15 Best Beers to Buy and Drink All Season Long
Whether you like a bitter IPA or a light lager, we've picked the best beer brands for delicious sipping.
Finding the best beer is important for seasonal sipping. Popping a can or cracking open a bottle serves as the perfect refreshing beverage as you grill and chill all summer long and is the ideal partner to game day tailgates in the fall. If you’re looking for a traditional beer that goes with any meal you plan to prepare, or want to buy a funky brew you’ve never tried before, we’ve collected our favorite beers to appeal to any beer drinker, no matter the season. And the best beer brands, from New Belgium Brewing to Dogfish Head, are killer accompaniments for game day grub, rich burgers, juicy grilled chicken, and cool BBQ salads.
We tasted plenty of cans and bottles to find the best beer to drink no matter the season. Whether you love a sour, a fruit beer, a rich IPA, or a light ale, look no further for complex and refreshing brews to try. If you're ready to celebrate summer pull out your favorite cooler and load it with any of these best beers, plus some summer-ready hard seltzers, and your tastiest rosé wines. If you're looking for a beer to sip while keeping cozy in the cooler months, any of these beers will hit the spot. No matter the time of year, these best beers are sure to satisfy. Get sipping!
This is a juicy treat with flavors of white peach and citrus. It is creamy and smooth with only a touch of bitterness making it both great for sipping solo or with some grub.
Fat Tire is our go-to classic amber ale. Lightly sweet and carbonated, it is a seriously easy sipper, perfect for your backyard BBQ.
This is a great hot weather easy drinking pick. It clocks in at only 98 calories, 3 carbs and 4% ABV and with little bitterness and hits of fruity flavors that are bright and sparkly, you might find yourself reaching for a second.
We loved this beer for its forward citrus notes and slight bitterness. Every sip proved this crisp brew to be one of the best summertime ales, perfect for a warm evening out on the porch, yard, stoop or really anywhere.
If you are looking for a refreshing sour brew, this can will not disappoint. The tongue-tingling tartness was perfectly balanced by classic IPA bitterness for a really unique sip.
There is all types of citrus peel shining through as you sip this pick, plus some hints of tropical fruit.
This has always been a go to beer. If it is among the selections in any fridge or cooler, it is hard to pass up. And it is a standby for a reason. We think it is hops forward while still being very balanced. It has just a touch of sweetness and yeast in the background. All around solid beer.
We love this funky can for its hoppy, yeasty and citrusy notes. If you're into IPAs with big body and a bold flavor, you should give Batsquatch a try.
If you’re looking for something super unique, crack open Dogfish Head’s session sour, made with citrus and a sprinkle of salt. The combo of salt and sour lime juice reminded tasters of a margarita, making this the perfect lower-alcohol swap.
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This light and refreshing beer has a slightly sweet and malty flavor with just the right hint of bitterness. Easy drinking on its own or paired with a light or spicy meal.
It is hard not to watch the tiny tan bubbles streaming through this super dark, rich and creamy brew. Before you sip, you will get some wafts of brown sugar, coffee and chocolate, which is similar to how it tastes as well. Although 9% ABV, it's creaminess can fool you into drinking it a bit faster than you should.
This is definitely not your typical wheat beer. It is light and fruity, but with an almost candy-like watermelon flavor and bit of yeast. It's ideal for those who aren't into traditional beers.
Calling all cider fans: If you're on the hunt for an ultra-refreshing brew, this can is for you. With a strong apple smell, slightly tart taste, and a light effervescence, this beer gives us serious fall energy.
We loved the lightness in this tripel, it cut through the intense bite of citrus. Our tasters compared a sip of this super sour beer to eating a SweetTart candy. We'll take a can, please!
With its rich and slightly bitter flavor, classic to the IPA, this light beer is far from watery. We loved the citrusy flavor and the super crisp finish.
Kate Merker (she/her) is the Chief Food Director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, overseeing the team that produces food content for several Hearst titles, including Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Prevention, Woman’s Day and Country Living. She has clocked nearly 20 years of experience in food media and before that, worked at some of New York City’s finest restaurants.
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