COVER STORY
Summer sessions HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY OKLAHOMA BEERS THAT YOU’LL FIND THIS SEASON TO ACCOMPANY YOU AROUND CAMPFIRES, IN THE WATER OR IN THE BACKYARD WITH FRIENDS THIS BLISTERING SUMMER. By Matt Dinger
SOLERICAN
PINTS OF PERSIA
American Solera
Angry Scotsman
To be completely honest, it’s damn difficult to put an American Solera beer on a list like this because there’s absolutely a chance that it’ll already be impossible to find and you likely won’t ever see it appear again. Chase Healey is a legendary Oklahoma brewer, so you can really just pick any of their beers and put it at the top. There are no core beers and basically everything is a one-off, so if you try something you love, rush back and stock up before your chance is gone forever.
The summer seasonal from Angry Scotsman is making a late appearance this year, with the latest batch expected to be available in early August, but it’ll be worth the wait. The saffron in this witbier is its most distinguishing characteristic, with the orange and hibiscus providing a level of sweetness without being too sweet and a floral finish without being overly flowery. The Factor 50 and Gateway to Helles are good alternatives if you prefer your brews less earthy.
12 J U LY 1 3 , 2 0 2 2 | OKGA Z ET TE .COM COVER STORY
BLACK BERRY LAGER
PEACH PAGEANT
CUCUMBER SAISON
Anthem Brewing
COOP Ale Works
Elk Valley Brewing Co.
Fruited sours are the norm, so to see a fruit lager is definitely attention-getting. This one is new to the packaged scene and is exactly what it promises. Definitely lager-forward with a subtle hint of berry, this is the perfect complement to Anthem’s Phone Home (their blackberry sour, which is currently available on draft at their taproom).
This one is making a repeat appearance on an Oklahoma Gazette list because it’s earned its place. A Berliner weisse with subtle peach flavor and the lowest alcohol content on this slate at 4.1 percent ABV, celebrate National Peach Month (August) early with this session beer or keep your eyes open for the lager “discovery pack” that’s just arriving in stores with its selection of blue corn, bock, cerveza and Italian varieties.
Elk Valley has been going gangbusters with its limited releases lately — including an excellent pair of meads if you’re curious about dipping your toes into the world of fermented honey — but their cucumber saison might be the lightest, most crushable summer beer on the market. Pretty of saisons come in strong, but this one registers at just 4.3 percent ABV and the cucumber is noticeable without being overbearing (if it’s even possible for cucumber to be so). This one is perfectly suited for the hottest of days.
