Summer Beers & How to Brew Them
As the temperature begins to climb and the days grow longer, beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike start to think about refreshing summer brews. Whether you’re relaxing on your porch or hosting a backyard barbecue, having the perfect summer beer can make any day feel like a vacation. The heat of summer does add a layer of complexity to the process. Afterall, most of the yeast we would choose really can really go bananas when the temperature gets too far north of 70. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best beers to brew for the summer and how to craft them yourself, even as the mercury rises.
Selecting the Right Yeast
Summer Friendly Strains: Belgian and Saison Yeasts
When brewing in warmer temperatures, the choice of yeast is crucial. Belgian and saison yeasts are perfect for higher fermentation temperatures. These yeasts thrive in warmth and contribute spicy and fruity flavors that are quintessential for summer beers. Styles like the Whidbey Wit or the Valley Saison will happily chug away at 76°F/24°C.
Built for the Heat: Norwegian Kviek Yeast
Another fantastic option for summer brewing is Norwegian Kviek yeast. This robust yeast can ferment at temperatures as high as 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The Lutra strain of Kviek yeast is particularly noteworthy for producing a clean, lager-like finish or a clean American ale profile even at higher temperatures. Meanwhile, the Voss strain can impart a flavor profile similar to traditional saison yeasts, adding a unique twist to your summer brews.
Cooling Techniques for Homebrewers
The Poor Man’s Swamp Cooler
Only some have the luxury of a dedicated brewing space with controlled temperatures. A simple and cost-effective method to manage fermentation temperatures is to use a “poor man’s swamp cooler.” Place your fermenter in a shallow pan or basin filled with water. Wrap the fermenter with a cotton towel or t-shirt—the cotton material is essential as it wicks water up the sides of the fermenter. Position a fan to blow over the fermenter, which, through evaporative cooling, can reduce the temperature a few degrees below the ambient room temperature.
Complete Your Brewhouse with a Fermentation Chamber
Consider building a fermentation chamber for those looking to take their brewing to the next level. This setup typically involves a standard chest freezer or refrigerator controlled by a digital dual-stage thermostat, like the Inkbird. We can add a heat source like a radiant heater like the Fermwrap, and the digital thermostat will regulate the temperature to within a degree. A fermentation chamber allows you to brew any beer style at any time of the year, utterly independent of seasonal temperature fluctuations. Additionally, if repeatable results are the goal, then temperature control is the 5th ingrediant for your beer.
Summer Brewing Tips for Hot Weather
Hydration and Shade
Hydration and shade become even more critical when brewing in the heat. staying hydrated while brewing in hot conditions is vital for personal safety. Water is your best friend for summer brewing activites. Too much beer in the heat is a great way to introduce errors into your brew.
The summer can make our garages stuffy and unpleasant and that patio looks like the perfect spot for your next batch. If your outdoor space doesn’t provide any shade, consider a pop up shade. Standing under the sund for 2 to 4 hours is a good way to get burnt.
Timing Your Summer Brewing Sessions
Plan your brewing sessions during the milder parts of the day. Early morning or late evening brews can be more comfortable while brewing. Hot August nights were made for brewing.
Summer Beer Styles to Consider
Light Lagers and Pilsners
These are classic summer favorites due to their crisp and refreshing qualities. The fizzy yellow beer is the beer you crave as the temperature begins to rise. Rember that lagers like the Clear Lake Lager, require precise temperature control during fermentation, so consider this if you have the proper setup.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are a popular beer style known for their unique fruity and spicy notes. Two popular types of wheat beers are hefeweizens and witbiers. Their distinctive banana and clove flavors characterize hefeweizens, while witbiers often feature coriander and orange peel notes. Wheat beers have a lighter, softer mouthfeel than other beer styles, making them an excellent choice for hot weather or a refreshing drink to enjoy after a long day. The inviting flavor profile of wheat beers makes them an excellent choice for beer lovers looking for a tasty and refreshing beverage.
Looking for a summer beer recipe? Click here to access the exclusive recipe and start brewing your refreshing wheat beer today: 6th St. Wheat Recipe. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome as you sip your homemade creation!
Fruit Infused Beers
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fruit-infused beers. We do live in berry city, after all. Whether it’s a raspberry wheat ale or a citrusy IPA, adding fruits can enhance the refreshing nature of your brews. Look to add the fruit in secondary to maximize their aroma potential.
Session IPAs
For hop lovers, session IPAs offer the hop-forward flavor of a traditional IPA but with a lower alcohol content, making them more refreshing and drinkable in the heat. We still want a good malt backbone, so consider adding Carapils dextrin malt to add body without a lot of color or caramel sweetness.
Be sure to keep an eye open here on the website or Facebook when we release the White IPA kit as a summer seasonal kit.
The View from the Bottom of the Pint
Brewing summer beers is about keeping up with the season and adapting your brewing process to fit the warmer conditions. With the proper yeast selection, cooling techniques, and beer styles, you can enjoy the perfect summer brews that are as refreshing as they are flavorful. A summer without brewing sounds like a wasted opportunity, so gear up, get brewing, and prepare to enjoy the fruits of your labor under the sun!
