Fourth Of July Fireworks For Your Taste Buds

BOSTON – Nothing says America like blowing up some fireworks and drinking some cold brews – and we think you should celebrate your own independence by choosing some quality, American-made craft beer.

In the spirit of Independence Day, Brewbound is here to offer you 10 beers that should find their way into your coolers this holiday weekend.

10. Notch Brewing, Session Ale — For folks in the Boston area, the only way to make celebrating in the state that was first to recognize the Fourth of July as a holiday better is by toasting to independence with a truly entrepreneurial and local craft beer. And at 4.5 percent ABV, you won’t have to worry about over-consumption if you decide to indulge in more than one.

9. Peak Organic, Summer Session — For the environmentally conscious celebrator out there, don’t worry, Peak Organic has you covered. New Englander’s should have no problem getting their hands on this session ale, which delicately balances some incredible taste with low —ABV session-ability.

8. Laguintas Brewing, IPA – It’s hard to believe this beer is made with 43 different Hops and 65 different malts, yet still tastes so balanced. A strong hoppiness is the defining characteristic of this beer, but it won’t exhaust your palate at only 45 IBU’s. Go ahead, drink this one all day long!

7. Deschutes, Twilight Ale – when we originally reviewed this beer, all we wanted when we finished was another one. This beer is crisp, refreshing and will pair perfectly with almost anything you throw on top of the open flame this weekend.

6. Firestone Walker, Pale 31 — Named for California (the 31st state in the Union), This beer is one of the best Pale Ale’s available on the market. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson’s skill shines in this selection. Do yourself a favor and pick some up before you head to your neighbor’s cookout. Your taste buds will thank you.

5. Dogfish Head, Festina Peche — You have to hand it to Sam Calagione and the Dogfish team, they seem to have a beer for almost any occasion. This 4.5 percent neo-BerlinerWeisse is fermented with peaches. Got a non-beer drinker in your life? Give them a taste of Festina Peche and watch what happens!

4. Widmer Brothers, Pitch Black IPA — This choice might strike some as a bit odd but this Black IPA from the Widmer Brothers is just one of those perfect beers. While it could easily be your drink of choice all day long, give this one a try after the sun goes does and the temperature drops. The roast character warms you up, but won’t overpower the hoppy notes which really define this category.

3. Victory Brewing, Prima Pils — Declare Victory with this choice from the Downingtown, PA. brewery. Just a short drive outside of Philly, it would be a shame if we didn’t include at least one offering from Victory! This incredibly sessionable pale lager is a silver medal winner at the GABF and deserves some space in your cooler this weekend.

2. Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis — One of the more refreshing choices on a hot day are weisse beers. At 4.8 percent ABV, this Hefeweizen won’t destroy you if you decide to drink all day long, but will still leave you satisfied in the taste department. It’s widespread distribution and acceptability amongst non-craft drinkers will undoubtedly allow you to convert some new craft consumers!

1. 21st Amendment, Bitter American — Is there even an explanation needed for this choice? This pale ale couldn’t be more American if it tried. It comes in a can, features a monkey in an astronaut suit and is quite possibly one of the best session offerings on the market right now. Not having this in your cooler this weekend might be the most UN-American thing you could do.