Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
June 9, 2026
June craft beer releases deliver a rainbow of summer fruit
Watermelon, blueberries, and key lime headline fruity brews
by Brian Beauchemin
When one thinks of summer, fresh fruits and vegetables are always top of mind. This month, Charlotte brewers deliver a deluge of fruit through a wide assortment of beer options. June releases provide an abundance of flavors and aromas ranging from sweet watermelon and blueberry to tangy lemonade. Not to be left out, layers of tropical and citrus fruits intermingle with several beers as well. If you are a I-like-fruit-in-my-beer person, these brews were made for you. Unless otherwise noted, all beers are already available in taprooms and/or local retail establishments.
Birdsong Brewing
Started from the Bottom is a Mexican lager brewed with corn, two-row pilsner, and Vienna malts from Carolina Malt House and chit malts. The brew is finished with Hallertauer Mittelfruh and Saaz hops for subtle floral and herbal notes. A Mexican lager yeast helps yield a light-bodied, refreshing, and exceptionally drinkable 4% ABV lager. Available on draft only in their taproom.
A 5.2% ABV German hefeweizen, El Jefe provides notes of ripe banana and clove mingled with a soft wheat malt backbone. The classic unfiltered hefeweizen is creamy, hazy, and highly carbonated and finishes crisp and refreshing with just a touch of hop bitterness from Hallertauer Mittlefruh hops. On draft only in their taproom beginning June 11.
Exit 3A, an IPA brewed with Strata, El Dorado, and Cascade hops returns for round two. Last year, the brewery made a special beer for their run club and the club designed a March Madness-style bracket for potential beer names. Members of the club submitted names and bracket-style voting occurred weekly on Instagram and in person at their Thursday run. The winning name was “Exit 3A”, named after the most despised I-277 exit ramp. This 6.3% ABV IPA was a huge hit last year, so it’s back for another loop around the city. Releases June 18 and is a taproom only draft beer.
Releasing June 25, Shine a Light is a 5.1% ABV watermelon sour. Brewed with pilsner malt, white wheat, and watermelon purée, this made-for-summer sour ale is bright, tart, and refreshingly juicy. A vibrant acidity balances the fresh fruit character for an ultra-refreshing finish.
NoDa Brewing
A taproom-only draft beer, Tony Hops Pro Skater is a 6.5% tangerine IPA that hits with maximum airtime. This brew is packed with a massive, juicy burst of zesty tangerine flavor that perfectly complements a classic hop bite. It’s smooth, citrus-forward, and crisp enough to keep you coasting all afternoon.
Vibez Lager is a gluten-reduced American lager infused with bright blueberries and zesty lemon for a crisp, refreshing finish. Although low in calories and carbs, the beer provides maximum flavor with a light, clean crushability.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
A traditional German-style sour, Berliner Weisse leads with a tart citrus flavor, comparable to lemonade on a hot summer day, and follows with mango and green apple for back up support. A touch of malt and a champagne-like texture lead to a mouth-watering finish for this 4.4% ABV taproom-only draft.
Surf Bock is a tropical spin on a German helles bock. Notes of orange zest, coconut, and peach bring a full-bodied, juicy flavor. With a hoppy finish and vibrant tropical aroma, the taproom only 7.3% ABV lager captures summer days in a glass.
Pilot Brewing
A 4.6% ABV session IPA, Cruise Control delivers tropical fruit, bright citrus, and a clean, dry finish. The very drinkable hoppy ale keeps things light and crisp without sacrificing flavor. Smooth enough for all-day hangs and refreshing enough for whatever summer throws your way.
Late Czech Out returns June 12. Dark, smooth, and quietly complex, the 4.7% ABV Czech lager delivers soft notes of chocolate, a touch of roast, and a clean finish that keeps you going back for “just one more.” Available in 4-packs, on draft, and on nitro for an extra creamy pour.
Clean, crisp, and pale, Key Lime Kölsch is an easy-drinking ale that allows a soft malt backbone to shine before finishing with a bright pop of key lime. Refreshing and balanced, the 5% ABV brew is available June 19.
Triple C Brewing
Bursting with saturated hop character, Flat Brim is a 5.2% ABV hazy session IPA delivering expressive tropical aromatics with a lean, approachable profile. Low bitterness and a delicate mouthfeel allow layers of fresh mango, ripe pineapple, and subtle stone fruit to shine, driven by generous additions of Superdelic and Nectaron Cryo hops.
Kei Truck, a 4.8% ABV Japanese rice lager returns June 19. Crafted with Carolina Gold Rice from Tidewater Grain Co., this light lager is crisp, refined, and exceptionally easy-drinking. The rice lends a delicate body and clean, dry finish, while late additions of Huell Melon hops contribute subtle floral aromatics and soft fruit character. Naturally carbonated for a smooth, lively mouthfeel.
Also available June 19, Uncle John’s is a classic witbier brewed with coriander and orange zest. Designed with a generous portion of wheat for a soft, pillowy body, this 4.9% ABV white ale balances classic Belgian-inspired character with bright American citrus expression. Notes of fresh orange zest, subtle spice, and delicate floral aromatics lean into a crisp, refreshing finish.
Pineapple Pulp, a 6.7% ABV hazy IPA is brewed with a unique yeast strain selected for its ability to amplify vibrant passionfruit and grapefruit-derived thiols and deliver layers of bold tropical expressions. Fermented with 168 pounds of fresh pineapple purée, the IPA bursts with bright citrus aromatics and juicy fruit character. Soft-bodied and intensely aromatic, this beer delivers a saturated tropical profile with a clean, refreshing finish. Available June 26.
