Nothing against a bucketful of Natty Ice, but on a hot summer day, cold fizz doesn’t quite cut it. Hot summer days call for crisp refreshment, and lots of seasonal brews are both flavorful and easy on the bikini bod. Wondering which amber or blonde will pair best with your hot beef? We got the low-down on the best summer brews from Kevin Hooshangi, in-house beer sommelier at Village Pourhouse, where more than 100 kinds of beers from 20 countries are served.
Can you suggest some of your favorite summer beers, and which foods you would pair with them?
A lager like Pilsner Urquell (1) or Corona is best when served ice cold on a humid summer day. They are tame beers and won't spoil any meal. Wheat beers are also fantastic during the dog days. I like Schneider Weisse (2)
and Hoegaarden. They go well with any spicy foods you might be grilling up. They also go fantastic with any grilled fish, especially if it’s seasoned with dill or thyme, and with a nice crisp salad. Although I wouldn't label them as summer beers, I am partial to Magic Hat #9, which goes great with a juicy burger with all the trimmings, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (3), which is a fantastic complement to any steak. If you are preparing chicken, I'd go with the Strawberry Harvest Lager from the Abita Brewery.
What are some good light beers, no matter the season? Often times our perception of what is light or heavy is misguided. If we are speaking purely of caloric intake, Guinness Stout is one of the lightest beers you could find. Most people think Guinness is a heavy brew mainly due to its color and viscosity, but a pint of Guinness has fewer calories than the same serving size of orange juice. I do enjoy Bud Light at baseball games or after a softball game, and it's essential for flip cup and beer pong. I think Sam Adams Light (4) has some interesting components and taste, but if you are looking for something sweet and less bitter than full-bodied ales or lagers, I'd try any of the Lindeman's Lambic brews. They are remarkably made and are so sweet that you think you're drinking cider.
What's with the trendy fruit- and citrus-flavored beers? Do any of them actually taste good? Many craft breweries in this country have been pushing the envelope with fruit-based beers. Out at Blue Point Brewing Company, they make a beer called Blue Point Blueberry Ale, and each batch has at least 130 lbs. of blueberries. Tasting this beer reminds me of blueberry pancakes. The aforementioned Abita Strawberry Harvest Ale and Magic Hat #9 are made with fresh fruit as are the Lindeman's lambics. These are all beers that I love. Big-name breweries are getting in on the action now too—the new craze is Bud Light Lime (5). I tried one last weekend and I have to say it lived up to its billing. It tasted like Bud Light with a lime. Some people are happy sticking a lime into a Corona or an orange into a Blue Moon, but I like to drink the beer as it is meant to be drunk.
Do you have any favorite products for keeping beer cold at the beach?
Investing in a cooler is the best way to do it—fill the cooler with ice and cover it, and you also protect the beer from the sun. Sun can make beer spoil or "skunk". If you have a chance to buy cans or bottles, buy cans. The sun has less of an effect on aluminum. If a cooler isn't in the budget, take a box and line it with a black garbage bag and fill it with ice and beer, and you’re set.
Is there such a thing as a good, warm beer?
Beer can be served at different temperatures—usually ales are served warmer than lagers. Some beers are served at room temperature. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing like a cold beer on a warm summer day.
Village Pourhouse is hosting a ladies-only beer tasting at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, with Lindeman’s Lambic beers. Learn about the brewing process and pairings, and the night ends with the Cassis (currant-infused) beer with New York Style Cheesecake. For more information or to purchase $25 tickets, call 212.979.BEER.
