This list of the Top 10 English Summer Ales is based on results from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup..
English Summer Ale is a refreshing and easy-drinking style, known for its light straw to golden color, medium-low to medium bitterness, and light to medium-light body. These beers often feature a subtle biscuit-like malt flavor, thanks to the inclusion of torrefied or malted wheat (usually 25% or less).
Hop character can range from English and American to Noble varieties, providing pleasant flavor and aroma that’s always well-balanced with the malt base.
Draft versions typically have mild carbonation, while bottled versions may be moderately to highly carbonated. This beer style is meant to be crisp, refreshing, and thirst-quenching, making it perfect for warm weather. A low to moderate fruity ester profile is also common and acceptable.
Top 10 English Summer Ales Brewed in the United States
1) Farmhouse – Crystal Lake Brewing
Address: 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Website: https://crystallakebrew.com/
2) Beaverton Blonde – Golden Valley Brewery (McMinnville, OR)
Address: 980 NE 4th St, McMinnville, OR 97128
Website: https://goldenvalleybrewery.com/
3) Approachable Blonde – Municipal Brew Works (Hamilton, OH)
Address: 20 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011
Website: https://www.municipalbrewworks.com/
4) True Blonde Ale – Ska Brewing (Durango, CO)
Address: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303
Website: https://skabrewing.com/
5) Cross of Gold – Revolution Brewing (Chicago, IL)
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com/
6) Easy Livin’ – Crow Peak Brewing (Spearfish, SD)
Address: 125 W Highway 14, Spearfish, SD 57783
Website: https://crowpeakbrewing.com/
7) Liquid AC – Karl Strauss Brewing (San Diego area, CA)
Address: 1157 Columbia St Ste 1167, San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown flagship)
Website: https://www.karlstrauss.com/
8) Surfer’s Summer Ale – Pelican Brewing Co.
Address: 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135 (Flagship beachfront location)
Website: https://pelicanbrewing.com/
9) Yarnburner – Neoteric Brewing Company
Address: 14220 Oakhill Park Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078
Website: https://www.neotericbrewing.com/
10) Tropical Blonde – Cranky Sam Brewing
Address: 233 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802 (Public House & Brewing location)
Website: https://www.crankysam.com/
History of English Summer Ales
English summer ales, a style of pale ale, emerged in the 19th century as lighter, refreshing beers suited for warm weather. With the Industrial Revolution improving brewing techniques, brewers in England began crafting ales with lower alcohol content (typically 3.5–5% ABV) and a bright, hoppy character to quench thirst during summer months. These beers often used local ingredients like East Kent Golding hops, giving them floral and citrusy notes, and pale malts for a crisp, golden hue. Initially brewed by small, regional breweries, summer ales were served in pubs and at outdoor gatherings, becoming a seasonal staple in rural and urban areas alike. Their lighter body and moderate bitterness distinguished them from heavier stouts and porters, aligning with evolving tastes for more drinkable beers.
By the 20th century, summer ales solidified their place in English brewing culture, with larger breweries like Fuller’s and Shepherd Neame producing iconic examples such as Fuller’s London Pride and Spitfire. The craft beer movement of the late 20th and early 21st centuries revitalized the style, as microbreweries experimented with modern hop varieties and adjuncts like fruit or spices to enhance refreshment. Today, English summer ales remain a beloved seasonal offering, often enjoyed at beer gardens or festivals, with their balance of malt sweetness and hoppy zest evoking tradition while appealing to contemporary palates. The style’s adaptability has also inspired international brewers, though its heart remains tied to England’s pastoral summers.
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