Summer Craft Beers: Fruit Beers

There’s nothing more refreshing than fresh fruit beer during the summer. For many years, I held a grudge against fruit beer—but don’t make the same mistake I did. Our nation’s craft brewers are creating incredible fruit-forward beers that amplify natural flavor and redefine this style. I wanted to share some of my favorite fruit beers in hopes you’ll try them too (if you haven’t already). So, prepare your palate for a fresh twist on some of your favorite fruits.

Wisconsin Belgian Red | New Glarus Brewing

A tapestry of flavor, Wisconsin Belgian Red is brewed with whole Montmorency cherries, Wisconsin-farmed wheat, and Belgian roasted barleys. Lagered in oak tanks and balanced by aged Hallertau hops, every bottle contains over a pound of Wisconsin cherries! This ruby-red ale features medium body, lively carbonation, and an intense cherry flavor that highlights fruit first and tartness second.

Wisconsin Belgian Red cherry beer from New Glarus Brewing in glass bottle

Raspberry Wheat | Alaskan Brewing Company

Boasting a gorgeous deep pink-orange hue, Alaskan Raspberry Wheat is an American-style wheat ale with an ABV of 6.5%. Brewed with nearly one pound of real red raspberries per gallon, it delivers a bright aroma of fresh-picked berries and a light, tart flavor balanced by malt sweetness. This limited-edition brew comes packaged in stunning 22oz glass bottles.

Alaskan Brewing Raspberry Wheat beer in 22oz glass bottle

Blueberry Wheat | Abita Brewing Company

As part of Abita’s Harvest Series, Blueberry Wheat is brewed mid-August through mid-November. Made with pilsner and wheat malts and lightly hopped with German Perle hops, this beer features a crisp malt backbone with a 4.4% ABV. After filtration, sweet Louisiana blueberry juice is added for a natural blueberry aroma and flavor.

Abita Brewing Blueberry Wheat seasonal beer in glass bottle

Blackberry Tizzy | Tröegs Brewing

Boasting a 10% ABV, Blackberry Tizzy from Tröegs Brewing’s Splinter Series is a Pennsylvania wild ale fermented with blackberries, apricots, and brown sugar. Aged in bourbon barrels with vanilla beans, this jam-colored beer offers aromas of tart berry and toasted coconut. It’s elegantly packaged in 375ml Belgian-style cork and cage glass bottles.

Troegs Brewing Blackberry Tizzy fruit ale in Belgian-style glass bottle

Strawberry Blonde | Shiner

Pale and wheat malts lay the foundation for Shiner’s Strawberry Blonde, a light, crisp beer infused with fresh strawberries from Poteet, Texas. Easy-drinking and refreshing, it’s available in 12oz glass bottles throughout the summer season.

Shiner Strawberry Blonde beer with Texas-grown strawberries in glass bottle

Whether you prefer cherries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries, these vibrant fruit brews are ripe for the drinking. I hope you’ll give one of these refreshing craft beers a try this summer.

Cheers!
BOB

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