Although many Michiganders thought it would never come, summer is indeed upon us. The weather is hot and humid, and, though you won’t catch us complaining about the warmth, we will say an ice-cold beer tops our must-have list this season. Luckily, there are many Michigan-made brews that fit the bill, offering something light and sessionable, yet still packed with flavor. Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Oval Beach Blonde is just one of those on the list, and when we picked one up last week to sample, we found it to be highly drinkable.
An ale with subtle malt flavors and a well-balanced body, Oval Beach rings in at just 5 percent ABV, so it’s a beer you can drink for the duration of a summer barbecue — and perhaps even while showering and getting ready for said barbecue. Unless you’re truly a lightweight, you should be able to enjoy a number of these while remaining a tolerable human being. Low IBUs keep the bitterness of this beer down as well, which means drinkability for both the experienced craft beer drinker and the novice just breaking into the sport. It pairs well with lighter foods, so pick this brew if you’re going for chicken, fish, or salad.
Best served in a pilsner or pint glass, Oval Beach is just as easily enjoyed straight out of the bottle or can. And while we particularly like this brew during summer, it’s available year-round at Westborn and other specialty markets that focus on craft beer.
