If you’re a regular drinker of craft brews, you may have noticed some of your favorite beers being packaged in a cans. And judging by the number of Arizona beers now available in aluminum, it would seem the trend for canning beer is making a comeback in Arizona, too. With temperatures rising, we think this is a great thing. More canned beers means more poolside drinking options.
Here are 10 of our favorite locally made craft brews, perfect for poolside drinking:
Biltmore Blonde (Phoenix Ale Brewery)
Style: Golden Ale
ABV: 5 percent
This is a brew that will impress even your wine-drinking friends by aiming to please even the most complex of palates. Unpasteurized and unfiltered, this blond ale entertains with crisp, grapefruit-y appeal.
Sunbru (Four Peaks Brewing Company)
Style: German Kolsch Ale
ABV: 5.1 percent
Looking for old school tradition? This brew has you covered. This Kolsch-style ale hits firmly with wheat and barley flavors up front and a smooth, clean finish. Super-refreshing, a definite go-to on a hot day.
Orange Peel IPA (Phoenix Ale Brewery)
Style: West Coast India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.4 percent
This brew lives up to the easy-drinking reputation of a West Coast-style IPA. It starts with hints of sweet citrus, and while you won't get big orange-y flavors from the addition of orange peel, the fruity element does tone down the bite or bitterness associated with IPAs.
Knotty Pine (Lumberyard Brewing Company)
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 5.4 percent
If piney, hop-forward IPAs are your style, then look no further. Taste-wise, this beer qualifies as a session IPA with intense hoppy flavors that send your tastebuds on a pine-filled adventure. The crisp, clean finish further exemplifies the quality craftsmanship of this brew.
Big Blue Van (College Street Brewhouse & Pub)
Style: American Pale Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.4 percent
This brew is as fun and colored with flavor as a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. It begins with aromas of cotton candy, followed by a blast of blueberry and finishes with a smooth, sweet hint of vanilla to balance everything out. Even if fruity beers aren't your thing, this beer is worth a try.
Mr. Pineapple (San Tan Brewing Company)
Style: American Pale Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.0 percent
Don't be fooled by the cloudy pour of this ale; it's nothing but sunshine. Its light, fruity tones pair perfectly with a dip in the pool. Add citrus or a slice of pineapple if you prefer and Mr. Pineapple is a great poolside companion.
Barrio Blonde Ale (Barrio Brewing Company)
Style: American Blonde Ale
ABV: 4.53 percent
This beer is just begging Arizona summers to give it their best shot. The flavors are clean and bright, starting with a little spice up front, followed by an unexpected sweetness that dances around your palate.
Orange Blossom (Papago Brewing Company)
Style: American Wheat Ale
ABV: 5 percent
This well-loved local brew is like a drinkable dessert. As the flavor of mandarin oranges hits your mouth, a sweet splash of vanilla follows up to smooth everything over. The effervescent texture is a nice alternative to the standard cloudy pour of a wheat ale, making this brew crisp and refreshing.
Scottsdale Blonde (Huss Brewing Company)
Style: German Kolsch Ale
ABV: 4.7 percent
A perfect day drinker, this beer gets your attention right from the start with a hit of spice up front. It quickly balances out with a light, crisp sweetness and finishes clean.
Achocolypse (Prescott Brewing Company)
Style: American Porter
ABV: 6.0 percent
We know what you're thinking, what is a porter doing on this poolside list? But take our word for it, this one's worth trying. The sweet chocolate aroma is the first indication of the smooth, creamy deliciousness of this brew. Delivering an impressive balance of sweet and smooth, it hits your mouth like a melted chocolate bar. Savor this one straight up or grab some ice cream for a real treat.
