Best CA Summer Beers To Put In Your Cooler

CALIFORNIA — The Fourth of July holiday is here, so if you’re planning to have people over to celebrate America’s birthday make sure you have the essentials. And we’re not talking about burgers and hot dogs. We’re talking beer.

Not just any beer though. Have you peeked at your local forecast? It’s going to be toasty. This means guests are going to want a refreshing alcoholic beverage, so why not choose a nice summertime brew?

Luckily, the good folks over at Popular Mechanics compiled a list of the best such brew in every state.

California’s best summertime brew is the Firestone Walker Pivo Pilsner, the report said.

And the report was effusive in its praise, "Possibly the best pilsner in the world. You may weep upon tasting its perfection."

If that doesn’t suit your fancy, the report listed Sierra Nevada Kellerweis and Alpine Hoppy Birthday Session IPA as honorable mentions, each of which could certainly be worthy additions to any proper Independence Day get-together.

>>Also See: July 4th Free Food & Dining Deals In California

You could also add a summertime six-pack or three into your cooler from Nevada, where Brasserie Saint James Daily Wages Farmhouse Ale was the top recommended beer.

Independence Day is the top-selling day of the summer for brewers, distributors and retailers, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, a trade group that represents more than 2,800 beer distributors.

“Much like Black Friday is a milestone for traditional retailers, the Fourth of July is a milestone for beer sales,” the group wrote on its website. “In some states, beer distributors will be delivering double the beer of a typical week.” (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

Now that you’re armed with beer knowledge, we’ll leave you with one last thought — Don’t forget to buy ice, or else this could be all for nought.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Natalya Okorokova