Liquid Lunch: It’s Gonna Be a Real Shelfer Kinda’ Summer

-Moses Malone
Co-Host, NEWBD Tap Takeover 990WBOB.com

​Let’s be honest…Summer is hot.  There are a lot of things I want to do in the summertime, and going to a bunch of breweries is definitely on that list, but I am not a huge fan of standing in the sun for hours waiting for my beer.  If you saw my general complexion, you would understand. So for this reason, I spend a lot of time at liquor stores, scouring the aisles for a great Summer Shelfer. I define a great Summer Shelfer as a beer that I can drink a bunch of and still be coherent enough to play a game of Cornhole or Beer Frisbee.  I drink as many Double IPAs as the rest of us (let’s be honest, I drink way more than most of you…ahem…all of you), but in the Summer I definitely like to tone it down a bit and drink something a little lighter. Here is my list, in no particular order, of great Summer Shelfers that you should definitely be looking for in the Summer of 2018:

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Bell’s Oberon Ale

• This Michigan-based beer is new to Massachusetts distribution, but it has spread through the state like a weed.  Unlike a weed though, it’s a welcome sight because this 5.8% wheat ale hits you with a ton of flavor and a great balance of fruit and spiciness.  It’s not super expensive either, which is great – plus, it comes in a couple different packaging options (including 12 packs).

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Night Shift Whirlpool

• Just a short time ago, Night Shift wouldn’t have made this list since they weren’t a shelfer beer throughout the state until recently.  Now that Night Shift Distribution is up and running at full strength, you can find this beer from Everett all the way down to Cape Cod. I can’t speak for Western Massachusetts, because I’m pretty sure the only thing out there is mountains, but they might have Night Shift there.  Anyway, this 4.5% pale ale hits you with a wave of Mosaic hops, some subtle tropical fruit notes, and a very clean finish – perfect for a cookout, a day at the beach, or just a day in the backyard mowing the lawn.  They’ve been brewing this beer since 2014, and they have perfected the recipe – so buy with confidence, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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Maine Beer Company Mo

• Did you really think I was going to write up a Summer Shelfer beer list and not include my namesake?  MBC started brewing this when I was in 8th grade and officially was given the “Mo” nickname…wait, what…it’s not named after me?  Well now I kinda’ want to kick it off this list, but it’s so good that I just can’t do it.  This 6% pale ale is a great combination of East Coast/West Coast styles – it has the citrus zest of an East Coaster but the piney notes of a West Coaster.  I could drink this beer all day, every day, especially in the summer. Is it the cheapest beer? Not really, because it usually runs around $7 per beer (and MBC is famous for those stupid 16.9oz bottles)…but if you ignore that, the liquid inside is blissful…and “ignorance is bliss.” -Cypher from “The Matrix”

Troeg’s Sunshine Pils

• This versatile Pennsylvania brewery started in 1996 and has been making consistent beer ever since.  Their Sunshine Pils uses Saaz hops and Pilsner malt (I know, go figure) to achieve a perfectly zesty product.  The 4.5% beauty delivers on taste and is a true testament to the beer that they make at Troeg’s – never a bad batch.

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21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon

• Alright guys, before you steal my Man Card, consider this: watermelon=summer.  Anyone who disagrees with that simple fact is stupid. This 4.9% wheat beer has a pronounced watermelon flavor that is by no means overwhelming and is very refreshing.  21st Amendment is available at basically every liquor store around, so you should have absolutely no trouble finding it – and most stores keep an abundance of it in the summer time since it’s a great seller.  Before I tried this beer, I have to admit – I never would have tried it on my own. But when one got placed into my hand, I realized that it was actually a perfect summer beer and deserved a spot on this list.

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Cisco Grey Lady

• A classic New England beer in general, but a fantastic beer to drink in the summer as well.  This wheat ale gets brewed with Belgian yeast, so it has a decided funky spiciness to it but goddamn it if it isn’t one of the more refreshing beers you can find on a shelf.  It’s 4% but delivers worlds more flavor than you’ll get from any of the macro brews – so put down that Bud Light and drink something that has some taste to it. If you’re up for it, Cisco also makes a blueberry vodka called Triple Eight Blueberry Vodka (check the picture) that goes perfectly with Grey Lady.  Pour the 12 oz can into a glass and throw a shot of vodka on top to make a Blue Haired Grey Lady – it’ll kick things up a notch.​

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​Alright, look guys, are there better beers in the world?  Of course there are. I’m not saying these are the 6 best beers in the whole world, I’m simply stating that this 6-pack is a great Summer variety pack to get the party started.  I could’ve gone with a ton of brewery-only released beer, but you should see how red I get after 20-30 minutes of sun.

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