Two decades ago, when I began consuming beer, I rarely ventured beyond a pilsner or lager. That was sufficient for me.
But as the years passed, I began to prefer high-ABV barrel-aged stouts in the winter and hoppy, often very bitter IPAs during the summer. Although I still enjoy those types of beer, as I grow older, I find myself returning more to crisp, refreshing, and easy-to-drink pilsners and lagers.
I particularly notice this on a sweltering summer day. Whether I’m relaxing in a pontoon boat on a lake, enjoying outdoor games with friends, or cutting the grass, I tend to reach for a refreshing light lager.
Although mass-produced light lagers are still readily available, there has been a growing trend in the past ten years or so of smaller breweries crafting their own interpretations of the beer. In my view, one of the finest examples is the largely overlookedShort’s Local’s Light.
Short’s Brewing is a small-scale brewery founded by Joe Short in Bellaire, Michigan. It initially launched as a brewpub in 2004, but due to the high demand for its beers, it expanded to a bigger brewery in 2008. The company now produces a range of impressive brews including
Huma Lupa Licious Midwest IPA, Only Tourists Xtra Juicy Session Hazy IPA, Soft Parade(fruit ale crafted using a range of berries), and the aforementioned Short’s Local’s Light.
Whether you’re enjoying a day by the lake or relaxing in a folding chair in the middle of a field, Short’s Local’s Light is a great option. This 4.1% ABV American light lager has been around since 2004 and is now available throughout the year. It’s made using traditional Pilsen malt and Perle hops, offering a light and refreshing version of classic European pilsners.
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Not only is it a crushable session beer, but it offers a well-balanced and remarkably intricate flavor profile. If you prefer not to just open a can and take a sip, you can pour it into a pint glass. It has a golden color that evokes the image of a perfect sunrise on a summer day. The aroma features notes of sweet corn, malted barley, and bread-like malts. Taking a sip unveils a more impressive taste than anticipated. You’ll encounter flavors such as caramel malts, honey, candied orange zest, and subtle, earthy, and floral hops. The ending is sweet, malty, and floral, leaving you wanting more. Calling this an underappreciated refreshing beer is a huge understatement.
I haven’t even reached the best part yet. In a beer market where $20 four-packs are common, a six-pack of Short’s Local’s Light costs between $9 and $11, depending on your location.
This summer, consider choosing Short’s Local Light rather than one of the major lager brands.
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