With Spring here and Summer coming soon, now's the time to celebrate the best season of the year...Beer Drinking Season.   However, with more and more beer choices out there, how do you know which ones are best suited for Summer, and what the differences are between them?  So being the beer expert that I feel I am (I've been doing a LOT of research) I've attached a handy guide to beer to help you when planning your next party, backyard bar-b-q or what to choose when sitting around with your friends on a patio.

Beers fall into 2 broad categories: Lagers and Ales.

Ales are produced by Top-fermenting yeasts and include Pale Ales, Amber Ales, Porters, Stouts, Belgian Specialty beers, wheat beers and many German beers.  They generally have a more robust taste, are more complex and best consumed cool rather than cold.

Lagers are produced by Bottom-fermenting yeasts and include Pilsners, bocks, dopplebocks and are best consumed at a cooler temperature.  

Most people prefer Lagers throughout the summer months as they have a lighter flavour with a crisper, cleaner finish and little aftertaste.   However, many brewers are including wheat beers in their brands recently, and many people enjoy the light, citrusy, refreshing taste these beers provide.

If beer isn't your choice beverage,   Moscow Mules, Gin n' Tonic, Mojitos and Cosmos are a great choice, as is my favourite non-beer summer refreshment....The Almighty Caeasar.    Check out this alternative to the classic, with a bolder kick.

Baker's BBQ Caeaar:

Rim a tall glass with fresh lime and celery salt.  Fill glass with ice and 1 1/2 oz rye, spicy BBQ sauce, lime juice, Clamato and garnish with a beef pepperette..YUM!