Five High-Scoring Beers to Try This Summer

Every month, our judges review a bevy of brews from breweries around the world. Though we post each review and highlight them in our Official Review article in each issue, and we detail the highest-scoring beers in our year-end Beer in Review winter edition at the start of each new year, we usually let the reviews do the talking.

Now, beginning with our Summer Issue #61, we will be highlighting some of the most interesting and high-scoring beers our judges reviewed recently, with the caveat that they must have attained rating of either World Class (100-96) or Exceptional (95-91).

Read on to explore our selections this issue!

For the Love of Lager: Zwickelbier – Rated 94
Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Hawley, PA

Zwickelbier is an unusual, somewhat arcane beer style that has made a comeback in recent years thanks to its quenching nature and rather interesting combination of elements: It is an unfiltered, naturally carbonated, fairly dark brown lager.

Reminiscent of a Vienna Lager, this offering from Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania is sure to tickle the fancies of fans of lagers, hazies and more.

Stone IPA – Rated 96
Stone Brewing Co.
Escondido, CA

The definition of a classic. With Stone Brewing in the news following its sale to Sapporo U.S.A., one of the brewery’s most well-known beers was at long last reviewed within our pages.

As expected, one of the breweries that put IPAs and hoppy beers in general on the map knocks it out of the park with their flagship IPA. It features everything you’d ask for of an IPA (or these days, a West Coast IPA, as they’re now termed – as opposed to a hazy New England style).

If you haven’t yet tried this ubiquitous classic, do yourself a favor and nab a sixer.

Straw-BERRY Field Hazy Milkshake IPA – Rated 91
Garage Brewing Co.
Murrieta, CA

While “living is easy with eyes closed,” this wonderfully made milkshake IPA from Garage Brewing Co. will have you opening your eyes wide to take in all this beer has to offer: in its looks, aromas, flavors and mouthfeel.

Strawberry is often a popular adjunct in beers and this milkshake IPA makes it clear why, as a lovely sweetness blends beautifully with the pillowy mouthfeel provided. A top-flight hoppy milkshake brew.

Tremor California Citrus Wheat – Rated 93
Seismic Brewing Co.
Sebastopol, CA

Billed as “THE California citrus wheat beer,” this exceptional brew from Seismic Brewing definitely is in the running for the title. Using all organic hops and malts, this zesty and piquant offering serves as a terrific pairing for a variety of foods – including cedar plank salmon or a meaty lasagna.

Of course, it also stands on its own just fine – as they Eureka hops and engaging malt bill are sure to have you licking your lips and reaching for another can in no time.

Vacanza Key Lime Pie Gose – Rated 92
Wild Leap Brew Co.
LaGrange, GA

Obviously, this list wouldn’t be complete without a sour beer, so Wild Leap Brew Co. in LaGrange, Georgia obliged with this lovely recreation of a key lime pie – but in sour beer form!

Brewed with actual graham crackers and a hint of vanilla, this beer covers all the bases that the famed delectable summer dessert provides with each bite.

Skip the pie and sip this beer instead!