As City Paper staffers, we get invited to a lot of events, and, inevitably, a lot of these events feature alcohol. But fear not, we aren’t just getting toasted (although that happens sometimes). We’re actually doing some research, so y’all don’t have to. We swung by the Charleston Beer Garden last weekend and tried some new brews we think you may enjoy on a boat or at a backyard cookout. Read on.
Sierra Nevada Gose, Otra Vez (4.5 ABV)
We normally love a solid Sierra Nevada pale ale, but Gose (described by Thrillist as tasting like “cold sweat“) is more refreshing on a hot day.
Abita, Big Easy IPA (4.5 ABV)
Our go-to Abita brew has always been Purple Haze — a pitcher on Tuesdays in college set us back $8, can you even imagine? — but the Big Easy IPA could be a new favorite. With a low ABV it drinks like a session IPA. The more the merrier.
Hi-Wire, Uprisin’ Hefeweizen (5 ABV)
Nothing says summer like a Hefeweizen, and Asheville’s funky brewery, Hi-Wire, doesn’t disappoint with this seasonal selection. If you go bananas for, well, bananas, you’ll probably enjoy the banana, clove, and peppercorn flavors in this brew.
Elysian Space Dust IPA (8.2 ABV)
This beer is good, and it’s not just because the label has a hop spitting space dust out of his smiley mouth, although that doesn’t hurt. At 8.2 ABV, take it easy on these bad boys — the taste has your typical IPA bitterness but the light body makes the drinking easy.
You can find the above brews at some local grocery stores, Bottles, and the Charleston Beer Exchange. And, as always, we encourage you to drink local. Best summer beers from local breweries? Too many to count, so you should probably head to tasting rooms soon to find out for yourself.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.