a rarely-seen porter. They experiment with some seasonal brews every once in a while, such as Oktoberfest. But still, Yuengling aren’t known for their incredibly diverse lineup. But it looks like they’ve now decided to have a little fun and introduce something new in time for summer.

GoldenPilsner is a light, refreshing drink, brewed with Hallertau and Saaz hops from Bavaria and Bohemia, respectively, and combining pale and specialty malts, according to Yuengling. It clocks in at 4.7% ABV, and 135 calories per bottle. Yuengling wants it to be light, easy and smooth – good for social events and outdoor activities this summer – while still offering serious taste.

ARE YOU READY FOR HOME BREWING?

UKEG FROM GROWLERWERKS: FOR THE HOMEBREWER IN ALL OF US

Love beer? Like brewing it yourself? Looking for a more convenient and exciting way to keep and serve it, than plain-old unmarked bottles? Then you need the Growlerwerks Ukeg 128, a portable gallon-sized stainless steel mini keg -and-growler hybrid with tap built right in.

The uKeg 128 runs off pressurized Co2 canisters, like a real bar tap, and is double-walled and vacuum sealed with a pressure gauge. A single CO2 canister contains enough power for one full gallon of beer. A sight glass shows you how much beer is left. The VPR cap lets you adjust the pressure from 0-15 PSI and choose exactly how carbonated you want your beer. You can even switch out the included tap handle for your own, tricking this thing out like the tap at your favorite bar.

The uKeg 128 is solid and hefty, and includes a brass carry handle – but is still small enough to fit in the fridge for chilling. You’ll never worry about breaking a glass growler again, and thanks to its classic appearance – it looks just as at home in your mini bar as it does at a party.

There’s also the a 64 oz option.

GROWLERWEKS UKEG 128 FEATURES

• VPR cap lets you adjust carbonation from 0 – 15 psi
• CO2 keeps beer pressurized
• Sight Glass to show how much beer remains
• Pressure gauge displays inside pressure
• Customizable Tap Handle
• Stainless steel, double-walled, vacuum insulated build
• Capacity: 128 fl. oz. (8-10 beers)

HERE’S Are OPTIONs FOR STORING YOUR BREW

1. OTTERBOX TRIES SOMETHING NEW WITH THE OTTERBOX ELEVATION 64 GROWLER

It looks like Otterbox – much like Yeti – is trying to branch out into something new. The brand, known best for their drop-proof, water-proof phone cases, has just released a new growler – the Otterbox Elevation 64.

Built from 100% stainless steel and vacuum sealed  with a copper lining, the Elevation 64 is meant to keep your beer cold – or coffee hot – while the body remains strong enough to take with you and throw about on any outdoor trek. A screw-cork lid keeps the drink safe and prevents leaks.

The Elevation 64 is really just the start, however, and Otterbox has an entire line of Elevation tumblers to complement your growler on trips – such as the Elevation 10 and Elevation 20 (so-named after their drink capacities, respectively).  The Elevation 20 also comes with the option to switch out the lid for a variety of different modular lids, such as a French Press lid, Shaker lid and infuser lid – making it one of the most versatile, durable mugs or tumblers you will come across.

If sleek good looks and versatility are what your after, and you enjoy taking handsome beverages outside with you, grab one today.

OTTERBOX ELEVATION 64 GROWLER FEATURES

• 100% stainless steel build with copper lining
• Vacuum sealed
• 64 0z (1/2 gallon) capacity
• Screw-on, leakproof lid
• Matches well with Elevation 10 and 20 tumblers

2. POUR YOURSELF FRESH BEER ON THE TRAIL WITH TRAILKEG

Bringing beer on the trail is a time-honored way to unwind after a long hike. Of course, bringing glass bottles isn’t exactly practical or convenient, and putting your beer into a growler isn’t the best way to get fresh beer after a long hike. Solution? The TrailKeg.

The TrailKeg is exactly what it sounds like – a keg made for the trail. It’s much like your typical portable beer growler, but comes with a tap, so you can pour some fresh, perfectly carbonated, beer at the top of a mountain or at the campsite. The gallon-capacity, insulated, double-walled, vacuum-insulated growler will keep your beer cold for up to 24 hours, so you can fill it up with your favorite local brews or your own home brew.

The tap uses standard sized CO2 cartridges, and can be adjusted for anywhere between 0 and 30 PSI. It works with both the included chrome tap, and a party tap. The two stainless steel tumblers are durable and the perfect packable cup for the top of the trail.

TRAILKEG FEATURES

• Corny Keg Ball Lock (Liquid Out)
• 75psi Manual Pressure Vent
• Quick Disconnect Regulator Port (Only compatible with TrailKeg Regulator Included)
• 64oz – Stainless Steel
• Vacuum Insulated
• Compatible with 16g CO2
• 0 to 30 psi range

In ConclusION

Is it time to grab a beer “out of the box”? Even if some of the descriptions sound a bit unusual, don’t discount them. Try them; you may like them.