July 4th is right around the corner. What will you be doing? If it involves drinking, take a look at this list of must-have beers. FYI, the alcohol content is also listed for each drink. Hit the jump to see the list.
Craft brewing is a melting pot; the best beers borrow from German, English and Belgian traditions while managing to be American originals. These five brews, listed in order from lighter to more assertive, would be a welcome addition to any Fourth of July picnic.
Samuel Adams Porch Rocker. An American take on a German “radler†(a blend of lager and lemonade), this summer release combines the tartness of pureed lemon with the crisp maltiness of a Bavarian-type helles beer. Alcohol: 4.5 percent by volume.
Flying Dog Underdog Atlantic Lager. Brewed with a little wheat and rye, this bready lager with a light citrusy-grassy hop character comes in easy-to-tote cans as well as bottles. Pair with summer salads or seafood. Alcohol: 4.7 percent.
Goose Island Honker’s Ale. This well-balanced English-style bitter, with notes of toast and toffee, is very drinkable at only 4.2 percent alcohol. Goes with burgers, chicken, fish and chips.
New Belgium La Folie. Splurge on a 22-ounce bomber bottle of this Belgian-style brown ale in the Rodenbach mold; it’s piercingly sour and refreshing, with earthy and tannic notes from aging in French oak barrels. A great match with pork, lamb or duck or with soft cheeses. Alcohol: 6 percent.
Tuppers’ Hop Pocket Ale. This complex, aromatic, dry-hopped amber ale, with plenty of caramel malt for balance, is assertive enough to stand up to raw onions, chili and other spicy foods. Alcohol: 6 percent.
