Spring is rather a moot point in Miami. After all, our temps tend to turn from wintery (a brisk 70 degrees) to summery -- all in one hot minute. For all intents and purposes, it's already summer 'round these parts, which means cold beers, beach days and sweat. Lots of sweat.
For the dirt on the latest and greatest summer beers for 2013, we spoke to Diego Escobar, owner of famed Abraxas Lounge, one of Miami's best beer bars (and recently named on our top South Beach bars list). He gave us the skinny. So here's what you should be stocking up on:
See also:
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"What all of these summer beers have in common is that they are relatively low alcohol (4.0-5.5% ABV is typical, making them 'sessionable') and they are very refreshing for the warm temperatures," Escobar says.
5. Breckenridge Summerbright Ale
Summerbright is "an American Blonde Ale brewed with orange and lemon peels," Escobar describes. It's batched up in Colorado -- but all that citrus is oh-so-Floridian.
4. Peak Organic Summer Session Ale
This is an "American Wheat Ale from Maine which combines the citrusy character of a wheat ale with the mouthfeel and finish of a mild pale ale," Escobar says. And organic! FTW!
3. Harpoon's Summer Beer
"A faithful rendition of a German-style Kolsch which is a lager-like ale that originated in Cologne and is known for its drinkability and popularity during the warm summer months." This one comes from Massachusetts.
2. Shiner Ruby Redbird
This one, a yearly favorite on tap at Abraxas, is a "lager brewed with Rio Grande red grapefruits and ginger from Texas," Escobar offers. Everything's bigger in Texas - beer bellies included. They know their stuff.
1. Dogfish Head's Festina Peche
Another key addition to Abraxas' summertime tap, this is a "German style Berliner Weiss brewed with peaches," from the uber-popular Dogfish Head label. Millions of peaches, peaches for me. And you.
Drink up folks. Summer lovin' applies to brews, too.
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