Beer Goggles
Ren Navarro’s summer craft beer picks
As the founder of Beer.Diversity, Ren Navarro has made a career of bringing two things that she’s passionate about to the forefront – craft beer and bringing change to the brewing industry to become more diverse and inclusive. Recently named to VinePair’s 50 list, that shines a light on talented individuals “doing cool stuff to make the drinks space and its immediate orbit better and more creative,” Navarro shares her love of craft beer with a few of her favourite summer picks.
After a long winter, typical spring weather and gloomy days, we’re all ready to think about summer. And with summer comes… beer! Here are a few of my picks for some great summertime selections.
Daily Forecast Mimosa Sour | Collective Arts Brewing, Hamilton ON
Is it a beer? Is it a cocktail? Yes! This is their take on a classic mimosa! With 30 per cent unfermented, freshly pressed orange juice, blended with a slightly sour beer base. Nothing like memories of brunch, all day long!
La Petite Duchesse | Little Beasts Brewing, Whitby ON
You’re having a catch-up with friends and you need something crisp and effervescent. This is a light, refined and highly drinkable Saison. The flaked rye adds subtle notes of spice while the Hallertau blanc hops add a light fruity note to the finish.
Cherryoperis | Four Winds Brewing, Delta BC
I love homemade, tart cherry pie. This beer encompases that flavour. Aged in Okanagan red wine barrels, this Cherry Brett Saison is invigorated by wild yeast strain Brettanomyces and conditioned on local sour Montmorency cherries.
Hauler Lager | Farm League Brewing, Cambridge ON
The sun is at its highest point in the sky, and you’re HOT. You need a refreshing beer to reach for, and this is the one. Using Pilsner malt and flaked corn, this golden, clear and crisp beer is the perfect sunshine beverage.
Aromatherapy | Beyond The Pale, Ottawa ON
On a perfect summer night, you grab your favourite hoodie and this IPA. Brewed in the spirit of freshly canned Vermont beers, this IPA is dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops to give the beer a rich stone fruit character and a fresh grassy aroma. It’s a beer that you can sit around the fire with friends and enjoy in a nice, relaxed way.
