Part 2, 3, and 4

After enjoying some more summer beers this past week it is time evaluate the three different ones I enjoyed. First up from Great Divide Brewying Co. Colette Rustic Farmhouse Ale. This beer had a similar taste to Witte, but had a slightly drier finish as stated on the label: "Brewed with barley, wheat and rice and fermented at high temperatures with a special blend of four different yeast strains, Colette is fruity and slightly tart, with a dry finish..." It was a very refreshing beer and I could certainly enjoy multiple on a hot summer day. At $1.99 a bottle or $7.99 a six pack it is cheaper than Witte. It also packs a 7.3% alcohol content, a lot of bang for your buck. For what it is worth, it won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2010. Another great thing about the bottle is that it list recommended food pairings for the beer (not essential, but a nice bonus tid bit of info). I am not sure how difficult it would be to find in the local grocery store, and I have only seen it at specialty shops so that is really the only draw back.


Taste = 5 cans
Affordability = 4 cans
Drinkability = 5 cans
Availability = 1 can


Overall score = 3 3/4 cans


Another fantastic beer I sampled recently was Summer Solstice from Anderson Valley Brewing Company. As described on there website: Summer Solstice Seasonal Ale is not just your average summer seasonal. This unique copper colored ale is smooth, malty, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of spice for that oh-so-drinkable, extra velvety flavor. I was not expecting what I got when I sampled this beer. It is essentially a summer version of Boddington's in my mind. It has probably been one my favorite beer I have tried recently. This beer is versatile and can be enjoyed on the beach with friends, on the golf course, or just hanging out after some yard work. At 5% abv it is on the lower end of many of the summer seasonals I have tried, but the taste and drinkabilty more than make up for it. It is a bit on the expensive side which would be the only deterrent for an all day drink, at $2.99 a can and $12.99 for six, it is extremely costly considering the lack of punch. Another draw back is the availability, at least here in Durham, I only found it in one store. Another bonus, the brewery is solar powered, that could explain the cost.


Taste = 5 cans
Affordability = 1 can
Drinkability = 5 cans
Availability = 1 can


Overall score = 3 cans

The last of the recent samples is from Kinston, NC and the good folk at Mother Earth Brewing. Sunny Haze has "fruity hints and slight spiciness... creating a crispness that's as energizing as the sun itself. Banana and clove-like aromas add interest and depth to an already impressively well balanced brew." This is the definition of summer and would make an terrific pool side drink. Perhaps the only drawback is the lingering aftertaste that seem to accompany many hefeweizens. At 5% abv it is a little less powerful than others, but living in NC I can find this about anywhere they sell beer, so long as it isn't Food Lion. At $1.49 a can, it is by far the cheapest beer I have tried to date which makes it an even better find. Mother Earth Brewing has long been a favorite of mine and they haven't made a beer I didn't truly enjoy and Summer Haze is no different.

Taste = 3 cans

Affordability = 5 cans

Drinkability = 3 cans

Availability = 5 cans

Overall Score = 4 cans