Spring Beer-Sipping Outdoors
These Brews Go Down Easy After a Lively Traipse in the Woodlands
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Few things are better than a refreshing craft beer after a day exploring the great outdoors. Have you ever had a beer that tastes like a walk in the woods? Think piney, citrus and earthy. And cans and lightweight growlers make taking it along for the journey a breeze.
Whether you’re sipping at the summit, casting a line at the lake, or relaxing by the rig and taking in beachy sunset views, you’ll want a healthy mix of beer styles in your stash.
Magic Hole IPA, Kennebec River Brewery, ME
Founded in Northern Outdoors in 1996, Kennebec River Brewery is home to great beer in the middle of the woods. It’s a featured brewery on the famous Maine Beer Trail. The experienced team keg conditions their beers so that nothing is filtered, which lends to bigger flavor profiles.
Their flagship beer is crafted with a plethora of North American malted barley, a generous infusion of magnum hops with late additions of Columbus and Summit, giving it a big hop flavor and aroma. Pro tip: This is the place to go for rafting adventures.
Athena, Creature Comforts, GA
It’s all about bringing trail-friendly creature comforts on the road, right? The first time I tried this brewery was in Paso Robles at the Coachella of Beer Festivals, The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest. Simply put, everything they brew is amazing. It’s obvious that this exceptional brewery was founded by people passionate about craft brewing.
This Berliner Weisse is relatively low alcohol by volume (ABV) at 4.5% and shines with notes of lemon, wheat, white peach, and apricot. Its slight effervescent makes for a refreshing beer after a long hike. And yes, it’s available in cans! Enjoy with: seafood, poultry, eggs benedict, soft cheeses.
Anthracite Amber Ale, High Alpine Brewing Co., CO
Sitting at 7,703 feet elevation, where excellent beer and epic adventures go hand-in-hand, this brewpub opts for locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
The amber ale is delectably caramelly, with some earthy notes, and finishes with a light citrus flavor. They offer artisanal pizza and beer to go in growlers and crowlers. Driving from Breckenridge to Moab? Make a pit stop in Gunnison.
Pacific Crest Pale, Dru Bru, WA
You don’t have to be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to enjoy this 5.0% ABV hoppy/hazy trail ale. But it helps. Located at the Snoqualmie Pass and Cle Elum, check out Kendall Katwalk trail for old-growth forest, beautiful wildflowers, and striking views.
Then head to Dru Bru microbrewery, because at this point, you’ll deserve one – or two. Brewed with Ekuanot and Mosaic hops and locally grown malt and oats at mile 2,393, it’s their way to pay homage to those adventurous spirits. This screams, crisp, outdoorsy beer.
Ballast Point Mango Even Keel, Ballast Point, CA
The smooth citrus profile, light-bodied beer makes for an easy-drinking beer. Brewed with the slightest kiss of ripe mango, this double dry-hopped brew is just 3.8% ABV, so hop-heads can get their fill of IBUs without the high alcohol content. Flavors culminate in a deep earthiness. Enjoy with: fried chicken, burgers, watermelon and tomato salad, lemon chicken, mango salsa, and chips.
One thing that hasn’t stopped (and perhaps has even expanded) during the pandemic is enjoying the outdoors and drinking craft beer. And of course, supporting your local craft brewery helps small businesses, and ultimately, the economy. Cheers!
