Memorial Day is a great time to fire up the BBQ, spend time with family and usher in the start of summer. If you are looking to fill your cooler with offerings the whole crew will enjoy, craft lagers are making a big splash, with many breweries large and small brewing beers similar to those popular macro made lagers like Bud Light or Miller Lite.
Here are some of my favorites to be on the lookout for.
Revolution Cold Time American Lager
A new year-round option from Chicago, Illinois based Revolution Brewing, this beer is a seamless dupe of macro lagers but, dare I say it…better. I tried it for the first time about six months ago when Revolution rolled it out and it tasted like a timeless classic: America in a glass. This beer will be a hit with a crowd at any event.
Night Shift’s Nite Lite American light lager comes in 12 oz cans and 16 oz pint cans as well as a … [+]
Night Shift Brewing Nite Lite American Light Lager
When Night Lite first came out, the Massachusetts based brewery priced it similar to macro lagers, making it an attractive buy. Today, a four pack of pint cans is still around $7, which is an unbelievable value and a great way to support craft beer on a budget. They also have a lime version that’s really excellent as well and a 12 pack variety pack that also includes an orange peel wheat lager so there will be something for everyone.
Beer industry professionals and beer geeks all tout their love of Sierra Nevada’s hallowed seasonals … [+]
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Summerfest
I know I’m always putting Sierra Nevada on these lists but they are the best nationally available brewery in America in my opinion and their summer seasonal is a crushable golden lager that is guaranteed to be a fridge staple. Sierra Nevada doesn’t really make lagers in large quantities anymore in favor of their more popular IPAs like Hazy Little Thing so stock up on this one while you can.
12 Percent Beer Project Snappy! American Lager
My go-to local option in my home state of Connecticut is 12 Percent Snappy! American Lager. The beer is priced to move, usually being around $6 a four pack making it a thrifty and tasty option for summertime activities like boating, hiking and more. When I visit their brewery in North Haven, Connecticut, I usually buy an entire case to share with friends and family.
If you are looking for a thirst quencher, you’ll love Postcard Pils from Green Bench.
Green Bench Brewing Company Postcard Pils
If you are looking for a slightly hoppier option in a lager, St. Petersburg, Florida based Green Bench’s Postcard Pils is an exceptional beer. Founder/brewer Khristopher Johnson takes a very traditional approach to all his beers be it sours, lagers or IPAs. When it’s a million degrees in Florida like it is right now, reaching for a Green Bench Postcard Pils is the right call.
Von Trapp Brewery Helles
A helles is a German lager where the hops are minimal and all you get is tasty beer flavor (I always joke that helles is the “beer that tastes like beer”). Von Trapp also just started a massive distribution push, making their lagers available in Oregon and Colorado. The Vermont based brewery (owned by THE von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music” fame), makes high quality lagers to suit all tastes and if you ever find yourself in Stowe, Vermont, their bierhall is worth a visit for the tasty German food and stunning the vistas of the Green Mountains.
Cheers to you and your this Memorial Day weekend and to remember to drink responsibly and to spend time with people who you care about. Cheers!