Look, I know we’re into August and school is on the horizon, but a.) it’s still technically summer, and b.) the weather is warm enough that a nice, crisp Columbus beer to enjoy on a patio, deck, or any gathering with friends is still perfectly in season. Here are 10 I’ve been loving lately.
Columbus Brewing Company | Technicolor Hat
Citrus IPA / 6.9% ABV
While CBC’s Summer Teeth has been their classic warm weather offering, my favorite lately has been Technicolor Hat, a lightly sweet, crisp IPA with just the right touch of citrus.
More info: columbusbrewing.com/beers/seasonal/technicolorhat/
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing | Hefe & Wedge
Hefeweizen | 5.2% ABV
As a treat last year, I bought myself a mixed case of 24 WRB beers, and my favorite of the lot was Hefe & Wedge, a hefeweizen infused with orange peel.
More info: store.wolfsridgebrewing.com/products/hefe-wedge
Getaway Brewing | Bungalow IPA
IPA | 7% ABV
Getaway is one of the wonderful new additions to the brewing scene this year. Their vibe is relaxing airport lounge. The Bugalow IPA blends tropical fruits and a hoppy punch.
More info: getawaybrewing.com/beer
Crafted Culture | Handle My Lite Work
American light later | 4.6% ABV
The light lager gets a bad rep, thanks to the massive breweries with all the marketing dollars. But smaller microbreweries like Crafted Culture have demonstrated the appeal of a well-made, light, easy-drinking brew.
More info: craftedculturebrew.com/ontap
Nocterra Brewing | Sun Scream
American pale wheat | 5% ABV
If you’ve ever been to Nocterra, you know their beer garden is the ideal place for outdoor imbibing, and their Sun Scream wheat beer is the best complement: light, refreshing, a touch of citrus.
More info: nocterrabrewing.com/draftlist.html
Barley’s Brewing | Blood Thirst Wheat
Hefeweizen | 5% ABV
Barley’s is one of the long-running mainstays of the Columbus brew scene; they’ve been brewing the Blood Thirst Wheat since 2009. True to its name, the hazy wheat beer is loaded with freshly zested and pureed blood oranges.
More info: barleysbrewing.com/ale/beer/blood_thirst_wheat.html
Sideswipe Brewing | Ohio Country Kölsch
Kolsch | 4.5% ABV
Sideswipe puts it’s Ohio Country kolsch on tap and in cans, so you have multiple ways to enjoy their bright, crisp, clean take on the German ale.
More info: sideswipebrewing.com
North High Brewing | Grapefruit Walleye
Session IPA | 4.7% ABV
No, there’s no fish in North High’s Grapefruit Walleye. Instead, it’s an easy-drinking session IPA that’s infused with just the right amount of grapefruit. It balances that slightly bitter citrus with a bit of funky Citra hops.
More info: northhighbrewing.com/beer
Henmick Farm & Brewery | Pilsner
Pilsner | 5.2% ABV
The brand new Henmick leads off their beer menu with a clear, deep yellow pilsner brewed with traditional pilsner malts and German hops. It’s served in a dimpled mug and perfect for enjoying on their spacious lawns and patios.
More info: henmick.com/ontap
Lineage Brewing | Shoot-the-Chutes
Cream ale | 6% ABV
Described as a “lawn mower beer,” Shoot-the-Chutes is Lineage’s take on the cream ale, a style first popularized during Prohibition. There’s no cream in this style; instead, it’s an ale brewed to be light, clean, and easy-drinking like a lager.
