Finding beer options that I can put on rotation just as much as I do my favorite bottles of wine has become my new obsession. I have been on this beer journey for a couple of years now and think I am coming very close to saying mission accomplished.
I remember one summer ago going to the store with my sister, determined to come home with somebody's six-pack to test the beer waters. There we were in the grocery aisle staring at all of the choices. I felt like a deer in headlights. It was both overwhelming and funny at the same time, but in the end, we went for New Belgium's Juicy Watermelon because I wanted a hint of something sweet in my mind to help overcome the hops. I enjoyed it cold with a yummy piece of cake.
Not so hoppy with fruit notes is what I look for now during my search. This summer UFO Beer introduced something fun, UFO Blueberry Lemonade, a Seltzer'ade-inspired unfiltered wheat beer made in partnership with Polar Seltzer. They also created a Pink Lemonade Shandy (beer mixed with a non-alcoholic drink). I got my hands on both and here is what I thought.
The Blueberry Lemonade has notes of blueberry that are noticeable in the beginning and then gives way to the wheat taste in the end. It is light which I like a lot for pairing reasons and also not feeling so full after drinking it. Keeping with my beer and dessert tradition, I enjoyed this cold with my favorite lemon bites and was able to balance the sweet, tartness and any bitterness my taste buds may have picked up on.
Just a worthy of trying is the Pink Lemonade Shandy. This was my first time tasting a shandy and I have to say that I really liked it. The sweet notes almost made me forget I was drinking beer and the tanginess from the lemon was a quick reminder that this summer is here.
Similar to UFO Blueberry Lemonade, it is light which makes a big difference for me and one I would drink all year long and not just during the summer.
Both are only supposed to be around for the summer while inventory lasts so I would suggest getting over to your nearest Trader Joe’s (where I saw them) or other stores where beer is sold before they are gone. A six-pack of 12-oz cans or glass from tap goes for under $9. Advanced beer drinkers may want something less fruity, but if you are like me and exploring, definitely give these two a try.
For more information and UFO Beer and other beer selections, visit www.ufobeer.com.
