Fall is champing at the bit. Cities across the nation are seeing the first rains of autumn. Leaves are beginning to shift. Temperatures are dipping. Soon, we’ll all be hiding underneath piles of blankets while we binge-watch Breaking Bad for the fifth time (gotta get prepped for El Diablo).
If that’s what’s coming down the pike — and it is, can’t you feel the first drops already? — we want to do it with a frosty beer in hand. Brewers agree. So we asked them for their favorite beers to drink on the first rainy day of the season.
WellBeing Heavenly Body
Brad Manske, beverage director for VH Beer
Heavenly Body Golden Wheat by WellBeing Brewing. It’s slightly citrusy with a dry, crisp smoothness perfect for waiting out the rain. As a bonus, it’s non-alcoholic and only 68 calories.
Hogshead Gilpin Black Gold
Justin Baccary, owner of Station 26 Brewing
Cask-conditioned Hogshead Gilpin Black Gold. For some reason, English beers do the trick for me on rainy days, and I happen to live within walking distance of a brewery that makes some of the best English-style beers in the country.
Reuben’s Crikey IPA
Scott Francis, President, co-founder, CEO and co-owner of Santa Monica Brew Works
Crikey IPA, Reuben’s Brews. We enjoy almost 300 days of sunshine in Santa Monica, but we do occasionally experience what locals refer to as, ‘June Gloom’. So, on a gray day I’m craving a Reuben’s Brews Crikey IPA. Citrus, tangerine, and tropical fruit notes with a little pine in the background. I’m instantly transported to a barstool in drizzly Seattle. Best enjoyed with a ripping guitar solo on the stereo.
Shared Coffee Shop Vibes
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Mike Stoneburg, brewmaster at Bluepoint Brewing Company
On a rainy day, I like to grab a Shared Coffee Shop Vibes. That beer is full and dense and perfect for savoring as the rain hits the window.
Epic Big Bad Baptist
Dylan O’Malia , brewer at Bonfire Brewing
Big Bad Baptist from Epic Brewing. It’s a big, boozy imperial stout with cocoa nibs and coffee beans. You could sit in a reading nook watching the rain and sipping that beer for hours…but also perfect for sharing with friends as you wait for the rain to stop so you can go on yet another epic adventure.
Guinness Stout
Carl Heinz, head Brewer at Breckenridge Brewery
On a rainy day, I enjoy nice pint of Guinness Stout. In Colorado, we don’t have too many rainy days, and when we do I like to take the time to enjoy it by slowing down, reading and drinking Guinness. It reminds me of a trip to Ireland that shared with my wife.
Fall Tiki Love God
Mark Theisen, head brewer at Coronado Brewing Company
Hard to say—we don’t have many rainy days in San Diego. My go-to when it’s cold out is Fall Brewing’s “Tiki Love God”. It’s a classic brown ale that has a nice chocolatey malt character but is still super drinkable
Revolution V.S.O.J.
Alex Coronado, head brewer at Nap Time Liquid Creation
Something contemplative, to sit and take it in. Probably a delicious Barleywine or a Belgian Dark Strong. Something to sip and consider the conundrum of existence while the rain falls. V.S.O.J.: the English Barleywine from Revolution Brewing Company, and Chimay Blue from Bieres de Chimay come to mind.
Brooklyn Black Ops
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Jason Santamaria, beer architect at Second Self Beer Company
Does whiskey count? Normally, if I’m stuck inside on a gloomy day, I’ll make a dark and bruiting cocktail. If I were to pick a beer, I’ll normally pick something from my cellar to brighten the day — a barrel-aged long sour or imperial stout like Brooklyn Black Ops.
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown
Joe Connolly, Director of Springdale Beer
On a rainy day, I want something toasty, brown and strong from an English brewery. Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown does the trick.
