Community Corner

Fairfield County Beer Connoisseurs Recommend Summertime Brews

Wondering what refreshments to serve at your Memorial Day BBQ? Here are some suggestions.

The brew experts and liquor storeowners of Fairfield County offer their suggestions on the best beers to serve at your Memorial Day BBQ and throughout the summer.  

Popular recommendations include much of Stratford's Two Road's Brewing Company's repertoire.  

Larry Kass, owner of the Glen-Ro Spirit Shoppe in Monroe, said Two Roads beers "are on fire right now."  

"Their Double IPA is great." Kass said. "Their White IPA is awesome. They're making some great beers. They did one for Igor Sikorsky, a limited edition. Great brewery, great future and great beer."  

If you're looking for a farmhouse ale, try Two Roads' Workers Comp Saison (AC 4.8 percent), which is described as being mild, fruity and spicy with tropical fruit and pepper notes, Michelle from Total Wine & Spirits in Norwalk told Patch.

Another light-bodied choice is Honeyspot Road White, a Belgian IPA with a mild wheat flavor and "tangy hop bitterness" followed by pineapple notes. 

Guests that prefer a stronger-bodied brew will enjoy Ol' Factory, a German pilsner with a good amount of hops and notes of grain, grass, toasted malt and citrus.  

Renzo Kian-Kubota of Harry's Wine and Liquor Market in Fairfield also recommends the Ol' Factory Pils.  

"It's dry-hopped, which is unique," Kian-Kubota said. "It adds a lyric of hoppiness."  

Kian-Kubota highlighted another beer from a local brewery: New England Brewing Company's Sea Hag IPA. New England Brewing Co. is located in Woodbridge.  

"They're killing it --it's flying off the shelves," he said. "They really nailed the recipe. It tastes so light and fresh."  

Sam Adams' Summer Ale is a classic, as well as the Shock Top Belgian White and LandShark Lager.  

The LandShark is similar to Corona, but costs less. "It's a nice light beer. It's good for the summer," Shelton Cork & Keg owner Kenny Chang said.  

Jeff Marron, owner of the Saugatuck Grain and Grape in Westport, offered his personal summer favorite: Brooklyn Summer Ale.  

"It's light, easy to drink -- perfect for hot summer days," he said.    


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