For those of you who are looking to expand your horizons and keep some money in your pocket, here are five Swedish beers that are perfect for the heat of summer.
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Pistonhead Flat Tire 4.5% ABV
This dry-hopped lager features mosaic hops. With a generous bouquet that reveals the pleasing citrus notes and a hint of pine, it is deeply satisfying to the nose and palate. This beer could be considered an easy-drinking little brother to Southern Tier’s formidable 2X Smash Double IPA. Without all the hops of 2X Smash and lager yeast, little bro is much sweeter.
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Granges Pilsner 5% ABV
This crisp, refreshing pilsner is the perfect beer to enjoy on a hot sunny day. It’s smooth with only the slightest hint of bitterness. This bottle of gold is ideal for after mowing the lawn. It can be paired with your favorite pizza or even some Cajun chicken wings.
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Pistonhead Kustom Lager 4.9% ABV
This is a beer for all seasons, but perhaps most refreshing in the summer. The beer has a hint of stone fruit on the nose and a touch of apricot in the mouth and a little bit of corn flavor. Overall, it is smooth and satisfying with only a touch of bitterness. It is deliciously versatile and can be paired with an array of barbecue.
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Sigtuna Organic Ale 4.5% ABV
If you like to go the organic route and enjoy a dry pale ale with a punch, this beer is for you. The ale is hoppy but not like an IPA. It has a slight grassy flavor and a dry bready finish. It could be enjoyed with grilled dishes like chicken shish kabob.
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Three Hearts Amber Lager 5% ABV
This smooth and rich lager has a deep amber color. It has subtle notes of caramel and toffee with a flavor that is reminiscent of New Belgium’s Fat Tire. Three Hearts Amber Lager has a touch more depth and bite than Fat Tire, but fans of amber lagers and ales will find this a welcome new discovery.
Other Craft Beer Suggestions
Does anyone else have a suggestion of good beers to drink this summer, Scandinavian or otherwise, that are solid values?
Loren Mayshark is the award-winning author of Death: An Exploration and Academic Betrayal. For more, you can visit his website lorenmayshark.com and you can keep up with him on Twitter at @LorenMayshark. Sign up for his newsletter and receive regular updates and a free gift.
