Memorial Day fun!

 The long Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer here in San Diego, and this is the first weekend of the year that beaches are well and truly packed with slowly reddening bodies roasting in the late-May sun.

Speaking of barbecues, potlucks are an unofficial Memorial Day tradition along with – you guessed it – beer!  Here are our beer suggestions for your celebration:

In hot weather, light beer reigns supreme; it's best for keeping you cool on sunny days. We recommend the wonderfully named Witch's Wit from The Lost Abbey, which includes grapefruit, orange, and coriander.  And let's not forget hops. Stone IPA is one of San Diego's iconic IPAs, and it's perfect for a backyard picnic.

Taking it down a notch, hefeweizen is a nice accompaniment to the coleslaw and ambrosia that somebody inevitably brings to a potluck (seriously, what is the deal with ambrosia?) Try Windansea Hefeweizen from Karl Strauss.

For you carnivores, because meat is what potlucks and barbecues are really all about, we think a brown ale pairs perfectly with burgers and roast chicken on a hot sunny day. We are currently drooling over Alesmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale, which evokes hazelnuts and coffee without being too heavy. Trust us, it's delicious.

There you go. Enjoy your long weekend, wear sunblock, and please drink responsibly!

Brooke B., Birthday Girl