Summer Ale

What is Summer Ale?

Summer ale is not a distinct beer style but rather a name given by a brewer to a beer they believe suits the summer season.

A summer ale is typically light, crisp, and easy-drinking, meaning that hops contribute more to aroma and flavour rather than bitterness. However, if someone wishes their brewed summer ale to be full-bodied and robust for a summer evening, no one is stopping them.

Origin Story

At some point, brewers found it sensible to market some of their beers as summer beers. For this purpose, they chose brews that were light in flavour and bitterness, easy to sip, and not overwhelming for the palate.

Over the years, the diversity of summer beers has naturally increased; hoppy brews can now be found among summer ales. However, they are generally not strong or bitter.