Grill and Chill: Your Summer Beer Guide

by Josh Liddy

I couldn't imagine heading out onto the deck on a perfect summer evening, getting ready to fire up the grill without a cold beer in my hand! Grilling and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly. When I’m planning to grill, I always go for something light and refreshing. The Arkansas summer can get hot, but a cold beer is definitely the way to help bring down the heat. Here’s a list of beers I am sure to have in my fridge when I cook out.

Stiegl Radler Zitrone

Stiegl makes a few different flavors—grapefruit, raspberry, and this one. This Radler is the epitome of refreshing. It’s blended with real lemonade so you get those big citrus flavors that remind you of summer. At 2% ABV, this is a day drinker for sure. You can spice this up by adding a shot of your favorite vodka.

Wiseacre Tiny Bomb Pilsner 

I love this beer. If I want a pilsner, this is what I'm getting. Wiseacre brews this with 50 pounds of local wildflower honey, so you get a hint of sweetness that goes great with this style. Go for this one if you're planning to grill some Bratwurst or smoked hot links.

New Province Philosopher King IPA

New Province makes some great beer, and Philosopher King is one of my favorite Arkansas beers. You get a ton of pine and resin on the nose that follows on the palate with citrus and some malty sweetness. The King goes great with burgers.

Lost Forty Day Drinker Belgian Blonde Ale

Belgian blonde ales are one of my favorite styles of beer. On the nose, you get spice and biscuit that typically come from the style. You get all of the nose on the palate as well. This is a great summer beer that I’d pair with grilled chicken. 

Prairie Rainbow Sherbet Sour Ale

A summer beer guide is incomplete without a sour! Prairie is known for their sours. This one is a year-round offering. The brewers themselves call this a "summer-forward sour ale with raspberry, pineapple and orange". That says everything you need to know! 

Grilling and beer is a match made in heaven! You can't have one without the other. When you are planning your next night to grill, visit Colonial and grab a pack and try one of these pairings.