By Brian Beauchemin

July typically sees local brewers utilizing classic summertime fruits in both traditional beer styles and new school sours — and this year, not only for brand new releases. Two long-term breweries are adding summer fruits to some of their mainstays. And, jumping the gun, for those of you who eagerly anticipate autumn’s pumpkin beers, your time is here even if it is still 95ºF outside!

Unless otherwise stated, the beers are currently available in local taprooms or supporting establishments.  

Birdsong Brewing

Available draft-only in the brewery’s taproom, Mango Higher Ground Infusion is a spinoff of the brewery’s classic West Coast IPA. The 7% ABV IPA utilizes Mango Euphorics for a mango-infused version of Higher Ground which has a carefully balanced blend of specialty malts and Cascade dry-hopping. This unique flavor profile delivers notes of citrus, floral, tropical, and pine.

Fake Plastic Trees, a 6.8% ABV hazy IPA, returns to the taproom July 10 and will be in distribution starting July 14. The addition of Cascade, Comet, and Sorachi Ace hops delivers lemon citrus notes and piney hop bitterness to complement a wheat-based malt bill — leading to a refreshing and distinctively hazy beer.

The brewery’s other releases for July will be draft-only taproom options. Dig It is a 4.3% ABV cucumber saison. Prominent notes of fresh cucumber play with the spicy ester character of a traditional saison. Mild white wheat malt adds a touch of body to complement the lighter aromatics. Available July 17.

Shine a Light, a watermelon and lime sour, releases July 31. The 5% ABV sour emits lime zest on the nose, a slight tartness, and lingering notes of fresh watermelon and lime flavors on the palate. 

Triple C Brewing

A traditional American pilsner, Neon Signs is brewed with corn and rice for a smooth flavor. Not a light beer that has been watered down, but a full-bodied 5.7% ABV pilsner with clean malt flavors and a crisp hop balance. 

Alpha Trials is a 7.2% ABV experimental IPA brewed and dry-hopped with a brand new, yet-to-be-named hop – HBC 1019. The unfiltered IPA presents aromas of lime zest, berries, and tropical fruits balanced by a moderate bitterness. Alpha Trials is a series of brews dedicated to new experimental hops.

Releasing July 18 on draft only, Wheatwave is a 5.2% ABV Bavarian Weissbier. The brew pours a hazy golden hue crowned with a thick, creamy head. Classic aromas of banana and clove rise from the glass, courtesy of traditional top-fermenting yeast. Light-bodied and effervescent, it finishes crisp with a soft wheat sweetness and a hint of citrus. 

Enzo Gorlami, a 5.5% ABV Italian pilsner, releases July 25. This lightly double dry-hopped Italian Pilsner satisfies both lager and hop lovers. Aromas of white wine grape must and spicy noble hops with a hint of citrus meld with light bready malt undertones. A crisp and dry mouthfeel with moderate bitterness make this a beer’s beer!

NoDa Brewing Company

A twist on the brewery’s flagship pale ale, the 5.5% ABV Tangerine Jam Session Pale Ale is brewed with tangerines. The pale ale is available on draft in their taproom only. 

That’s Lovely is a 6.5% ABV West Coast double dry-hopped IPA featuring the Michael Jackson Foundation’s hop blend from HAAS. It has tropical fruit and pine notes from the blend and a relatively dry finish. The brew is a taproom exclusive with a limited amount to be packaged. Available on draft and take-home four pack starting July 11. The Michael Jackson Foundation works to fund education and opportunities to Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the brewing industry.

Making its annual entrance, Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale returns July 18. The 6.4% ABV ale is different than many pumpkin beers. It’s made using real pumpkin purée, paired with brown sugar, ginger root, and hand-cracked spices including allspice, cloves, and cardamom. 

Olde Mecklenburg Brewing

Releasing July 17 only in their taprooms, Kellerbier is a hoppy version of a traditional German Kellerbier. The 4.9% ABV lager was brewed with Sabro hops to impart light floral, tropical fruit, citrus, and peach candy flavors and aroma. A traditional kellerbier, or “cellar beer”, is an unfiltered German-style lager that dates to the very beginning of lagering beers in caves in the Middle Ages. 

Pilot Brewing

Key Lime Kölsch is a 5% ABV small-batch brew made to help beat the summer heat. A pale, golden ale that balances subtle malt character with a refreshing twist of key lime. Light-bodied and bright, this beer delivers a crisp finish with just the right hint of citrus. It’s the brewery’s take on a classic Kölsch but with a zesty kick. 

Another beer emitting summertime vibes, Beekeeper’s Honey Pale Ale returns July 18. This 6.2% ABV hop-forward pale-orange beauty balances citrusy brightness with smooth malt undertones of light toast and biscuit. Infused with a delicate touch of local wildflower honey from Cloister Honey, it finishes with a gentle orange zest pop that invites another sip. 

Town Brewing Company

One in a Melon is a 4.9% ABV watermelon Kölsch. Bright and refreshing, this brew bursts with juicy watermelon aroma and flavor, anchored by a crisp Kölsch backbone that keeps the finish clean and balanced.

July 18 the brewery introduces Fluorescent Dreams. This 5.8% brew is a pineapple-cheesecake sour made with pineapple, cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and lactose. The vibrant, dessert-inspired sour ale bursts with juicy pineapple, silky vanilla, and a tangy cheesecake twist providing a tart, tropical treat just in time for summer. 

Quintessential Gambini is a taproom, draft-only Italian pilsner. Pilsner and Vienna malts from Carolina Malt combine with Saphir hops in the kettle and Lorien dry hops. A clean and crisp, dry-hopped lager featuring bright notes of lemon and lime zest, a touch of spice, and a balanced, refreshing bitterness. The 5.3% ABV pilsner releases July 25.

Wooden Robot Brewery 

Perfectenschlager is 5.2% ABV amber lager on draft at the brewery’s three locations. The brewers say the malty, crisp, bready beer is named for a word for when everything in a beer comes together perfectly – perfectenschlager.