Rising summer temps mean it’s time to hit the patios of Aspen—or the rooftop terraces of the Limelight—for some lighter, refreshing seasonal microbrews. Colorado is loaded with worthy options: don’t miss the opportunity to join some of Colorado’s best craft brewers at one of the Limelight’s three-course Beer Dinners. In the meantime, here are 5 Colorado beers to try this summer.
This Season’s Blonde
Aspen Brewing Company (Aspen)
Style: pale ale
Though it started as a seasonal, This Season’s Blonde is now available year-round. Cheers! The English-style pale ale is well balanced and easy-going on the hops—light and bright for sunny days. Pick up this blonde from the hometown brewer.
Connect with Aspen Brewing Company:
Colette Farmhouse Ale
Great Divide Brewing Co. (Denver)
Style: Belgian saison
Another former seasonal turned year-round favorite, Colette has pulled in multiple awards. That’s a bonus. What matters most is its complex yet refreshing taste: citrusy and slightly tart with a dry finish. In a word: crisp. Ahh.
Connect with Great Divide Brewing Co:
Summer Helles
New Belgium (Fort Collins)
Style: Munich lager
This new offering from one of Colorado’s leading microbreweries was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Now it’s an excellent sessionable choice for any summer fest. Helles (pronounced hell-us) is German for “a light one.” New Belgium’s straw-golden version is just right for live music and summer dancing.
Connect with New Belgium:
Elektrick Cukumbahh
Trinity Brewing (Colorado Springs)
Style: saison
Yep, it’s brewed with loads of English cucumbers and a bit of lemon zest. Break out of the box with this unique seasonal. Want proof it’s that good? It claimed a Great American Beer Fest Gold Medal last year. The Cuke is bright, earthy and cool as a…well, you know.
Connect with Trinity Brewing:
White Rascal
Avery Brewing (Boulder)
Style: Belgian wheat / white ale
The Rascal is Colorado summer in a bottle: unfiltered, slightly spiced and crisp. It’s easily approachable but with a bit of deviousness always lurking. Pair it with spicy foods and sessions in the summer heat.
Connect with White Rascal:
Love our picks? Don’t like ‘em? Add to the list, and recommend your favorite summer brew. Tell us your favorite. We’ll be sure to conduct some firsthand research.
