We all have a favorite “porch beer:” something that’s light, easy-drinking and perfect for a mellow outdoors hang.
As it turns out, so do experts from Western New York’s brewing community. I asked some of these folks to define what they look for in a porch beer and share their personal favorite.
John Cimperman, founder, 42 North Brewing Company
“I tend to lean towards a lager or wheat beer for the warmer summer nights.”
Porch pick: “I love to swing by Gene McCarthy’s and have an Old First Ward Hefeweizen. A great post-kayaking beer.”
Matt Kahn, president and co-founder, Big Ditch Brewing Company
People are also reading…
“A perfect porch beer, in my opinion, is light and drinkable, full of flavor without being too bitter or cloying, with a relatively low ABV so you can have a few. Very refreshing.”
Porch pick: “Cosmic Truth by Resurgence, a very flavorful session IPA, hits the spot when I’m having a few on the porch.”
Joel Betti, co-owner, BriarBrothers Brewing Company
“It should complement the vibe, not compete with it.”
Porch pick: “Czechy, a Czech pilsner from Autark Brewhouse. It goes down easily, especially with some sunshine and good company.”
Drew Schaub, owner, Brazen Brewing
“When I think of relaxing and passing the time with nothing to worry about, I want to have something in the 5% range with a light and crisp malt profile.”
Porch pick: “Spotted Octopus Brewing Co.’s Rice Lager is perfect for hanging on a porch and watching time go by.”
Tom Dargen, brewmaster, Buffalo Olde Brewery
“One of my favorite things to do when the weather warms up is to sit in a comfy chair on my porch reading a book and sipping on a classic crisp clean lager or a well-balanced IPA.”
Porch pick: Southern Tier IPA
Christopher Gokey, general manager, Community Beer Works
“It’s not about complexity—it’s about relaxation, good company and sipping something that goes down smoothly while the day slows down around you.”
Porch pick: “Wayland Brewing Waylander—great beer, clean and crisp.”
Nik Fattey, owner, Fattey Beer Co.
“Almost every local brewer has a solid porch beer: something light, crushable and shareable with friends, family and neighborhood pals.”
Porch pick: Resurgence Bridge Pilsner
Craig Altobello, owner and operator, Magic Bear Beer Cellar
“Something light and crisp—lower alcohol but with a ton of flavor.”
Porch pick: “Community Beer Works’ Thirst Aid Kit. The wheat provides a little acidity to quench your thirst while the Belgian yeast phenolic spices add a depth and complexity to an easy-drinking 4.8% beer.”
Jeff Ware, president, Resurgence Brewing Co.
“I look for drinkability to be matched with subtle flavors that enhance the experience but do not overpower it.”
Porch pick: “Looper’s Wheat from Belt Line Brewery, an American wheat ale with orange peel, is relatively light and crushable.”
Jason Havens, owner, Rusty Nickel Brewing
“I’m a big fan of Mexican lagers with or without limes, a crisp and cold Czech pilsner or a really traditional German-style lager.”
Porch pick: “Without question, Gene McCarthy’s Kolsch. Grab a glass and enjoy that patio experience that only the First Ward can provide.”
Keep ’em coming
Top off the cooler with these picks that also garnered a mention:
- 42 North’s Solshine Golden Lager
- Big Ditch’s Dayburner
- BriarBrothers’ Savages Kölsch
- Brazen’s Tiny Sombrero
- Buffalo Olde’s Mama Mia Lemon Drop Italian Pilsner
- Fattey Beer’s F-Yeah
- Rusty Nickel’s Five Cent Rhine Kolsch
