2018 marked a standout year for refreshing, crisp, and adventurous summer beers that matched long days and rising temperatures. Brewers pushed lighter styles, vibrant fruit notes, and easy-drinking formats to the forefront, creating a vibrant lineup perfect for backyard gatherings and late sunsets.
From zesty IPAs to hazy wheat ales and sessionable lagers, the best summer beers 2018 offered approachable flavors with enough complexity to keep enthusiasts engaged. This guide highlights memorable releases, style trends, and key ways to enjoy them.
| Beer Name | Brewery | Style | ABV | Key Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather IPA | Stone Brewing | India Pale Ale | 6.5% | Citrus, Pine, Balanced Bitterness |
| Sun Day Session Ale | Russian River Brewing | Session Ale | 4.5% | Crisp, Bread, Light Malt |
| Passionfruit Haze | Oskar Blues | New England IPA | 7.0% | Tropical, Juicy, Orange Zest |
| Pineapple Berliner Weisse | Bell’s Brewery | Berliner Weisse | 4.0% | Tart, Juicy Pineapple, Lingering Citrus |
| Summer Wheat Ale | Sierra Nevada | Wheat Ale | 5.4% | Banana, Clove, Soft Citrus |
Hazy and Juicy IPAs for Hot Days
Hazy IPAs defined much of the best summer beers 2018, emphasizing juicy, fruit-forward palettes that stand up to warmth without heavy malt.
Notable Haze-Centric Releases
Oskar Blues led the charge with bold tropical expressions, pairing passionfruit and tangerine with soft resinous hops. Stone Brewing balanced classic IPA structure with enough haze to keep refreshment top of mind. Several regional breweries added versions emphasizing local citrus and stone fruit, creating a broad yet cohesive hazy portfolio.
Session-Style Light Ales for Long Afternoons
Session-friendly beers were essential in 2018, offering lower ABV without sacrificing character, ideal for pacing over long daylight hours.
Key Trends in Session Ales
Russian River Brewing’s commitment to clean, bread-and-butter malt paired with gentle hops defined a more refreshing end to long days. Other brewers explored farmhouse and crisp lager styles, focusing on snappy carbonation and subtle floral notes that hold up in heat.
Wheat and Sour Styles for Bright Refreshment
Wheat ales and sour formats provided a tart, effervescent counterpoint to heavier meals and elevated picnic spreads.
Citrus and Berry Driven Approaches
Bell’s Brewery highlighted bright pineapple in Berliner Weisse styles, while Sierra Nevada’s wheat offerings emphasized traditional banana and clove alongside light citrus. Fruit additions and kettle sours remained popular, leveraging natural sweetness and acidity for highly drinkable, cooling options.
Regional Craft and Innovative Formats
Regional breweries played a significant role in shaping the best summer beers 2018, introducing experimental blends and hop varieties that reflected local tastes and terroir.
Small-Batch Creativity
Many brewers experimented with dry hopping techniques and barrel aging to craft beers with layered acidity and aromatic depth. Limited releases encouraged community engagement, as drinkers explored seasonal formats tailored to summer gatherings and outdoor events.
Key Takeaways for Summer 2018 Beers
- Prioritize juicy, tropical hop flavors and crisp, clean malt backbones.
- Explore session ales and low-ABV formats for sustained, relaxed drinking.
- Embrace wheat ales and sour styles for bright, refreshing contrast.
- Support regional craft releases that highlight local ingredients and experimentation.
- Match beer style to occasion, from backyard barbecues to late-night urban patios.
FAQ
Reader questions
What defines a top summer beer in 2018?
A top summer beer in 2018 offers high refreshability, bright or tropical fruit notes, moderate to low alcohol, and a clean finish that stands up to heat and casual sipping environments.
Are hazy IPAs suitable for warm weather drinking?
Yes, hazy IPAs are ideal for warm weather due to their juicy, fruit-forward profile and softer bitterness, making them easy to drink alongside salty snacks and grilled foods.
How do session ales enhance summer experiences?
Session ales allow for extended drinking over long afternoons without heavy intoxication, supporting a light, sociable atmosphere perfect for picnics and rooftop gatherings.
What role do wheat and sour styles play in summer lineups?
Wheat and sour styles provide tartness, light carbonation, and bright fruit notes that cut through rich meals and offer a cooling sensation, enhancing outdoor dining and leisurely weekends.