Nothing beats a mid-ride or hike beer. And the craft-beer-in-a-can revolution has certainly made it easier to haul beers on adventures into the woods. I frequently toss a beer in my pack and beeline for my favorite bench on our local trails to enjoy a cold one while the sun sets. While I’ve enjoyed the occasional mid-ride Double IPA (Telluride Fishwater!), the buzz is too heavy for the return ride. Even the typical IPA, at 6-7% is sometimes a bit much, so I’ve been turning to lower ABV options on the trail. The “session” beer has been one of the biggest trends in craft beer the last couple of years. Lucky for us here in Colorado, the selection of beers and styles in the “session” range keeps getting better and better! While not set in stone, most “session” beers are under 5% ABV, so that’s what I tried to stick to on this list. Session IPAs dominate the conversation, but a growing number of styles are working their way onto beer drinkers’ radars this summer. After extensive on-trail research, here are six of my favorite favorite Colorado-brewed summer trail beers of 2016.
Gose Lime-Infused Sour
Broomfield, CO
Big Choice created their own refreshing twist on the already easy drinking salty sour Gose (goes-uh) style by replacing the traditional coriander with lime. Do you like margaritas? This one’s for you!
Style: Gose
ABV: 5.0%
Sour Apricot
Aurora, CO
I’m a long-time fan of Dry Dock. Their beers are always on point (I’m looking at you, Hop Abomination!), and their new Sour Apricot kettle soured blonde ale really hits the spot on the hottest of hot days.
Style: Sour
ABV: 5.0%
Make My Day
Broomfield, CO
4 Noses Brewing landed on my radar with their tasty ‘Bout Damn Time IPA. I’m not completely sold on session IPAs, but I’ll definitely be stocking my fridge with more Make My Day.
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.9%
Vincent Van Couch
Lafayette, CO
With their great beers, and some of the best labels and quirky beer names (Bad Guy With an Agenda, Hawaiian Bartender!) on the market, Odd13 has quickly become my favorite Colorado brewery! Vincent Van Couch has joined me on a bunch of rides this summer. Just enough sour, plus my favorite, Citra hops…win, win!
Style: Session Sour
ABV: 4.6%
Passion Fruit Pinner
Longmont, CO
I must admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Pinner. But this Passion Fruit spin on OB’s “throwback” IPA? Heck yes! One taste and it instantly went toward the top of my summer list! BONUS: My wife LOVES this beer!
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.9%
Tart & Juicy Sour IPA
Denver, CO
Last but certainly not least, my pick for 2016 TRAIL BEER OF THE YEAR goes to Epic’s fantastic, most appropriately named Tart & Juicy Sour IPA! This kettle soured citrus bomb of an IPA has been my go-to for everything from driveway sessions to mountain bike rides and camping this summer.
2016 TRAIL BEER OF THE YEAR!
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.5%
Testing Oskar Blues’ Passion Fruit Pinner in the woods near Turquoise Lake, Colorado!