Maryland's Best Beers For Summertime Sipping

by Matthew Ferguson on May 28, 2014 in Beer

The solstice is June 21, but if you’ve taken a step outside lately, you know that summer is already upon us. With that in mind, it’s time to start thinking about what beers to pack in your cooler as you get ready to soak up some rays. Our advice? Go local.

Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale: Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery may have just made the Marylandest beer of all time. Celebrating Old Bay’s 75th anniversary (and with proceeds benefiting True Blue), Dead Rise delicately blends the local favorite spice with a beautiful balance of hops. This beer is proving to be as popular as Old Bay itself, so if you find a six pack, pick it up before someone else does (5.6% ABV).

Funk Blueberry Wheat Ale: You shouted like Parliament, and DuClaw heard you. The popularity of Funk has moved it from perennially anticipated seasonal to full-time status. Unlike some fruity wheats from the big box breweries, Funk tastes like more than a blast of juice. You’ll know you’re drinking a well-crafted wheat ale, but make no mistake: the blueberry is there to set your taste buds partying. If you’re looking for a good wheat with a bit of fruit, this is your beer (4.5% ABV).

Festina Pêche: Milton, Delaware is close enough that we would be remiss not to include one of its brewery’s beers on this list. Dogfish Head Craft Brewing describes Festina Pêche as a “neo-Berliner Weisse.” What that means for you is that this summer seasonal isn’t just any flavored beer. Dogfish Head incorporates peaches into the fermentation process, yielding the trademark tartness of the Berliner Weisse style. Afraid of sour? We won’t judge you for passing up this refreshingly tart wheat beer, but we will let you know that you’re missing out (4.5% ABV).

Old Pro Gose: With hits like Old Pro, Union Craft Brewing deserves its status as Baltimore’s best up-and-coming brewery. Union describes Old Pro as having “a dash of salt” with “a hint of tart,” and the pour doesn’t disappoint. If those descriptors leave you turning up your nose, it may be time to step out of your comfort zone and try something truly delicious. Like most of Union’s beers, Old Pro is currently only available in growlers. As the brewery gains popularity, we sincerely hope to see that change soon (4.2%).

Pendulum Pilsner: There’s nothing more refreshing than a crisp pilsner when you’re sweating like a prisoner from a Poe story. Baltimore-Washington Beer Works has created the perfect beer to fill that role in its Pendulum Pilsner. With a drink this light, smooth, and satisfying, we’re certain your opinion won’t sway (4.5% ABV).

 Photos: Flying Dog Brewery; Dogfish Head


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