Send us a text

When the mercury rises, beer lovers face a dilemma: how to enjoy craft beer without the heaviness that comes with many beloved brews. In this refreshing summer episode, Mike and Jim dive into the world of lighter, more sessionable options perfect for hot weather drinking.

The journey begins with fruit-forward offerings from Hop and Barrel Brewing—Cherry Breaker and Lime Breaker—both crafted with real fruit and designed for easy drinking at just 3.7% ABV. While the cherry variant delivers subtle fruit notes, the lime version provides a more pronounced citrus kick that both hosts agree makes it the superior choice for summer refreshment.

Between sips, the podcast uncovers fascinating beer history, including the origin of the radler (German for "cyclist"). This beer-lemonade combination was born in 1922 when innkeeper Franz Xavier Kugler faced 13,000 thirsty cyclists and not enough beer to go around. His improvised solution—mixing beer with lemonade—created a summer staple that continues to delight drinkers a century later.

The highlight of the tasting comes with Sam Adams' summer variety pack, featuring four distinct brews that demonstrate craft beer's versatility. Their Porch Rocker Lemon Radler and new Blueberry Lager emerge as standout favorites, both delivering authentic fruit flavors without artificial sweetness. This variety pack proves to be a perfect introduction for newcomers to craft beer, offering approachable options that don't sacrifice flavor.

Whether you're looking for something to enjoy after mowing the lawn, while relaxing lakeside, or during a backyard barbecue, this episode provides valuable insights into the lighter side of craft brewing. The hosts' enthusiasm for these summer-friendly options reminds us that good beer isn't defined by high ABV or intense flavors—sometimes, the perfect beer is simply the one that refreshes you on a hot summer day.

Grab something cold from your cooler and join Mike and Jim as they discover that in the craft beer world, there truly is something for everyone, especially when the temperature climbs.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.

If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.