Which Summer New Belgium Lager is Right For You?

Mix together a warm summer day, a few crisp beers, and [insert your favorite summer hangout spot], and that’s pretty much the recipe for the good ol’ American Dream, right?

Right.

While we’ve got a ton of refreshing beers in our line-up that prove ultra-drinkable during the summer months, there’s nothing quite like a thirst-quenching lager to cool down your brow when the sun hits high noon—and we’ve got three perfect lagers to grab this season. But aren’t all lagers the same? No way, pal. Check it out:

Skinny Dip

ABV: 4.2%

IBU: 22

What makes it so special? Peaches, Cascade hops, and only 117 calories.

So, what’s it like? This light-bodied lager packs a fruity punch, thanks to additions of peach juice and citrusy hops like Cascade. The marriage creates a bright, vibrant sip that finishes with an understated, prickly bitterness. Yum.

Where to drink it? By the lake. Or in the lake, with your bathing suit abandoned by the lake.   

Shift Pale Lager

ABV: 5%

IBU: 29

What makes it so special? A bunch of Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand.

So, what’s it like? Fun to drink out of the can, for starters. Shift’s honey-kissed, bready base floats exotic hop tones of passionfruit across the tongue, while Cascade hops lend a citrusy American kick. This one’s a lager for the hopheads.

Where to drink it? While firing up the grill, and then again while grilling, and maybe again while eating your grilled masterpiece.

Blue Paddle Pilsener

ABV: 4.8%

IBU: 33

What makes it so special? Oh, about 175 years of pilsner tradition (the first Czech-style pilsner was brewed in the early 1840s).

So, what’s it like? So classic. Subtle sweet malts press up against session-level bitterness, while fruity, floral, herbal hops courtesy of Saaz, Liberty and Nugget accent each assertive sip.

Where to drink it? Based on heavy research from New Belgium co-workers, Blue Paddle is the perfect post-bike-ride beer.