Writer: Glenn BurnSilver
Magic Hat Brewing’s Hocus Pocus clone
Justin McCarthy, Lead Brewer, Magic Hat Brewing Company: “When I think of summer and beer, I think of beers that will quench my thirst and appease my palate at the same time.”
Brooklyn Summer Ale clone
Garrett Oliver, brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery: “‘Summer Ale’ is not a beer style, but a concept. To me, anything which is brisk, light, and drinkable but still interesting enough to work with summer foods can be a ‘summer ale.’”
Harpoon Summer Beer clone
Frederick Hamp, Brewer/QC Tech, Harpoon Brewery: “A summer beer needs to be compatible with the mindset of a beer consumer in the summer. Served cold and thirst quenching but still flavorful.”
Firestone Walker Brewery’s ‘Lil Opal clone
“Summer is all about outdoor activity and the beers of summer typically fit this theme and should provide refreshment. That doesn’t mean bland or without character. A refreshing beer can be full of character and still be a part of a sunny summer day.”
Goose Island’s Summertime Kölsch clone
According to Goose Island’s website, “With a light fruity aroma and a bright, crisp finish, Goose Island Summertime Kölsch is the perfect summer session ale. A Kölsch beer brewed in the traditional German fashion, you’ll find yourself enjoying and savoring each sip of Summertime as much as your do those hot summer days and cool summer nights.”
Deschutes Brewery’s Green Lakes Organic Ale clone
Brewed with organic grains, this American amber is nicely balanced between maltiness and hop character.
St. Peter’s Brewery’s Organic Best Bitter clone
According to St. Peter’s website, “A traditional best bitter ale brewed with Pale and Crystal malts and Goldings aroma hops, resulting in a full-bodied amber coloured ale. Distinctive caramel notes, with nutty and roasted aromas lead to a bitter, but sweet taste.”
Odell Brewing Company: 5 Barrel Pale Ale clone
Named for the 5 select hop additions, this is a refreshing pale ale with a lively hop flavor and aroma.
Barley Brown’s Tumble Off Pale Ale clone
Winner of the 2006 gold medal at the GABF.
Grand Teton Brewing Company: Bitch Creek ESB (Extra Special Brown) clone
Bitch Creek balances big malt sweetness and robust hop flavor for a full-bodied, satisfying mahogany ale. This year-round offering has claimed 15 gold medals in national competitions.
Squatters Pub Brewery: Full Suspension Pale Ale clone
This rich, Northwest-style pale ale is all about balance and sessionability. Maybe that’s why it won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in 2001 and 2002.
Hair of the Dog Brewing Company: Blue Dot Double IPA clone
Named for plant Earth and brewed in honor of Earth Day, this double IPA is brewed at the brewery with organic malts and a combo of intese hops. It features lots of herbal, floral, citrus, grapefruit, raw honey, and fresh mint hop aromas.
