The warmth of the summer is back, and I’m looking forward to spending my time outdoors under the sun with a barbecue, going to the beach, relaxing in a pool, or simply wanting to spend some time with family or friends. Having the right drink on hand can make this experience even better and more refreshing, but with so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to not get overwhelmed. Here are my recommendations for cold ones to help you enjoy the summer even more.
Blue Moon’s Belgian White wheat ale (5.4%) by brewmaster Keith Villa is a yellow-orange beer with some head and an orange wheel placed on top of it when ordered at an establishment; however, you can also find it in cans or bottles at your nearest liquor store. It’s a simple drink that even a non-beer-enthusiast will enjoy because of its coriander aroma and sweetness, which comes from citrusy Valencia oranges, along with a peppery taste from the coriander to balance things out. It starts sweet, almost like orange soda; the aftertaste can be a bit dull and grainy but is barely noticeable after the initial burst of flavour. This easy-to-enjoy drink is underrated; I like to have it on Fridays at Felicita’s Pub at UVic.
Another, more mainstream, option is Coors Original (5%). Originally called Coors Banquet back in 1873 when it was first brewed, it’s a lager with an aroma of freshly baked bread, along with a fruity flavour of pear and banana. Where it beats Blue Moon is that it’s a lot more friendly to your tastebuds—it leaves a subtle, bitter aftertaste, unlike Blue Moon’s disappointing finish. This drink is perfect to have by yourself or with others; the number of familiar scents is even inviting to non-drinkers. Coors Original takes the lead over the Blue Moon for me just because it smells like a bakery once you open it.
Red Horse Beer (8%) is brewed by San Miguel Brewery in the Philippines. Although it looks like a traditional beer once poured in a glass, it’s by far the sweetest drink here because of the malted barley ingredient that forms its backbone, along with other sugars; the hops balance the sweetness with bitterness. This combination of flavours makes you want to immediately chug down the entire drink, and before you even realize it, the glass or can is empty. Watch out: the alcohol kicks in fast. It’s a perfect drink if you’re looking for something strong but also enjoyable. It’s guaranteed that having a few of these will knock you out cold.
Cariboo Genuine Draft (5.5%) is an authentic Canadian drink brewed by Pacific Western Brewing Company, who have breweries in Burnaby and Prince George. Canadian malts give the drink its unique sweetness, while the crispness of the lager comes from pure mountain spring water. It’s easy to drink in bulk, and it has faint flavours and scents of apple and fresh corn. A very popular option in Canada, this is the most refreshing out of all the options listed here.
Finally, the beer that has never failed me is Corona Extra (4.6%). Brewed in Mexico, this lager is made with very simple ingredients like malt, rice, and corn. It’s a very crisp drink, refreshing and uncomplicated. I often place a chunk of lime into the bottle to add a citrus scent as it complements the crisp profile so well.
I wish everyone a refreshing summer.