Hundreds of people headed to Kalamazoo for Oberon Day last week. Bell’s said the crowd was a bit bigger than last year.
Bell’s also released a new variant of its iconic summer ale at this year’s event, Oberon Light, which comes in slim cans, has a lower alcohol content, and only 99 calories—perhaps an appeal to beach bodies.
Oberon Light is not the same at all. It’s a sweeter, citrus-added sister of the OG. If you’re looking for a fruitier, spritzer version of the wheat beer we love, it might be your thing. (It wasn’t mine.)
As warm weather approaches, there are plenty of other options for your go-to summer beer beyond Oberon.
M-43 by Old Nation
This beautiful beer is more like drinking grapefruit and pineapple juice than your average beer, and that’s what makes it a special treat. It’s like sipping on summer.
Is there a better way to beat the heat on a boat?
Local’s Light by Short’s
This light lager is crushable. It’s malty and dry with a delicate blend of sweetness and bitterness that invites another sip throughout the afternoon or evening. The 5.2% ABV means it’s punching above its weight class, and it’s still only 115 calories a can.
If you really want to dial up the refreshment factor on a scorcher, dump your can of Local’s Light in a glass and then put a pickle spear in it. It’s really something you need to try before you knock it.
Green Zebra by Founders
A summer beer for people who don’t like beer. The gose style is brewed with watermelon and sea salt and screams, “Don’t be scared of sour beers!”
While some variants of the sour ale are pucker-inducing, the Green Zebra is a good reminder that moderation is a virtue. It’s pleasantly tart but also sweet with big fruitiness. Founders says it is available starting in May, but enjoyers tell us they’ve already seen it stocked in grocery aisles.
Stroh’s by Pabst
This is the only out-of-state brew I can recommend for Michiganders because of its longstanding heritage in Detroit, which goes back to 1850.
The beer has a classic malt-forward taste that is reminiscent of the domestic brands that dominate the beer market, but with a more nuanced hop profile and a fuller body.
It’s also economical: A 30-pack will set you back about $20 (plus deposit).
Brendan Clarey is deputy editor of Michigan Enjoyer.
