It’s heating up again (as it should in August), and what better way to cool down than with a nice cold beer. You don’t want just any beer, though. You want a beverage that’s going to taste great and be light enough to enjoy a pint or two. I am not talking about that “lite” beer (for shame!); nope – I’m talking about some well crafted brews that are perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Riverview Tavern is known for their beer selection, and at our recent Beers Of Summer event they selected five delicious brews. These aren’t light beers and they aren’t watered down versions of something heartier and, most likely, tastier. They are specifically brewed to be refreshing and they succeed.
Our guests were welcomed with this straw-colored unfiltered American wheat. Its hint of lemon makes it the perfect patio beer (which fortunately, Riverview Tavern has!).
ABV: 4.5%
Brewery location: Bourbonnais, IL
Revolution Brewing is one of those rare beasts that can seem to do no wrong. They consistently pump out great beers, and Cross of Gold Golden Ale is no exception. It’s so good it won the 2012 World Beer Cup. It’s their lightest ale and is brewed with wheat, Munich and Aromatic malts and dry-hopped with Casacade hops. This gives it the typical Americal golden ale nose and a bit of honey sweetness.
Paired with: Soft Bavarian Pretzel with Maple Mustard
ABV: 5.0%
Brewery location: Chicago, IL
One of the newer breweries in Chicago, Begyle has quickly gained a reputation for producing great tasting beer. Example: Crash Landed. It’s an American Pale Wheat Ale that’s well balanced, with enough bitterness and citrus to make it a good pairing for complex summer salads.
Paired with: Thai Crunch Salad
ABV: 7.0%
Brewery location: Chicago, IL
Ale Syndicate is also part of the rapidly expanding Chicago craft beer scene. Their Sunday Session Hopped-Up Ale is made with a blend of Cascade, Crystal and Centennial hops, mellowed by the addition of wheat. It’s a perfect beer for the deck and a freshly-grilled burger.
Paired with: Mini Merkt’s Cheddar Burger
ABV: 4.8%
Brewery location: Chicago, IL
Our guests took one sip of this and collectively said “WOW”. It’s a peach beer, yes, but it’s not overly fruity or cloyingly sweet. It’s delicious, refreshing, complex, and surprisingly satisfying. And you’ll never know that it’s 8.5% (so be careful!).
Paired with: Maple BBQ Wings
ABV: 8.5%
Brewery location: Belgium
Stop into Riverview Tavern and find your favorite beers of summer, or any season. Due to the nature of the craft beer market these particular beers may not be available, but their knowledgeable staff will help you find something that’s perfect for you.
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