It’s here! Sierra Nevada’s limited-edition Summerfest Lager has officially made its return for 2025. This refreshing, golden-hued brew is synonymous with backyard BBQs, long days on the lake, and everything we love about summer. But what makes Summerfest truly special? Its impeccable balance, premium ingredients, and a brewing process rooted in Sierra Nevada’s dedication to craft beer excellence.
Whether you’re a die-hard beer enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of craft brewing, Summerfest is a seasonal gem you won’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know about this crisp classic.
What Makes Summerfest a Seasonal Standout?
Lagers, by design, are the ultimate test of brewing perfection. Their clean, delicate flavors leave no room for error, demanding precision at every step. Summerfest nails this criteria and then some.
Crafted to emulate a Czech-style pilsner, Sierra Nevada Summerfest promises a drinking experience that’s as complex as it is approachable. At 5% ABV and 28 IBUs, it’s the perfect blend of flavor-packed refreshment and session-worthy drinkability.
A Quick Glimpse at the Stats:
- ABV: 5%
- IBU: 28
- Malts: Munich, Pilsner, Two-row Pale
- Hops: Magnum, Saphir, Tettnang, Tradition
- Yeast: Lager
The result? A lager that’s crisp, with hints of lemon zest, a delicate malt backbone, and just the right amount of spicy, floral hop character. Oh, and did we mention the finish? It’s clean, refreshing, and perfect for battling those blazing summer days.
Why You Need Summerfest in Your Cooler
Some beers are good; others are iconic. Sierra Nevada Summerfest falls into the latter category, and here’s why:
1. Balanced Yet Complex Flavor
Unlike one-dimensional lagers you’ve come to expect, Summerfest showcases a nuanced interplay of malt sweetness, subtle citrus notes, and a whisper of spice. You’ll notice how the traditional noble hops like Saphir and Tradition elevate the experience, without overwhelming the palate.
2. Refreshing and Light
This pilsner-style lager pours a vibrant golden hue, with medium carbonation that’s lively but not overpowering. Its light body keeps things easy-drinking without losing sophistication.
3. Perfect for Any Summer Adventure
Brian Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s Chief Technical Officer, perfectly sums it up, saying, “We’re best known for hop-forward beers like IPAs, but when the weather gets warm, there’s nothing like Summerfest. It’s refreshing and crisp, but with the same high quality you’d expect from any of our beers.”
Whether you’re lounging at the beach, grilling with friends, or cooling down after a hike, this beer is a go-to for all summer occasions.
4. Features Tasting Notes for the Avid Beer Enthusiast
For the self-proclaimed craft beer nerds, Summerfest’s tasting notes are perfection. Expect bready malts upfront, followed by a zing of lemony brightness, and a clean, crisp finish that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more.
The Craft Behind the Lager
One of the reasons Summerfest stands tall among seasonal releases is its thoughtful brewing process. Here’s a fun fact for you avid beer geeks out there:
Sierra Nevada uses lager yeast, a strain that ferments at cooler temperatures to give the beer its hallmark clean and balanced profile. Combine that with premium malts like Munich, Pilsner, and Two-row Pale, and you get a flavor profile that’s bready but light, sweet with a refreshing edge.
The hops, a vibrant mix of Magnum, Saphir, Tettnang, and Tradition, add the perfect amount of floral and herbal complexity. These hops are a nod to European pilsners while maintaining a contemporary Sierra Nevada twist.
Ideal Summer Pairings
Summerfest isn’t just great on its own; it’s the ultimate summer pairing partner. Here are a few ideas to complement your pint:
- Food Pairings:
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- Grilled fish tacos with lime crema
- Fresh mozzarella and tomato Caprese with a balsamic drizzle
- Classic bratwurst served with sauerkraut
- Buttered sweet corn straight from the grill
- Occasions:
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- Sunset picnic by the lake
- Backyard BBQ with friends
- Boating or beach days with a cooler full of ice
- A laid-back afternoon streaming your favorite summer flicks
Pro tip: For an elevated treat, try the Summerfest Trout recipe available on Sierra Nevada’s website. It’s a foolproof dish that brings out the honeyed malt notes of the beer.
How and Where to Get Summerfest Lager
Since Summerfest is a limited-edition release, available only from April to July 2025, you’ll want to snag yours while supplies last. It’s available in 6-packs, 12-packs, and on draft at select locations.
Find Summerfest near you using Sierra Nevada’s Brew Finder Tool or check local retailers and top craft beer shops. Once you try it, don’t forget to share a review or snap a picture and tag it with #SummerfestLager and #BeerMoviesFun on Instagram!
Celebrate Summer with Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager isn’t just a beer, it’s a celebration of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just discovering the world of pilsners, this beer offers something for everyone.
Grab yours before it’s gone—we guarantee you won’t regret it. Cheers to long days, warm nights, and beers that taste like sunshine.
We love hearing your thoughts, so tell us! What’s your favorite Summerfest moment? Drop a comment below or share your experience.