The summer solstice or the first day of summer officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 7:09 pm (EDT) on June 20, 2012. Solstice is derived from the Latin solstitium and refers to the sun being positioned higher in the northern sky during the daylight hours and its rays projecting at a more direct angle and providing us with the warm to oppressively hot temperatures we know as summer.
To enhance one’s enjoyment of the summer season and to mitigate the effects brought on by the heat, a number of craft brewers release their eagerly anticipated Summer Seasonal creations. There is a wide selection of styles to choose from including: bold hoppy IPAs, Hefeweizens, Kolsch, Wheat Beers, and Belgian Style Saisons. Summer is the perfect time to add the delicate flavors of Satsuma’s, berries, ginger, spices, and yes, even oysters, to these beers creating an array of palate-pleasing perfection. A number of summer seasonal beers are brewed as “high gravity’ beers, and if you enjoy craft ciders there are special summer editions available as well. Click here to view or print a comprehensive list including descriptions of these outstanding summertime brews.
