Sip Into Summer: Exciting New Craft Beers to Try This Season

An exploration of the latest craft beer releases just in time for the summer season, highlighting new offerings from notable breweries and collaborations that celebrate local ingredients.
Sip Into Summer: Exciting New Craft Beers to Try This Season
Photo by Jordi Chapman on Unsplash

New Beer Round-Up: A Hazy Summer is on the Horizon

Beer enthusiasts rejoice as the latest waves of brews hit taps and shelves just in time for summer revelry. The season brings a tantalizing mix of pale ales, barrel-aged masterpieces, and bold stouts, making it an exciting period for craft beer lovers.

Two Barrel-Aged Brews from Felons

Felons Brewing Co. continues its exploration of oak barrel aging with two intriguing new releases: Running Ashore and Wee Heavier. Crafted carefully, Running Ashore is an oak-fermented saison with an ABV of 8.3%, beautifully conditioned in Koerner Slavonian ex-Chardonnay barrels for nine months. It features tasting notes of fresh pear, native flowers, and honeyed vapors, complemented by a gentle influence of spice and a delightful vanillin finish.

Running Ashore The elegant complexities of Felons’ barrel-aged brews.

Conversely, Wee Heavy offers a bolder presence at 9.2% ABV, showcasing oak maturation in charred American whiskey barrels over four months. Revel in its rich tapestry featuring rye whiskey notes, spiced fruits, and a sweet malt backbone intertwined with caramel undertones.

Beerfarm Debuts Mid-Range Hazy Pale

Introducing a new mid-range hazy pale, Hazy Pale, Beerfarm fills a niche between its popular higher ABV Royal Haze and lighter Hazy Standard. Crafted to meet the rising demand for sessionable hazy styles, this new beer combines Beerfarm’s signature malt bill with Clayton Riwaka hops.

Charlotte Freeston, the Innovation and New Product Development Manager, notes that Hazy Pale bursts with zest. “The Clayton Riwaka is so bright and bursting with passionfruit, creating a juicy profile that harmonizes with our beloved US hops, El Dorado and Idaho 7.” This creation sits comfortably at 4.6% ABV and delivers a mouthful of exotic citrus and stone fruit notes, complemented by subtle sweetness.

Hazy Pale Beerfarm’s latest offering is sure to please the summer crowd.

The Latest from Urban Alley Brewery

Urban Alley Brewery has stepped into the spotlight with two new releases tailored for the authentic beer lover. The first of which, Ein Stein, is a Märzen Amber Lager crafted to commemorate Oktoberfest, boasting a delightful 5.2% ABV with floral and banana bread aromas swirling around punchy biscuit and sticky date flavors.

In tandem, they’ve released Sirens Call, a hazy IPA blending Sabro Incognito and Talus Cryo hops, enhanced with a vigorous splash of Citra. At 6% ABV, it’s an adventure in flavors, with coconut and mango notes igniting your senses, complemented by guava and grapefruit on the palate.

Ein Stein Urban Alley’s tribute to Oktoberfest highlights bold flavors and festive spirit.

Gage Roads Collaborates with Bali Brewer

West Australian brewery Gage Roads Brew Co. has unveiled a limited-release XPA, VayCay XPA, a collaboration with Bali’s Kura Kura Brewing. This refreshing beer sits at 4.6% ABV and brims with citrus and tropical flavors, encapsulating the warmth and vibrancy of its inspiration.

Head Brewer Ross Brown emphasizes the creative efforts behind this beer, blending hops such as Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Krush. “VayCay XPA bursts with ripe guava, mango, passionfruit, and lime, with some complex Sauvignon Blanc aromatics,” he describes.

Putu Wiranatha, Founder of Kura Kura Beer, adds that this collaboration is a significant milestone as they forge new paths within the craft brewing community.

VayCay XPA Gage Roads’ VayCay XPA promises a tropical escape in every sip.

Rogue Ales & Spirits Unveils New IPA Sub-Style

Rogue Ales & Spirits has embraced innovation with its latest core lineup addition, Pacific Northwest IPA. This reimagined sub-style IPA pays homage to Oregon’s lush evergreen forests and showcases a melancholic blend of Chinook, Simcoe, Strata, and the experimental 2B hops.

Master Brewer Joel Shields proclaims, “The Pacific Northwest IPA is a prime example of us pushing the envelope while maintaining the quintessential flavors that define our region.” With layers of dank, pine-laden aromas and a resinous hop character, it’s crafted to transport beer drinkers to the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific Northwest IPA Rogue’s new Pacific Northwest IPA redefines the classic style.

Heaps Normal Launches New Core-Range Beer, Third IPA

In a bid to redefine non-alcoholic offerings, Heaps Normal introduces its newest member, Third IPA. This marks the first addition to their core range in over two years, aligning perfectly with trends of modern wellness and humor.

Co-founder and Head Brewer Ben Holdstock shares that this classic West Coast style integrates a dry, crisp finish, catering to those who revel in higher bitterness. A launch event at Bondi Beach introduced an ice bath challenge among attendees, tying in social media trends for further engagement.

Third IPA Heaps Normal’s Third IPA shakes up the non-alcoholic beer scene.

Three Tails Brewery Partners with Local Mudgee Producers on New Stout

Three Tails Brewery in Mudgee has embraced local collaboration by joining forces with Spencer Cocoa and Acreage Coffee to create Mudgee Mochaccino, a creamy stout that celebrates local produce. This unique brew is a testament to quality craftsmanship, integrating 10kg of cacao nibs, 2kg of coffee grounds, and125 double shots of fresh coffee—with a rich backdrop of oats, milk, sugar, and vanilla.

Head Brewer Jono Beazley emphasizes the importance of high-quality ingredients and commends Mudgee’s exquisite produce. “Dessert stouts are actually very hard to make; only the best can stand out,” he affirms, a mantra echoing the distinct flavors within this new brew.

Mudgee Mochaccino Three Tails Brewery’s collaboration brings a taste of Mudgee to the forefront.

As the craft beer landscape continues to evolve, these new releases shed light on the innovation and creativity pouring into the industry. With each sip, you’re not just tasting beer; you’re experiencing a piece of artistry, passion, and local flair.