As summer kicks off, American craft breweries are introducing an enticing lineup of beers that blend sustainability with tradition, alongside iconic imports that continue to impress discerning drinkers.
Firestone Walker’s Sustainable Lager Celebrates Earth Day
Paso Robles-based Firestone Walker Brewing Co. has launched Sunglider, a 5% ABV Helles-style lager crafted entirely from locally sourced, sustainably produced ingredients. Originally brewed to mark Earth Day, the beer is now widely available and showcases the brewery’s dedication to both environmental responsibility and exceptional flavor.
The malt base for Sunglider comes from Atlas barley, a historic six-row variety grown nearby in Paso Robles. This barley undergoes floor malting at Admiral Maltings in Alameda, employing traditional methods that reduce environmental impact. For hops, the brewery sourced Willamette and Hallertau Tradition varieties from Oregon’s Goschie Farms, emphasizing a regional and eco-conscious supply chain.
Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson described Sunglider as “beer flavored beer, a modern nod to tradition, crafted with care and brewed with purpose,” underlining the balance of heritage and innovation embodied in the brew.
Paulaner USA Brings Premium German Classics to the U.S. Market
From White Plains, New York, Paulaner USA continues to import beers that stand out against the crowded craft beer scene. Their Münchner Lager, a 4.9% ABV Bavarian original, is renowned worldwide for its expertly balanced malty profile complemented by a subtle hop bitterness. The beer’s signature cloudy appearance and consistent quality result from Paulaner’s proprietary “yeast suspension” technique, perfected by the brewery’s master brewers.
Complementing this lager is Paulaner’s iconic Hefe-Weizen, a 5.5% ABV wheat beer celebrated as Germany’s top-selling wheat beer. Praised for its refined flavor and traditional character, the Hefe-Weizen holds a reputation as a benchmark for the style and continues to delight beer enthusiasts across the United States.
Together, these releases highlight a growing trend toward locally rooted craft brewing that respects sustainability, while also reaffirming the enduring appeal of classic German beer styles on the American market.
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