Tom wanted to shoot a video of himself tasting and discussing the following hand-picked list of “kick-ass” summer beers, but our editors thought it would be just “too hot for TV” (or webTV, in this case). We did however let him write about it.

This is part two of a four part series. Read Part I of Tom’s “Too Hot For TV” Ultimate Summer Beer List.

Ommegang Hennepin and Ommegang Witte (New York)

Available all year. The Hennepin is a light, spicy, citrusy, fruity, and floral Saison style ale. This is the beer of the month for June here at the beer sessions, we figure it’s a good way to kick off the summer. Available all year. Ommegang Witte is an excellent Belgian Style wheat beer. It is light with fruity lemon and orange lemon zest flavor and also has a great head with apparent flavor of classic Belgian yeast. Very, very easy drinking.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Hennepin – This hoppy, farmhouse style ale has a champagne like effervescence with a crisp but light on the tongue finish. Similar to the Belgian Saison style , this beer serves well as an aperitif. Hennepin has a majestic golden hue. The style is called Grisette or farm house and is considered to be in the domain of the Belgian Saisons.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Ommegang Witte, a traditional Belgian-style wheat ale with whispers of sweet orange and a touch of tart lemon. Soft and seductive, Ommegang Witte is this summer’s version of spicy intrigue and refreshing flavor.

Green Flash Le Freak (California)

Available all year. This is a tough style to do well, but Green Flash pulled it off. Combining the Belgian Trippel and the American Imperial IPA brings to very different styles together for a battle(or marriage as the description says) of flavors. The American hops bring the piney, earthy and citrusy flavors that and IPA should have, and the Belgian yeast give fruity, sweet, floral, and spicy esters. Very unique combination now that’s Drinkability.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Le Freak is a modern ale created by converging two beer styles, Belgian Trippel and American Imperial IPA. The use of two yeast strains further marries the styles and American hops give the beer its modern flare.

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Charlie, Fred & Kens Bock (California)

Special Release. This beer follows the Sierra Nevada and Anchor Steam collaboration stout that are both part of a four part beer series that include the pioneers of modern microbrewing. This Heller Bock was made by Charlie Papizian, Fred Eckhardt, and Ken Grossman. Check out the links on these guys you’ll learn A lot about the grass roots of the culture of the micro brew world we’re lovin’ today! Beautiful golden color, with a nice head and full body. Very malty flavor, fully caramel with captivating well thought out medium hop flavor at the end. Well balanced, an interesting take on the Heller Bock style. These guys know their beer and def know how to make one hell of a brew!!!

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Charlie Papazian and Fred Eckhart are the men who launched a thousand breweries. Their writing on the art of homebrewingand steadfast promotion of beer culture helped propel the craft brewing movement. Charlie and Fred agreed to work with us on this special ale in honor of our 30th anniversary. This Imperial HellesBock is a testament to the ever-evolving brewer’s art. Bold yet balanced with distinct toasted malt character, moderate sweetness and clean and floral hops.

Southern Tier Über Sun (New York)

Summer Seasonal. Very different and interesting. This is a must try and when better than after a day of sweating your butt of all day at work. It is full bodied and has lots going on. Nice sweet malty flavor with a nice touch of spice that go great together. Has the wheaty like flavor, but like most brews from Southern Tier it has dry, piney, and citrus hop flavors.

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
“a galaxy of taste in every bottle” It is through the movement of the universe that life presents itself in transformation. It is in this spirit that we make ÜberSun, a tribute to the dynamic energy of summer. The alignment of wheat and barley through this hop-infused brew embodies the solar system itself… This may be a difficult task, but one our brewers revel in! They brew a galaxy of taste into every batch. ÜberSun is the ultimate experience that will challenge you with each sip. ÜberSun Imperial Summer Wheat Beer takes off where our Hop Sun finishes. Like it’s little brother, ÜberSunis clean and full of flavor, but don’t pull an Icarus– this is one big beer! Pour a glass or drink straight from the bottle, it’s meant to be consumed wisely with friends between summer solstice and autumnal equniox. 8.0% abv 5ºL

Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen (California)

Hands down my favorite hefeweizen brew out of America!!! I know we lost in the world cup and the Germans who perfected the hefeweizen are still going strong, but show some patriotism this July 4th, your gonna love it!!

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Kellerweis is one of the only American Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation. This difficult and labor-intensive technique adds uncommon depth and flavor complexity. Our hazy-golden hefeweizenis deeply flavorful, refreshing and perfect for a sunny day. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest.

Do you have a favorite summer beer?

If you’ve got a favorite summer beer, we want to know about it! Tell us what you enjoy drinking during the summer months by commenting below!

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