By: Derrick Atkinson, Taproom Manager, Jekyll Brewing
From Kolsch to Sour, Saison, Radler, and Gose, local Georgia breweries are coming out with unique twists on classic styles this summer. For the days when heat tops 90 degrees, and you need a beer that is drinkable all afternoon, grab a Kolsch: light, refreshing, delicate, and slightly snappy. If you crave something a little different, grab a tart and salty Sour beer- perfect for an afternoon pick me up. While a Saison may not be the first choice of beer that comes to mind when you think of summer drinking, new fruit styles make it is easy to find a beer that boasts a crisp, dry, fruity finish. When you’re craving a cocktail, but don’t want to tire yourself out with hard liquor – grab a Radler. This citrusy blend of beer and carbonated soda boasts a low ABV and is great for porch drinking. Finally when the day is winding down, and you need something to carry you over into the evening, grab a Gose. This style of tart, wheat beer is typically blended with coriander, salt or lime and perfect to wake up your taste buds.
It’s encouraging to see so many breweries be adventurous in their new offerings. Some folks would say that the Georgia beer movement is behind most states… and as far as distribution and beer-friendly laws are concerned, it is. However, despite those handicaps, breweries are still taking risks and coming out with regionally unique brews and making them on a worldclass level. Brewers often test out those new styles or flavors in their taprooms, so if you haven’t dropped by your local brewery in a while, it’s worth a stop.
Sweetwater Brewing’s Goin’ Costal IPA with Pineapple: Slide into summer and step off the grid by Goin’ Coastal with this pineapple laced IPA. The bright aromas of the five citrus hop additions are accentuated by the tropical fruit of the pineapple – and just like those three day weekends, its finish is quick.
Monday Night Brewing’s Fu Manbrew Gose: The gose is a traditional
German style known for its wheat base, tartness, and saltiness. Monday Night Brewing kettle sours their version, resulting in a pleasant lemon note that balances the sea salt nicely.
Second Self’s Maverick & Gose: This beer arrives just in time to get your thirst out of the danger zone of the Georgia heat this summer. A fresh take on a traditional gose includes the addition of coriander and is dry-hopped with fruity wakatu hops to balance out the slightly tart and salty nature of this fun beer. A beer that is good anytime but best enjoyed outdoors on your favorite patio.
Red Hare Brewing Company’s SPF 50/50 IPA Radler with Grapefruit: SPF 50/50 is a light, refreshing blend of Gangway IPA and Red Hare’s house brewed sparkling grapefruit soda. Sweet grapefruit zest mingles perfectly with citrusy hop notes, making this the perfect can to take with you everywhere this summer.
Southern Brewing’s Cherokee Rose: Newcomer to the Georgia brewing scene, Southern Brewing in Athens has propagated yeast from the state flower, Cherokee Rose, to brew their American Wild Ale that bears the same name. Mildly spicy with a banana pudding and melon character.
Jailhouse Brewing’s Raspberry Saison: This new saison is light and refreshing, with hints of local raspberries.
Cherry Street’s Groovy Child Guava Ale: The First Place winner at Classic City Brew Fest in 2013. Cherry Street takes their Ta Ta Cream Ale and dry hops it with Nelson Sauvin Hops and infuses it with Guava Nectar. The Nelson hops have a wonderful grape/white wine bouquet, while the guava adds a nice bitter fruit finish. Super refreshing for warm days.
Three Taverns’ Cucumber Basil Sour Asylum: Cucumber Basil Sour Asylum is a light, tart, sour session beer finished with fresh cucumber and basil. Poured exclusively in The Parlour at Three Taverns this Summer.
Terrapin Brewing’s Watermelon Gose: Terrapin’s traditional German-style gose is brewed with sea salt and corriander. The beer is tart and refreshing as most Gose are. This one is brewed with watermelon concentrate for a slightly fruity hint of melon. Your could easily pop one of these after mowing the lawn and quench your thirst.
Jekyll Brewing’s Big Creek Kolsch with Pear: Jekyll Brewing’s Big 
Creek Pear was named “Best Beer in Georgia” at the 2016 Suwanee Beer Fest. Head-brewer Josh Rachel took Jekyll’s classic Kolsch “Big Creek”, and infused it with pear for a truly refreshing experience.
*All of the beers mentioned here are available most of the time in the brewery’s taprooms. You may even see a test batch or a preview of the next release on tap when you go! So go see where your favorite local beer is made, and support your brewer at the source!
