It’s summer ale season, and my latest article for The Bulletin this past week reflects that; in “Cool Central Oregon beers to slake your summer thirst” I offer a round-up of summertime drinking options, though of course the eight I listed only scratches the surface (I do have space constraints, after all).

Summer is here, and summer weekends conjure up days at the lake, cookouts, ice cream, and cold beer. But not just any beer; hot weather begs for refreshing, flavorful brews to satisfy your thirst without being too heavy or strong.

Some beers are made for summer, others fortuitously happen to fit the season. We’re fortunate to live in a region rich with choices when it comes to seasonal beer drinking. To help get you started, here’s a handful of suggestions to kick off your weekend and stock your fridge throughout the summer.

Besides what I’ve listed in the article (which includes beers from Boss Rambler Beer Club, GoodLife Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, Cascade Lakes Brewing, and more), I’d also throw out there Tropic Pines IPA from Bend Brewing, Summit Run Summer IPA from Three Creeks Brewing, Hefeweizen or any of the lagers from Crux Fermentation Project, and so on. Pretty much every brewery has a great summer option.

So what are you waiting for?