iT'S cAN sEASON, yA'LL!

The sun is shining, the temperature is in the mid-70's, the breeze is cool and I can hear the ocean waves! Alright, so maybe I'm in my backyard in Tennessee in a fold out camping chair playing the "Beach Waves for Sleep" soundtrack with my American flag swim suit on...doesn't hurt to dream, right!?

The only thing that would complete this fantasy is an icy cold brewski in my hand! The cans are rolling out in stores, so I wanted to give a run down of my top picks for the summer (in no certain order). 

But first....why cans? 

In a nutshell, they are the ultimate packaging for beer because they protect the beer from light & oxygen. 

[Note: these are beers available in my territory that are new to the market in 2015.]

CAN you dig it?

Brooklyn summer ale

At 5% abv and 18 IBUs, this is the perfect summer companion to all your backyard barbeques. Light and refreshing with the perfect amount of bitterness to give you that crisp finish making it very versatile with an assortment of foods. This is my ideal "cooking beer"...not to put in food, but to enjoy whilst cooking! 

Pair with appetizers of any kind, summer salads with mandarins & almonds, grilled mahi-mahi sandwiches or with ceviche. 

Available now in 12/12oz & 4/16oz!

Evil Twin Citra Sunshine Slacker

A collab with 7venth Sun Brewing clocking in at 4.5% abv, this light bodied session IPA is hopped with loads of Citra to quench your hop cravings in the hot summer sun. Available in 16oz cans, your trips from the pool to the fridge may be shortened. Pair this baby with grilled shrimp tacos topped with mango salsa! Arriba, arriba, andale!

Recommended if you like: Stone Go-To IPA

Oskar Blues Pinner

At 4.9% abv and 35 IBUs, this session IPA is packed with a flavorful biscuity malt profile highlighting the juicy, tropical notes from the hop bill. Sometimes session beers lack in the flavor department, but this dude definitely doesn't fall short. It has become one of my top favorite sessions (right next to Founders All Day). 

Sip, sip, pass!

I would love to enjoy this on the beach with a fresh salmon sushi roll with plenty of wasabi! 

Tin Man Damascene

Out of Evansville, IN, Tin Man is on the cutting edge of brewing technology to minimize waste & maximize their product. This apricot sour is no exception. A refreshing blend of sour ale & apricot juice with the right amount of tart & sweet, this beer hits all the hot spots to quench any thirst this summer. 

At 5.2% abv, it is a beautifully crafted ale that would pair perfectly with grilled chicken or pork chops. Serve in a wine glass with appetizers on your back porch for a laid back evening!

Tin Man Rosenweiss

Here's another one from Tin Man because they are making some killer brews! 


This is their Kristallweizen (a filtered hefeweizen) brewed with rose oil. What you get is a medium bodied beer bursting with flavors of banana, clove, floral notes and a fruity finish. How refreshing!


Pair this fella with some burrata or goat cheese with fresh apples! It would also be stellar with a piece of Amberjack on the grill!

Good People Bearded Lady

Hailed by Good People in Birmingham, AL as the ultimate "lawn mower" beer, this quaffable wheat ale sits at 4.5% abv and is given a decent dose of hops to create a crisp finish. A touch of tartness is detected due to the use of wheat in the grain bill. Light, citrusy and refreshing, pair this beauty with a mandarin poppy seed salad and grilled scallops!

Somebody get this guy a Bearded Lady Wheat!

Those are the top canned beers new to Middle TN in 2015 that I'm looking forward to consuming. 

Other cans that are my all-time favorites include: Founders All-Day IPA, Wiseacre Tiny Bomb, Terrapin Hi-5 & Recreation Ale, Dale's Pale Ale, SweetWater 420 & IPA...and more!

What are you drinking this summer? 

Cheers,
Lana Del Beer