Back
When you think of kicking back and relaxing with a delicious, cold craft beer, “fruit” most likely, is not the first word that comes to mind. However, if you’ve been testing out the craft beer scene this summer, you know that fruit-infused beers are HOT. Although summer is winding down, rest assured, fruit beers are not going anywhere. You will likely find beer flavored with all types of fruits, from apple to mango to sour cherry, throughout the year. Not only do I encourage you to try these beers for the unique flavors, I am choosing to assume that you at least get one serving of fruit with each beer, so it’s good for your health too!*
*Not a scientific finding. 😉
Blackberry
Hardywood Brewing Virginia Blackberry
I love Belgian wheat beers. They are crisp and refreshing and pretty much pair with any type of food. Hardywood adds in some rye and blackberries grown at a local farm to create a pink-ish tinted, tasty beer that I could drink every day.
Photo: Fritz Hahn/The Washington Post
Blueberry
Wachusett Brewery Blueberry Ale
This is THE beer that turned me on to fruit-flavored beers. One taste a few years ago, and I was hooked. (Can you tell? I’m dedicating a blog post to my addiction!) Subtle blueberry flavor + wheat ale = fruit beer perfection.
Grapefruit
Sierra Nevada Otra Vez Gose-Style Ale
Made with prickly pear cactus (no lie) and a hint of grapefruit, this is one of my new favorite beers. It’s light and tart with some salty-limey flavor – perhaps from the cactus. I recently drank this with Mexican-Asian food (delish), and it was the perfect complement to the meal.
Orange
I have to admit, I do have a favorite style of beer. Witbier is my always-reliable-never-fails-tastes-great beer. This Belgian-style white ale is typically flavored with orange peel and coriander, and pairs well with just about every type of food. Namaste is my go-to Belgian-style white. And I like the name.
Passion Fruit
Green Flash Passion Fruit Kicker
A fantastic tart beer! Actually, I just discovered that I enjoy tart beers. Like with sour beer, this is an acquired taste (check out this blog post on sours), but if you like it, you’re always on the hunt for new ones to try. The passion fruit gives this sweet, tart beer a tropical taste. Yum.
Pineapple
Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin
If you are an IPA drinker, this would be a great fruity beer option for you to try. It’s hoppy. It’s full of sweet pineapple juice. Although my palette isn’t big on IPAs, they are crazy popular right now! This is a great balanced option.
Raspberry
Abita Brewing Company Purple Haze
Okay, so the artwork for this beer label is pretty funky. That alone is reason enough to try it, because you will look cool drinking it. And, yes, it’s darn tasty too! This raspberry lager pairs great with chocolate and desserts, so how can you go wrong?
Watermelon
21st Amendment Brewery Hell or High Watermelon
I have to admit, I am not a big fan of watermelon-flavored anything. But, if that’s your thing, you are sure to love this beer. It’s totally packed with strong flavor, as if you stuck a straw into an actual watermelon and sucked the juice out. (But better! It contains alcohol!)
Have you tried any fabulous or unique fruit beers that you’d like to pass on? Post below! I’d love to hear about them. And, as always, support your local breweries! Cheers!