3 new clean, balanced brews perfect for St. Louis summer

It’s full on summer in St. Louis, and while everyone gears up for their Fourth of July weekend, camping getaways and and other summer shenanigans, make sure you stock your fridge with group-pleasing suds. Here are a few suggestions for some go-to clean, balanced, thirst-quenching beers that will please even the pickiest drinker.

1. St. Louis gained a fun new brewpub when award-winning Brew Hub Taproom opened a few months ago. Its launch also opened the doors for beer nerd-approved Iowa brewery Toppling Goliath. Get acquainted with the juice coming from this brewery and head to BrewHub to check out 6.2 percent Pseudo Sue, a Citra-hopped American pale ale with juicy, hop-driven notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and a lovely little dank character.
Cans and draft, available at Brew Hub Taproom

2. Looking for just a hint of banana and touch of spicy clove? Grab a fresh six-pack of the new-to-the-can German Wheat Ale from The Civil Life. In true Civil Life fashion, this 5.1 percent beer is a beautiful example of this classic Bavarian style. Grainy undertones balance the fruity esters for a refreshingly crisp and clean summer sipper.
Cans and draft, available at The Civil Life

3. A bready malt backbone with hints of toffee and citrus is the foundation of 5.3 percent Alaskan Amber, the flagship lagered, Alt-inspired brew from new-to-the-market Alaskan Brewing Co. Its simplicity and delicately balanced flavor profile allows it to pair perfectly with anything you throw on the grill.
Bottles, available at Craft Beer Cellar

Katie Herrera is a longtime contributor to Sauce Magazine, account manager at Craft Republic and director of beer at STL Barkeep.